Resort sued by former security officer

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 1999 | 10:52 a.m.

A former security officer sued the MGM Grand hotel-casino, alleging the resort discriminated against her and terminated her employment when she rejected the alleged sexual advances of her supervisor.

Julie Mitchell alleged the hotel wrongfully fired her for infractions listed in the hotel's handbook, when other male employees who were guilty of more severe infractions weren't terminated.

"MGM denied her unemployment benefits after her termination, claiming she was terminated for wrongful misconduct, such as falsifying sick leave and creating an embarassment at the medical clinic," said Scott Stonehocker, Mitchell's attorney.

She accused the hotel of discriminating against her on the basis of her gender and refusing to provide her with the proper job training that was given to male employees with less seniority and lower qualifications.

Mitchell alleged her former supervisor had retaliated against her for filing internal complaints of sexual discrimination against him.

She also claimed the supervisor demeaned her professional competence and abilities as a security officer.

She further alleged MGM interfered with her attempts to find employment as a security officer with other hotels.

"She was once at a stage when she was actually fitting for a security uniform with a hotel, when suddenly they said they couldn't hire her because the position was filled. But the advertisement for the position will still be in the papers," said Stonehocker.

MGM attorney Thomas Peterman declined to comment.