Ex-Jail Employee Loses Sex Discrimination Lawsuit: Kendall County

YORKVILLE, IL - A former Kendall County corrections deputy lost a sexual discrimination case last week as a federal jury ruled in favor of the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. Carrie Warren, who worked at the Kendall County jail from Feb. 9, 2009 to March 13, 2014 filed the suit in January 2015. The suit also named Sheriff Dwight Baird, even though he was not sheriff during the period when Warren worked at the jail.

"We are pleased the 2 week trial is completed and the jury ruled in favor of the Kendall County

Sheriff’s Office, denying all of the plaintiff's claims," Baird said Monday in a news release.

Baird, who was previously chief of the Oswego Police Department, was elected in November 2014 after winning the Republican primary for sheriff and facing no Democratic opposition. He succeeded Sheriff Richard Randall, who did not seek re-election.

Warren accused the sheriff's office of discrimination based on gender and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act after she complained about a hostile work environment. The suit claimed the atmosphere at the jail was "a work environment wherein sexually inappropriate behavior was rampant," according to WSPY.

Baird on Monday released a statement saying:

The Kendall County Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining a professional and positive
work environment for all members of the staff and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or
retaliation of employees. The Sheriff’s office thoroughly investigates complaints of misconduct
and takes prudent and reasonable action to protect the rights of all parties involved while holding
employees accountable and issue discipline where warranted. We have very robust and regular
training and education program for all employees that include best practices in law enforcement
and work place conduct.