In a disturbing case of alleged workplace misconduct, a City Letter Carrier has accused her supervisor of sexual assault while on duty. Lovette A. Miles filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 18, 2024, against Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General, and Walter Miles, an Acting Manager at the United States Postal Service (USPS).
According to the complaint, Lovette A. Miles was employed by USPS at the Robert LeFlore Jr. Station in Chicago when she experienced a harrowing incident on October 2, 2023. On that day, while delivering mail, she claims Walter Miles called her to inquire about her location before approaching her mail truck. Allegedly entering her vehicle uninvited, Walter Miles is accused of sexually assaulting Lovette by grabbing her buttocks and breasts and exposing himself while making inappropriate comments. The complaint states that despite Lovette's clear objections and attempts to push him away, Walter continued his advances until interrupted by a call on his work phone.
The lawsuit details how Lovette reported the incident to her supervisor and provided a written statement the following day. Despite this report and previous grievances filed against Walter for similar behavior towards other female employees, USPS allegedly failed to take corrective action. The complaint accuses USPS of creating a hostile work environment by allowing such conduct to persist unchecked.
Lovette A. Miles is seeking justice under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for sexual discrimination and harassment as well as under the Illinois Gender Violence Act. She argues that USPS's failure to address Walter's behavior constitutes encouragement or assistance in his actions. As a result of these incidents, Lovette has been unable to return to work due to severe emotional distress.
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for actual harm suffered alongside punitive damages and coverage for legal costs. Her legal representation is led by Ryan J. Mahoney from Mahoney Law Firm LLC.
The case is being presided over by Judge [Name Not Provided] with Case ID No: 1:24-cv-10803.