Updated March 26, 11:59 a.m. Editor's note: Some readers may find the content of this article disturbing.
Two female City of Forney employees are alleging they were sexually harassed by former Forney Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board Member and Forney City Council candidate Joc Lomax.
Two female City of Forney employees are alleging they were sexually harassed by former Forney Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board Member and Forney City Council candidate Joc Lomax.
The complaints were filed with the City's Human Resources (HR) Department in December 2012 while Lomax was still the Vice President of the Forney EDC. After a preliminary investigation by the City's attorney and HR Department, a memorandum was filed with the City on January 11, 2013, which was obtained through a public records request.
One of the complainants, whose name is being withheld, came forward to provide inForney.com with an interview which verified her allegations as detailed in the memorandum.
In the memorandum, one female complainant accused Lomax of sending text messages of sexually explicit images of himself and also inviting her to view him perform a sexual act. The memorandum states that the advances were unwarranted and unsolicited and that it all began with “flirting.”
The alleged harassment of one complainant began early last year as detailed in the memorandum. One after another, Lomax's advances were rejected, but weeks later would begin again. The complainant also stated Lomax showed up at her house late one night in the Spring of 2012. Knocks at the door went unanswered and an exchange of text messages ended with the complainant asking that Lomax not show up at her house unannounced again.
In a letter to EDC Director Kim Buttram dated January 30, 2013, Lomax resigned from the EDC Board, just 19 days after the memorandum and preliminary investigation. In the letter, Lomax states, “It is with regret that I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign my position on the Board of The Forney EDC, effective immediately. My other commitments have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my position on the Board, and I feel it is best for me to make room for someone with the time and energy to devote to the job.” Lomax subsequently filed to run for City Council on March 1, 2013.
The City of Forney acknowledged that Mr. Lomax was aware that the preliminary investigation had occured and stated in an e-mail request for comment that, "His [Lomax] subsequent resignation concluded this matter. No further investigation occured." The city would not comment any further on the matter.
Calls and other attempts by inForney.com to reach Joc Lomax for comment were unsuccessful.