Former Secretary Accuses Sheriff of Sexual Harassment

A former secretary for a southwestern Illinois sheriff is suing the law enforcer, accusing him of violating her civil rights by sexually harassing her.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that the lawsuit filed on Jaimie Linton's behalf in federal court in East St. Louis seeks $4 million in damages. It names Madison County Sheriff Robert Hertz and the county.

Hertz says he's not surprise by the lawsuit and says court is where Linton's claims will be vetted.

Linton alleges Hertz engaged in a pattern of abusive and inappropriate workplace behavior toward Linton.

Linton filed a complaint earlier this year with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming Hertz followed her during her lunch hour, threatened her job and questioned her morals and character.