Sexual harassment complaint filed against marshal

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

A city court employee believes she was wrongfully approached by the city marshal, so she has filed a complaint with leaders and the Louisiana Ethics Commission.

The alleged sexual harassment involves some inappropriate comments allegedly made to Brecky Lavigne, a city court worker, by City Marshal Mike Lee. Lavigne learned this appears to be a civil matter, but she did make a complaint to several people. At this time, the district attorney, city judge, mayor of Ville Platte and the police jury have been notified of the alleged incident. Lavigne also sent a letter to the Louisiana Ethics Commission.

“I feel belittled, humiliated and intimidated, and I’m not comfortable around him,” Lavigne said Friday. “I feel he harmed my reputation and my career by humiliating and embarrassing me in front of my co-workers. His behavior was very offensive and outrageous and unjustified.”

Lavigne asked what Lee would do if someone approached a female in his family in the way he approached her. “I feel he attacked my character and gender by making demeaning comments toward me. His behavior was neither welcomed, nor humorous. I think a man of his position would be a man of honor and respect and he would show more professionalism in the work place. I just feel violated.”

After six years at city court, Lavigne said she has never felt like this.

Mayor Bill Jeanmard met with Lee Friday to discuss the situation. He said he issued a written, as well as a verbal warning in this matter, and he forwarded it to the council, Judge Donald Launey and Jury President Bob Manuel.

Jeanmard said Lee does not directly report to him, but Lavigne is an employee of city court, which is directly related to city hall. “I have to create a safe environment for employees of the city.”

In the meeting, Jeanmard said he asked Lee to have limited contact with city court and to keep that contact to business relations. He said if this situation continued, he would take action at the next level.

Lee said he apologized to Lavigne, and she accepted it. “It was taken out of context. I didn’t mean to offend her in any way. I’m sorry.”