Neal files discrimination suit vs OAG

Former acting chief prosecutor Shelli Neal has filed a discrimination lawsuit in federal court against the CNMI Office of the Attorney General over her demotion and subsequent termination from the OAG last year.

Neal also alleged, among other things, that male prosecutors revealed confidential information to opposing lawyers regarding her cases in an effort to sabotage the cases and results.

Neal, who is African-American, also disclosed that a then-chief prosecutor called her a “bitch” on several occasions and allowed white male employees to engage in discussions of a sexual nature in front of her and other female employees.

Saipan Tribune requested comments from the OAG yesterday but there was no response as of press time.

The incidents alleged in Neal’s complaint did not happen during Attorney General Edward Manibusan’s term.

In her lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the NMI, Neal is suing the OAG for violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, subjecting her to hostile work environment, retaliation, violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

The lawyer is demanding back pay with prejudgment interest, payment for compensation, punitive damages, and compensatory damages. She asked that she be reinstated to her previous position as chief prosecutor with the OAG.

The OAG recruited Neal for a position in the criminal division in March 2010. She was hired for a one-year contract, handling domestic violence cases. At the time, she had about 15 years of experience practicing law in Tennessee and Texas. Neal later learned that most new hires receive two-year contracts.

Neal alleges that when she refused to second chair a trial in January 2011, this resulted in the “white male attorneys” at the OAG ostracizing her, “acting in a hostile manner, such as rolling their eyes at her, letting doors slam or close in her face, and making racially and sexually derogative comments as ‘bitches never win,’ ‘it’s easier to leave the black girl out,’ and ‘you’re being a real bitch.’”

Neal said the male attorneys would talk about her in a negative manner with members of the Office of the Public Defender and other members of the CNMI Bar, including revealing confidential information regarding her cases to sabotage her cases and results.

Neal said the hostile work environment continued from January 2011 through January 2012.

Neal alleged that the chief prosecutor at the time allowed “white male employees” to engage in conversations in front of her and other female employees using derogatory comments about women.

Neal said she repeatedly complained of the harassment to her supervisors, who were also engaging in the same behaviors.

In March 2011, Neal’s contract was renewed with no salary increase but the “white male and female attorneys” in the office were given the standard $2,000 salary increase.

In May 2012, Neal filed her first charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging discrimination based on age, race, and sex.

In February 2014, she filed her second charge with the EEOC alleging retaliation.

In November 2014, Neal filed a third charge with the EEOC alleging retaliation. She also filed a Family and Medical Leave Act claim for being terminated while on FMLA leave.