Jimmy's Charhouse in Elgin sued for harassment

Three former employees at Jimmy's Charhouse in Elgin have sued the restaurant, claiming they were sexually harassed and then later fired in retaliation after they complained about it.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued in federal court on behalf of the woman Carol Edwards, Jamie Schock and Lisa Swanson seeking back pay with interest, health and job search expenses, and punitive damages.

The suit alleges that sexual harassment began in January 2001 and consisted of "offensive comments of a sexual nature and unwelcome touching."

The suit also charges that the rights of other female employees were violated because of the employment practices at Jimmy's Charhouse.

The suit did not detail how long the women were employed there, when they were fired and what their duties were at the restaurant, which is off Interstate 90 and Randall Road.

Harry Seceras, an attorney representing Jimmy's, said he had not seen the suit or discussed it with his client.

"The allegations are all denied. We don't believe there's any merit to those claims," he added.

Jeanne Szromba, an trial attorney with the EEOC's Chicago office, could not immediately be reached for comment.

An initial court date was not immediately available.