Security firm to pay $200K to settle harassment charges at Social Security Administration

WOODLAWN, MD (WBFF) - A company that provided security for the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn will pay $200,000 to settle charges that a female security guard was sexually harassed there.

The guard was sexually harassed, including being cornered by the manager on the elevator and kissed without her consent, while she was working for MVM, Inc., security services firm, according to a press release from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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The manager accused of harassing her was MVM's site manager at the Social Security Administration's Woodlawn campus.

When the female guard complained to management about the harassment, MVM fired her in retaliation, according to the lawsuit.

The same manager also harassed other female employees, including making inappropriate sexual comments towards them, exposing them to unwanted touching, making sexual advances, making crude comments about their appearance, asking for explicit pictures, pushing himself into an employee, and trying to kiss another, according to the suit.

MVM Inc., which is based in Ashburn Va., will pay a total of $200,000 to settle the sexual harassment and retaliation discrimination lawsuit.

EEOC District Director Jamie R. Williamson said in a statement:

When an employer knew or should have known about sexual harassment, it cannot escape liability by simply relying upon the promulgation of an anti-harassment policy. The employer has an affirmative duty to take actions reasonably calculated to prevent and remedy the harassment.

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