Former city employee sues Carson mayor, alleging sexual harassment

A former Carson City Council field representative is suing the city and Mayor Albert Robles, alleging that she was wrongfully fired after complaining that Robles sexually harassed her.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, Monette Gavino alleges that she was “abruptly terminated” in July 2015 based on what the city claimed was a “budget deficit.”

But her dismissal came just three weeks after she complained to her supervisor about Robles’ “sexually aggressive behavior,’ according to the suit.

Gavino’s suit against the South Bay city alleges wrongfully termination, sexual and gender harassment, a hostile work environment, retaliation and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Robles, who has served on the City Council since 2013 and became mayor last year, did not return calls or an email seeking comment.

He rose to national prominence as the leader of the city’s failed effort to lure the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers to a new proposed stadium on the site of an old landfill.

He is the target of an effort by the district attorney to remove him from a seat on a regional water board.

Meanwhile, a Times investigation last September raised questions about whether Robles resides in Carson.

Sunny Soltani, Carson’s city attorney, said the city is reviewing the suit and will respond appropriately.

Gavino alleges she was working on Robles’ council campaign in February 2013 and riding with him in a car when he asked her if she would be his “secret girlfriend.”

She said she declined and, according to the suit, Robles then “suddenly grabbed the back of Ms. Gavino’s head and kissed her on her lips while putting his hand inside her dress.”

Robles then grasped Gavino by her buttocks and moved his hand toward her genitals. She pushed him away and got out of his car, the suit alleges.

As she left, Robles said, “Hey, Monette, I’d love to see you in your thong,” according to the suit.

In September 2014, Robles called Gavino into his office and told her she had “beautiful legs,” the suit alleges.

As he stood close to her, according to the suit, he leaned over, put a hand on one of her knees and said, “I really love to touch your legs.” Gavino pushed his hand away and left, the suit states.

After months of alleged sexual advances, according to the suit, Gavino complained to her supervisor last June. No action was taken against Robles, but Gavino was let go July 9 and was told it was because of a lack of city funding, the suit alleges.

Gavino’s attorney did not return calls for comment.

Adding to the turmoil in the city, the state attorney general has given permission for the district attorney to sue Robles for holding two incompatible elected offices.

The district attorney is seeking to remove Robles from his seat on the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, arguing that it conflicts with his duties as mayor. Robles last year was sued by a former fellow water board member, Lynn Dymally, for sexual harassment.

Last September, a Times investigation raised questions about Robles’ official residence. Robles insisted that he lives in his parents’ home in Carson but spends most of his free waking hours with his wife and two children at an apartment in the Adams-Normandie neighborhood of Los Angeles.

If it is determined that Robles lives within L.A. city boundaries, he would be ineligible to be Carson’s mayor or sit on the water board.

Robles has denied any wrongdoing.

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