A sexual harassment lawsuit filed last year in Superior Court for Macon County, Georgia by a volunteer firefighter, has been removed to federal court. Ondrea Zink filed suit against the City of Montezuma, Fire Chief Matthew Moye, and Mayor Larry Smith.
Zink claims Chief Moye sexually harassed her, placed hidden cameras in the firehouse to film her, and then retaliated against her when she reported his behavior. According to the complaint, an investigation into Chief Moye’s conduct by Georgia Bureau of Investigation exonerated him of any wrongdoing. However, Zink claims her hours were changed, she was reassigned to a different station, and ultimately she was removed from the duty schedule. She has not been allowed to worked since.
The initial complaint was filed on August 20, 2020 alleging a violation of Georgia’s whistleblower act, invasion of privacy, negligent retention, negligent supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. On November 30, 2020, Zink filed an amended complaint adding allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection clause.
Last week, the city removed the case to US District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Here is a copy of the complaint: