CLEARWATER — A Polk County man is suing a Catholic charities group, alleging retaliation and sexual harassment.
Abdelaziz Abdelmunim filed a complaint Jan. 14 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg Inc., alleging violation of the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992.
According to the complaint, between July 2015 and December 2017, Abdelmunim was employed by defendant as a program manager when he was subjected to sexual harassment by his direct supervisor, Margaret Rodgers.
Abdelmunim says the persistent and severe sexual harassment extended over a period of time until he ultimately reported the harassment to Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg. However, the suit alleges, he was terminated for pretextual reasons instead of the defendant taking remedial action in response to his complaints.
The plaintiff alleges Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg failed to intervene or take prompt and effective remedial action to his complaint of unwelcome sexual harassment.
Abdelmunim seeks trial by jury, compensation for lost wages, benefits and other remuneration, punitive damages of more than $15,000 , prejudgment interest, court costs, attorney fees, and all other just and equitable relief. He is represented by attorney Donna V. Smith of Wenzel Fenton Cabassa PA in Tampa.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 19-317-CL