Circus Circus security officers allege sexual harassment

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 5:31 a.m.

Rebecca Reynolds and Maleen Millmine filed the complaint late Wednesday in U.S. District Court. It claims male security officers, including supervisors, have subjected the women to unwelcome sexual harassment by viewing sexually explicit videotapes on duty and by using their surveillance equipment to "view and/or videotape individuals on defendant's property engaged in sexual conduct."

"At such time, other officers would be notified by radio to come to the office to view the videotapes and/or live images," the complaint alleges.

Circus Circus spokeswoman Sarah Ralston said Friday the company does not comment on lawsuits, but noted that the sexual harassment claim by the two women was dismissed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Jan. 28.

"Both individuals took the case to the EEOC and it was basically dismissed for lack of evidence," she said.

Ms. Reynolds, reached Friday at work, said the officers had surveillance tapes of hotel guests and employees engaged in sexual conduct.

Ms. Millmine no longer works for Circus Circus.

The lawsuit also claims sexually explicit gifts and cakes have been exchanged among the officers at department members' birthday parties.

After the women complained about the harassment, according to the lawsuit, it ceased temporarily and then returned.

"However, when the behavior returned, it escalated and intensified," the complaint alleges.