By Mike Sprague
Whittier Daily News
LA HABRA HEIGHTS, Calif. — A former paramedic has sued the city, alleging that former Fire Chief John Nielsen sexually harassed her and later forced her to resign.
The lawsuit filed in November in downtown Los Angeles by Sabrina Somma, 31, of Los Angeles, also is a class-action case on behalf of other unnamed paramedics, contending that La Habra Heights denied them payment for hours worked.
“Chief Nielsen created a hostile work environment and conditioned her employment on being subjected to sexually hostile behavior,” said Michael Parks, Somma’s attorney.
Edwin Richards, the attorney representing La Habra Heights, said he couldn’t respond to the lawsuit because he had just been assigned the case.
“We’re just getting up to speed on it and not in a position to talk,” Richards said.
Christy O’Donnell, attorney for Nielsen, 50, of Cerritos, didn’t return two phone calls made this week seeking comment.
Nielsen resigned from his position on Dec. 8. He had been chief since October 2002. He gave no reason for the resignation, according to city officials.
Somma’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for sexual harassment and $50,476 in back pay.
“We’re looking for a fair and reasonable amount based on the jury considering the evidence,” Parks said. “This has had a devastating impact on her.”
La Habra Heights hired Somma as a paramedic in December 2004 at the rate of $16 per hour, according to the lawsuit. She resigned last February and now works for the Sierra Madre Fire Department as a paramedic.
During the time Somma worked for La Habra Heights, Nielsen made many unwanted comments to her, the lawsuit states. It specifically mentions nine direct quotes, including that he loved her and that she was the “eighth wonder of the world.”
“Defendant Nielsen repeatedly requested (Somma) to become romantically involved with him,” the lawsuit states. “Defendant Nielsen repeatedly discussed his private life and sexual activity. Nielsen propositioned (Somma) to meet him at a hotel room.”