/Sacramento

Women claim harassment, sue Sheriff's Department

Four female Sacramento County sheriff's deputies are suing the department for allegedly denying them choice assignments, training and promotions, and subjecting them to sexual and racial harassment and a hostile work environment, according to the women's lawyers.

The lawyers on Friday submitted the civil suit complaint to Sacramento Superior Court.

In a statement released by Sacramento attorney Alice W. Wong and San Francisco attorney Brad Yamauchi, the women – Annica Hagadorn, Tracie Keillor, Jodi Mendonca and Dawn Douglas – allege their rights under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act have been violated.

"They want offensive and humiliating sex and racial jokes and images to stop," the statement read. "They want to transition from an 'old boy' management network to a diverse and qualified management team so that women and minorities will be provided with equal employment opportunities."

The suit also alleges that the Sheriff's Department failed and refused to take steps to prevent the discrimination and harassment from occurring. It states that the women suffered retaliation when they complained about their treatment.

Department spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

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