County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas Sued for Sexual Harassment

Two women who work for the Washington County (Arkansas) Sheriff’s Department are suing the department, the sheriff and two others for sexual harassment.

Sgt. Lori Schmidt and Cpl. Stephanie Guenther filed the lawsuit Nov. 12 saying former supervisor Randy Osburn has a history of sexual harassment at the department. The two say Sheriff Tim Helder and Maj. Rick Hoyt were in charge of Osburn’s conduct.

Helder says an investigation failed to uncover enough evidence to support a grievance filed by Schmidt. The sheriff says he will “vigorously” defend the department’s actions.

Hoyt declined comment and Osburn could not be reached for comment. Osburn resigned during the investigation for what the sheriff says were reasons unrelated to the harassment allegations.

Information from: KFSM-TV, www.kfsm.com/