Former jailer sues city for harassment

A former Huntington Beach jailer began trial Monday after suing the city for alleged harassment regarding her sexual orientation and for allegedly disclosing confidential medical information

Catherine Denise Cranford, a lesbian, filed a lawsuit in 2008, claiming the city invaded her privacy, allowed her to be harassed at work and distributed confidential medical information.

A claim, the precursor to a lawsuit, was filed with the city and rejected in December 2007, according to court documents. The lawsuit is for an unknown amount for damages including emotional distress, loss of work and medical expenses.

Cranford learned her co-workers were discussing her sexual orientation at work and was going to file a formal complaint if it didn’t stop, but two co-workers threatened to file complaints against her if she did, intimidating her into not filing, according to the lawsuit.

When she went to confront a colleague, Cranford was told not to “play the gay card.”

According to the lawsuit, confidential medical information was also seen by her colleagues when she went on workers’ compensation for anxiety and panic attacks.

In 2007, Cranford filed a harassment charge with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and was given a right-to-sue letter.

Cranford took a leave of absence for stress in April 2007 and resigned in April 2008, according to court documents.

Cranford began working in the Huntington Beach City Jail as a detention officer in May 2001, according to documents.

— Britney Barnes