A former assistant public defender has filed a lawsuit against the 7th Circuit Public Defender's Office, alleging she was retaliated against after refusing the sexual advances of her supervisor. Jessica Roberts names former Chief Assistant Public Defender Larry Avallone in the complaint, claiming he retaliated against her after she rejected him.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Roberts alleges she was retaliated against after refusing supervisor Larry Avallone's sexual advances. The 7th Circuit Public Defender is Matthew Metz, who is now being sued by one of his former assistant public defenders over the allegations involving Avallone.
Avallone Denies the Allegations
Avallone has pushed back on the claims. Per the same report, Avallone said the claims are false, though the News-Journal's brief account does not detail any further response from him, from Metz, or from the public defender's office.
What Federal Guidance Says About Retaliation Claims
Retaliation claims like the one described in this lawsuit are addressed broadly under federal workplace protections. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, protected activity can include filing a complaint, investigation, or lawsuit, communicating with a supervisor or manager about employment discrimination including harassment, or answering questions during an employer's investigation.
Florida law also addresses workplace discrimination claims. The 2022 version of Florida Statutes Chapter 760, Part I includes sections titled Unlawful employment practices and Administrative and civil remedies; construction, though the statute's text alone does not establish how it applies to Roberts's specific allegations.
No further details about the case have been confirmed at this time. Hoodline will continue to follow developments as more information becomes available.
