WENATCHEE, Wash.-The CEO of a Veterans nonprofit in Wenatchee and Kennewick has been ordered to pay $1.5 million for sexually harassing 12 women.
Thelbert Lawson, Jr., the owner and CEO of the Veterans Warehouse Thrift Store in Wenatchee, and the Veterans Thrift Store in Kennewick, discriminated against and harassed 12 women who worked, volunteered, or shopped at the stores according to a lawsuit filed by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
The lawsuit filed in Chelan County Superior Court in February 2022 alleged ongoing harassment by Lawson, including offensive and unwanted touching, sexually charged remarks, inappropriate requests for sex and retaliation against employees.
According to the AG’s Office, Lawson harassed seven thrift store employees, subjecting them to offensive and unwanted touching and regularly commenting on and asking questions about employees’ sex lives.
Lawson also reportedly sexually harassed or assaulted volunteers and members of the public who shopped at the thrift stores, according to a press release from the AG’s Office on the case.
A jury found the harassment against employees and the public violated Washington laws against discrimination on the basis of sex, including severe, pervasive and unwelcome sexual conduct.
On June 6 the jury awarded $1.45 million in damages to the 12 women, as well is $17,267.50 in back wages to workers, according to the AG’s Office.
The money awarded in the settlement will all go to victims of the harassment.
