Tulare, California – A recent lawsuit has shaken the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, revealing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation within the agency. Five officers, including four women and one man, have filed a formal complaint against Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and 11 other officials, claiming they were victims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation after reporting misconduct.
The plaintiffs, who have worked in the county’s jail system for seven to fourteen years, include Claudia Rivera, Ruthimay Jordan Frick, Vanidee Quinonez, and Denise Ramirez. They detail incidents of harassment by superiors and a culture of cover-ups and intimidation.
The fifth plaintiff, José Villaseñor, reported retaliation after exposing unsafe practices, misconduct, and the existence of a group within the department he described as a “police gang.”
Allegations Against Sheriff Boudreaux
The lawsuit claims that Sheriff Mike Boudreaux sexually harassed one of the officers, Claudia Rivera, early in her career. According to the complaint, Boudreaux stared at her inappropriately, frequently texted her, and requested private meetings during work conferences.
When Rivera rejected his advances, she was reassigned to less desirable positions and denied promotions. Additionally, in 2021, a sergeant allegedly harassed and touched her without consent at a party. However, when she filed a complaint, her reports were ignored.
Rivera suffered severe emotional distress and stress, leading her to take medical leave. As a single mother, she lost her home due to the reduced income from her leave.
Negligence and Mistreatment of Pregnant Officers
Another plaintiff, Denise Ramírez, who began working in 2015, did not receive the necessary accommodations during her pregnancy, forcing her to work under adverse conditions inside the detention center.
The insensitive treatment included:
- Lack of proper spaces for pumping breast milk.
- Being forced to stand for long periods.
- Insensitive comments such as, “You signed up for this.”
In 2022, Ramírez suffered a miscarriage after being injured during a jail fight. She required emergency surgery and had to undergo the removal of one of her fallopian tubes.
Other Allegations of Inappropriate Sexual Conduct
According to the lawsuit:
- A sergeant kissed one of the officers without her consent in 2022.
- In 2023, intimate photos and videos of one of the officers were shared across the agency without her consent.
- Officers who reported these incidents were punished with unfair evaluations and exclusion from promotion opportunities.
The lawsuit also names other high-ranking officials, including sheriff’s assistants, captains, and sergeants, for enabling or covering up this behavior within the agency.
Sheriff Boudreaux and Department Response
Sheriff Boudreaux denied the allegations, stating in a press release that he takes all harassment claims seriously and that the department conducts proper investigations.
However, the victims argue that internal investigations have been inadequate and that the culture of abuse within the sheriff’s office remains unchanged. Since the lawsuit was filed, many current employees have come forward in support, confirming the existence of a toxic work environment.
How Ayuda California Can Help You
This allegation of sexual harassment at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office reminds us that such workplace actions are illegal and victims have the right to justice and compensation. Workers—regardless of their immigration or physical status—are protected by labor rights in California. At Ayuda California, we specialize in defending the rights of workers who have experienced harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
- Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no initial cost.
- Expert Legal Representation – Our team of attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Protection Against Retaliation – We uphold your right to speak out without fear.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact us today. You deserve to work in a safe and harassment-free environment.
