Water Utility Worker Accused Of Trading Sex For Discounts

A woman in Michigan filed a lawsuit this year against Beecher Metropolitan District claiming a water utility worker stalked, intimidated, and sexually harassed her, citing the offer of a water and sewer discount in exchange for sex among other details.

"There is no merit to these allegations and the district will fully defend itself against all charges," an official with the utility said, according to WNEM.

Manda Danieleski, who represented the woman, claimed that her client and the employee engaged “in a sexual act in a company office. She said the worker either forgave part of her bill or made payment for her. Whatever the case, Danieleski said it amounts to sexual harassment. That's when the alleged victim contacted her to file a lawsuit,” WNEM reported.

“Danieleski says the utility worker made the sex-for-service offer in December to help offset high bills associated with a possible water leak,” the Associated Press reported.

The lawsuit, filed in Genesee Circuit Court, sought more than $25,000 for the woman, according to Michigan Live.

"You shouldn't use your position of trust to engage in behavior like this," Danieleski said, per WNEM. "It's just like in an employment context, you can't ask a woman to make a choice between her job and saying no to someone who potentially provides a benefit or potentially putting food on her table or who has control over a very large water bill.”

"Because he used sex and sexual favors in exchange for the receipt of public benefit, we believe it is actionable," Danieleski said.

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