King County detectives claim rampant sexual harassment
Sep 28, 2012, 7:11 AM | Updated: 8:59 am
Three female King County detectives have filed up to $9 million in claims against King County, alleging they were sexually harassed and verbally abused by three of their superiors for a number of years.
One of those named is Chief Deputy Dave Jutilla, second in command of the Sheriff’s Office, said lawyer Julie Kays.
“He’ll compare the size of the rear end of a female to another. He has a nickname for his own genitals which he routinely talks about,” Kays said.
The detectives finally decided to take action when they “couldn’t take it anymore, the constant barrage of sexual comments and sexualizing the workplace,” Kays said.
“I think all of those hard working men and women in the Sheriff’s department would be pretty darn disgusted to know that this is happening to one of their own and one of their finest detectives.”
King County Sheriff Steve Strachan told The Seattle Times that he would take “appropriate action” as the matter moves forward.
“As sheriff, it is my clear expectation that we have a respectful workplace, free of discrimination or harassment,” he said. “And on this particular claim, I cannot comment on possible potential litigation.”
The county must settle the claims within 60 days or a lawsuit will be immediately filed after the deadline, Kays said.
