Ruling backs sexual harassment claims against Jimmy John’s

DENVER — The Colorado Office of Administrative Courts issued an initial decision Tuesday, ruling against Rupp Enterprises in a case of the sexual harassment of a 17-year-old female employee at a Denver Jimmy John’s restaurant.

According to Director Steven Chavez, the Colorado Civil Rights Division conducted an investigation and found probable cause to credit the allegations that a female sandwich maker had been subjected to continuous demeaning sex-based comments and treatment by the store manager.

Despite filing multiple complaints, the Division found that the franchise refused to take steps to eliminate the unsavory conduct. The employee later quit.

The matter was sent to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for a public hearing in March, which resulted in Tuesday’s ruling.

Sanchez said sexual harassment claims like this one have increased state-wide over the past several years.