(WWJ) A Macomb County restaurant franchise holder is being sued by an employee who was raped on by a co-worker on the job.
Attorney Ven Johnson says the 17-year-old victim, who is mentally-challenged, is also suing the co-worker who attacked her at a Jimmy John's sub shop in Sterling Heights over the summer.
In addition, it's alleged: "They knew that the manager had reported to Human Resources concern about him...and the way he was responding to women and reacting to women," Johnson said. "And apparently HR did nothing about it."
According to the lawsuit, Jerome Brown-Pegues, 36, made sexual advances toward the victim, a Wayne County resident, including asking her to have sex with him. After she refused, the suit says Pegues became insistent and forced the teen into a storage room in the restaurant where raped her, "resulting in physical injuries and severe emotional distress."
"Because of her special needs, obviously it's very difficult for her to fully understand why this man did this to her, Many rape victims, they blame themselves," Johnson told WWJ Newsradio 950's Ron Dewey. "She did nothing wrong. She went to work and this guy took her in the room and obviously forced himself on her, and it's absolutely despicable misconduct."
Johnson said he hopes this case sends a strong message to employers.
"Under Michigan law, you can't keep getting away with 'one free rape,' one free bite at the apple," he said. "That you're going to be held responsible if you hire these folks and give them access to, especially young women, you're gonna be held accountable in a court of law."
An attorney for Turner Service Group said they are not able to comment on pending litigation.