UPDATED: Chung sues West Covina
Just got confirmation from the West Covina City Clerk's office that the city was served with a lawsuit on behalf of Community Development Director Chris Chung, who alleges that Mayor Roger Hernandez subjected him to a hostile work enviornment. I'm going now to pick up the 66 page lawsuit.**
1:21 p.m. And I'm back. The lawsuit is NOT 66 pages...it's only 17**. Here is the preliminary story. FYI: He doesn't mention a dollar amount in the lawsuit. However, back when he made the claim with the city, he demanded $3 million.
West Covina employee sues city, Mayor
WEST COVINA -- A city employee claims Mayor Roger Hernandez harassed him since 2003 and the city didn't do anything to stop it, according to a lawsuit filed on behalf of Community Development Director Chris Chung.
In the 17-page complaint, which was served on the city May 5 and filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court March 10, Chung claims he was discriminated based on race, that the city failed to prevent harassment and that he suffered emotional distress, including insomnia.
Beginning around March 2003, "Chung, who is of Asian ancestry, has been the target of racially motivated harassment, intimidation, bullying, false accusations of incompetence, (and) insider dealing ... by Hernandez, who is Hispanic," the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit details events that have occurred from 2003 to 2006 where Chung said he was subjected to a hostile work environment by Hernandez.
Hernandez did not return calls seeking comment.
Among them was an incidence that occurred on March 20, 2006, where Hernandez allegedly "stormed into" Chung's office and accused him of running a dysfunctional department.
"His tirade was laced with profanity (repeatedly using the "f" word to refer to Chung and his staff," the lawsuit states. "Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
The lawsuit also states that Hernandez called Chung a liar, that Hernandez threatened to fire Chung and that Chung's reputation and standing in the community has suffered because of Hernandez's actions.
Hernandez did not return calls seeking comment.
City officials said they were anticipating the lawsuit. It follows a claim filed nearly two years ago in which Chung demands $3 million and job protection with the city of West Covina until retirement.
The lawsuit does not provide a figure in the amount of damages, including attorney's fees, Chung is seeking.
Chung did not return calls seeking comment.
Hernandez did not return calls seeking comment.
So typical, so corrupt.
Anonymous,
Really that is corrupt? Last time I checked that was the advice that any competent legal advisor tells their client when they are either served in a lawsuit or are the subject of a suit. Get a grip. Protecting you legal rights is not corrupt. I would bet money that if you were sued, you would do the exact same thing. If not, well, then you can figure out what I think you are then...
Anonymous ment to say:
"Chung did not return calls seeking comment."
So typical, so corrupt
Anonymous that is
Hernandez's sexual assault of City Employees is going to come out in this suit as well.
Hernandez is costing taxpayers millions to defend this case.
First he asked taxpayers to pay his criminal defense case...now he is asking us to pay his sexual assault and hostile work place case?
This man needs help. What a selfish Councilman.
"Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
This is the same behavior when he threatened several commissioners, members of the police department, and union members in the parking lot after a Council meeting.
He needs help, psychological help.
Perhaps I'm looking at this lawsuit logically. First of all he is suing the City because his job is soooo awful that he must receive 3 million. But, even though his job is soooo awful he should be able to keep it till he retires. If the job is soooo awful why does he want it till he is 60? After all he is only in his 30's or 40's!
"Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
His tirade was laced with profanity (repeatedly using the "f" word to refer to Chung and his staff," the lawsuit states. "Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
Someone should ask Hernandez's former colleagues at Rowland USD about his behavior. There you will find claims of sexual assault.
This man is embarrassing to WC.
Roger Hernandez will become president of the United States If you do not think it is true just ask Roger He will tell you its true and anyone that gets in his way will get their behind kicked in -if you dont think that is true just ask his many past victims going all the way back to his high school years.Lastly,you also can choose to hide in the shadows and let this angry man continue his move forward dont believe me just ask the many people that have chosen to not speak up and stop Roger.It is time for all of you that Roger has abused to stop forward and tell the truth.
"Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
His tirade was laced with profanity (repeatedly using the "f" word to refer to Chung and his staff," the lawsuit states. "Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
"Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
His tirade was laced with profanity (repeatedly using the "f" word to refer to Chung and his staff," the lawsuit states. "Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
Hernandez Record:
Employees at the Rowland Unified School District left after Hernandez was elected to the School Board because during his Senior year in High School he was expelled for slapping his girlfriend in the face. He was actually sent from Nogales to Rowland because of this action.
When elected to the Board, he threatened the former Superintendent at Rowland Unified School District
When elected to The West Covina City Council he refused to resign from the Roland Board. It took Senator Gloria Romero’s state legislative action to get him to understand you can’t hold two offices at the same time.
As a Councilmember he voted to give Mr. Alhassen 3.5 million taxpayer dollars. Within six months he was investigated by the DA for purchasing an SUV from Mr. Alhassen for almost nothing. He claimed he was a good businessman. Within a few months he traded in the car at a value greater than what he purchased it. Subsequently he has been seen at the Alhassen dealership weekly and is always asking for City legal fees regarding the Alhassen lawsuit, now worth over 7 million dollars to the City. Hernandez wants his buddy Alhassen to get a special deal.
With regards to the DA investigation, he accused Councilmember Touhey of turning him into the DA. It was later revealed that the person who turned him in was actually a person who loaned him money for his campaign and Hernandez refuse to pay him.
For the first time in the history of West Covina. A Councilman – Mr. Hernandez tuitition was paid for by the City of West Covina residents. How did this $10,000+ expense benefit the residents?
In 2006, Mr. Hernandez was investigated for Hostile work issues related to West Covina City employees. In the report by private investigator Ed McErlain, he found that Mr. Hernandez was guilty of inappropriate conduct by a preponderance of evidence. Nine City employees came forward to state incidences where Mr. Hernandez intimidated them. The City Council censored Mr. Herandez for his actions.
In 2007 police were called to Mr. Hernandez house after screams from a woman. He resisted arrest and was uncooperative with police. The police questioned a woman at the house and she stated they were arguing. Subsequently Mr. Hernandez blamed Councilmember Touhey for calling the police. This was later proven untrue by a Sheriff Department investigation. Then after his election was in doubt, he charge the West Covina Police Department with falsifying the report. He later, after the election, admitted he was made up the charges.
In October of 2008 Mr. Hernandez Campaign Manager plead guilty of election fraud. She registered at Hernandez house in West Covina when she lived in LA. Hernandez is also under investigation
Two West Covina employees have filed claims against the City of West Covina for Mr. Hernandez actions. These lawsuits could cost the City more than 6 million dollars. The City Council must now defend Mr. Hernandez or settle with the employees.
"Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
His tirade was laced with profanity (repeatedly using the "f" word to refer to Chung and his staff," the lawsuit states. "Hernandez made threatening gestures with his fists, kept waving and shaking his hand and fingers at Chung's face compelling Chung to retreat behind his desk for protection."
Sexual Assault
Harassment
Roger Hernandez was rushed to the hospital after having a mental breakdown. He called 911 after he had a panic attack in his car.
This guy is on medication for his anxiety attacks.
Sources say he was hospitalized and placed under anti-depressants.