Pittsburgh-Area McDonald's Sued Over Alleged Teen Worker Sex Assault

DELMONT, PA — McDonald's and North Versailles franchisee Star K.E. LLC are the targets of a civil lawsuit that asserts a former employee accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old co-worker was not properly vetted for the position.

The lawsuit, filed this week in Westmoreland County Court, alleges the owners were negligent in hiring the man, who had a criminal record. The owners also failed to properly investigate allegations of sexual contact with a juvenile employee.

McDonald's corporate headquarters vehemently denied the accusations.

The lawsuit, filed by the Pittsburgh firm of Kontos, Mengine, Killion and Hassen, claims their client was sexually assaulted by Dezhane Amey, 24, of Delmont, while on the job. The girl was 15 at the time.

McDonald's should have discovered that Amey previously pleaded guilty to charges of harassment, a drug offense and unwarranted physical contact, the lawsuit asserts.

McDonald's corporate office issued the following statement: “These allegations are categorically unacceptable.

"It's critical that everyone working under the Arches has a safe space to come to work every day and feels comfortable speaking up when they have concerns. The franchise organization named in this complaint is no longer in the McDonald’s system.”

Star K.E. LLC could not immediately be reached for comment.

Amey is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond on charges of statutory sexual assault, indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors.