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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Former Employee Alleges Gaming Corporation Fostered Hostile Work Environment

Federal Court
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Jorge Luis Alonso, Judge at USDC Northern District Illinois | https://civility.wpenginepowered.com/

In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in Illinois, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe workplace misconduct. Melissa Morfin initiated the complaint on October 15, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, accusing INTRALOT, INC., a gaming industry corporation, of sexual harassment and retaliation.

The case details paint a troubling picture of Morfin's employment at INTRALOT from October 7, 2019, to March 23, 2023. During this period, she served as a Dispatcher at the company's Bolingbrook location. According to the complaint, Morfin was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by two co-workers: Denise Davenport and Nate Clark. The allegations describe inappropriate behavior by Davenport that included unwelcome physical contact and sexually suggestive comments. Similarly, Clark is accused of making sexually charged remarks and invading Morfin's personal space.

Morfin claims that despite reporting these incidents to her supervisors at INTRALOT—specifically Jevgenijus “Eugene” Alfimovas—and later to the Human Resources department, no effective action was taken to address her concerns. Instead of providing support or implementing protective measures for Morfin’s safety and comfort at work, INTRALOT allegedly isolated her further by restricting access to her office without informing her directly—a move that left her feeling humiliated and unsupported.

The complaint outlines how these events led to an intolerable work environment for Morfin. She asserts that due to the lack of remedial action from INTRALOT’s management and ongoing harassment from colleagues Davenport and Clark, she was forced into resigning—a situation described legally as constructive discharge. The lawsuit accuses INTRALOT of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by fostering a hostile work environment and retaliating against Morfin for reporting harassment.

Morfin seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to her resignation under duress. Additionally, she demands compensation for emotional distress caused by the hostile workplace conditions she endured. The suit also calls for punitive damages against INTRALOT for their failure to uphold a safe working environment free from discrimination and retaliation.

Representing Melissa Morfin are attorneys John R. Malkinson and Seth R. Halpern from Malkinson & Halpern P.C., based in Chicago. The case is being heard under Case ID: 1:24-cv-10398 with no specific judge mentioned yet.

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