A woman says she was sexually harassed by a coworker at a marijuana cultivation center.
Kendra Tackkett filed her complaint in federal court against Flora Farms.
In the complaint, Tackkett says she was sexually harassed by coworker Jayson Killough during her employment from March to May 2023. She claims Killough made inappropriate comments and gestures, followed her into areas where he did not work and compared packaging bags to women’s genitals.
Tackkett reported the harassment to Flora Farms' Human Resources representatives and manager Shawn Paris on April 18, 2023. In response, she says the company moved her to a different location within the facility and changed her job duties. However, Killough allegedly continued his harassing behavior.
On May 2, 2023, Tackkett made a written statement about Killough's behavior to HR representative Debbie Stewart. Despite this complaint, Killough's harassment persisted. When Tackkett reported this again on May 12, Paris accused her of "escalating" the situation and suggested she quit her job. When she refused to quit, Paris terminated her employment effective immediately.
The complaint also claims Paris physically assaulted Tackkett by striking her on the wrist and hand and pinning her against a wall. This action was reported to HR representative Debbie Stewart as well, according to the complaint.
Flora Farms is accused of terminating Tackkett's employment in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment.