DETROIT (WXYZ) - The sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington is headed for trial.

Thursday in federal court, Judge Shalina Kumar ruled that the lawsuit filed by former appointee Regina Parks should go before a jury. Wayne County had been fighting to have the case dismissed.

 We are very happy with the result because we want to see justice for what our client experienced,  said attorney Elizabeth Taylor, who represents Parks.  But we also think this is significant because we do view this as a matter of public importance. 


'Can't help himself': Secret recordings undercut Wayne Co. sheriff's sexual harassment denials

While she worked as the sheriff's community outreach director, Parks said Washington touched her buttocks, put his hand up her dress, propositioned her for sex and showed her video of a woman performing a sex act on him.

She said Washington fired her after disclosing she'd secretly recorded him sexually harassing her. Washington has denied all of the claims.

In a statement, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said that Washington  respects the Court and the judicial process in light of today's hearing. 

 A decision allowing claims to proceed is not a determination that the allegations are true or that liability has been established. Those issues remain to be decided through the judicial process,. 

The case marks at least the sixth time in his law enforcement career that Washington has been accused of harassment by women.

In addition to Parks' claims from 2024, her lawsuit references the harassment of another unnamed sheriff's employee occurring in 2022.

Earlier this year, 7 News Detroit revealed secret recordings showing then-appointee Erika Erickson accused Washington of verbal sexual harassment, but that the sheriff's office never investigated the claims.


Wayne Co. Sheriff Washington denies posting nude photo, video to his Facebook

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