HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) - A former corrections officer in Chickasaw County is suing the county and claims she was fired because she is transgender.
In the lawsuit, Elise Hebert says she is seeking back wages and damages for sexual harassment against her by a warden, Sheriff Jim Meyers and other officers.
The suit says Hebert suffered harassment after officers at the county jail learned of her identity.
The lawsuit also says she was formerly known as Elijah Hebert.
She claims in the lawsuit that she was pulled into an office with male officers whom she says made her uncomfortable, embarrassed and offended when asked if she was formerly known as Elijah Hebert.
Hebert says she also requested her transgender status be kept quiet in the facility, but it was spread throughout by officers and some inmates.
On Thursday, Hebert’s attorney Lisa Bennett says she has not received a response from the county regarding the lawsuit.
WTVA obtained a waiver of summons from the U.S. District Court which shows Chickasaw County has 60 days from Oct. 1, 2019, to respond.