Fairfax County Government Faces Harassment Complaint (Fairfax, VA)

November 30, 2003, 9-male Fairfax County Government Employees file Formal Harassment Complaint against 1-female Alleged Harasser...

On Wednesday, November 5, 2003 a report was made to Fairfax County Government by nine male employees (Seven Police Officers, One Police Detective and One Court Deputy) in relation to an allegation of harassing and uncomfortable working conditions as a result of one female Circuit Court employee, Connie J Hawkins. It has been alleged Ms. Hawkins would send out emails of an inappropriate nature to these, and other Fairfax County employees using her Fairfax County issued email account. The allegations continue to describe Ms Hawkins discussing topics inappropriate for the workplace to a knowingly uncomfortable audience. Ms. Hawkins allegedly made several personal phone calls to the victims using professional and personal contact numbers at all hours of the day and night. Allegedly Ms. Hawkins would leave messages like, "you can run but you can't hide". The victims have stated they did not encourage her behavior and attempted to inform Ms. Hawkins that her actions were unacceptable. Exhausting other means to correct the problem the victims decided to file a group complaint anonymously under the Whistle Blower Protection Act. This Act protects the identities of individuals anonyomously making legitament complaints in the workplace. Fairfax County allegedly did not respond to the initial complaint and as a result it was resent on Friday, Novemeber 7, 2003 where the County is being accused of attempting to impede on the Rights of the victims by insisting an investigation would not be conducted unless the victims came forward and disclosed there identities. The victims have stated they believe Ms. Hawkins indirectly intimidated them by allegedly using her relationship with a high ranking Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax County. It was stated the victims feared a political scandal Ms. Hawkins could potentially unleash as a result the victims kept there silence. On Monday, November 10, 2003 both the Senator and Governor of Virginia were informed of the situation escalating in Fairfax County. The initial complaint was sent to Fairfax County Board of Directors, Human Resources & Administration Office, Public Affairs, Circuit Court and other top ranking officials within Fairfax County. The victims alledge the regulations set forth by the Federal Government to protect there Rights and maintain the integrity of the investigation were indeed compromised and overlooked. The lead investigator appointed was Mr. John Frey, Circuit Court Clerk. The victims were notified by Fairfax County employee Susan Woodruff, Assistant Director, Human Resources the investigation of Ms. Hawkins had been concluded and that appropriate measures were taken. Details of the investigation were not disclosed or the repercussions Ms. Hawkins would be facing. The victims explained the disappointment in Farifax County came when the announcement from Ms. Woodruff arrived because the investigation was completed and the alleged harassment had not stopped. They stated Ms. Hawkins was allegedly still continuing her harassing activity and as a result of the complaint made anonymously none of the victims were in a position to approach Ms. Hawkins directly. Ms. Hawkins behavior was again reported to Fairfax County Officials. On Monday, November 24, 2003 Fairfax County allegedly stated they felt they handled the situation appropriately and unless additional information could be provided to substanciate the remaining outstanding allegations against Ms. Hawkins the investigation would not continue. The victims have retained legal counsel and will be providing individual statements to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the coming weeks. Upon the completion of the statements the men will be identified individually to Fairfax County and each victim stated he will be filing a Formal Civil Complaint against Fairfax County and Ms. Hawkins. The victims indicated they have already made arrangements with a local news station to be interviewed together when there identities are revealed. Fairfax County Officials were unable to be reached for further verification or comment.