Vallejo
GRETNA – A New Orleans attorney who was formerly a Secret Service agent has been accused of stalking a female co-worker.
Kelsey Meeks Duncan filed suit against Keith L. Magness in the 24th Judicial District Court.
Duncan alleges she was employed as an associate attorney at Barrasso, Usdin, Kupperman, Freeman & Sarver located at 909 Poydras Street in New Orleans when she became suspicious that a co-worker was stalking her after she found mysterious white stains within her office on clothing, office furniture and the carpet.
The plaintiff claims she notified the office manager of the possibility that someone within the firm was masturbating and leaving semen in various spots throughout her office. Duncan alleges she was instructed not to notify anyone of her suspicions while a motion activated camera was set up in the office to catch the perpetrator.
The plaintiff alleges that for two weeks she lived in fear until on Aug. 27, 2011 the camera allegedly caught images of Magness coming into her office and laying a dress that was hanging on a hook on the back of the door on her desk on top of paper towels and masturbating and ejaculating onto it.
Duncan asserts that she became physically ill after seeing the video images and realizing that she had unknowingly come into contact with Magness's semen numerous times. In addition, Duncan claims she feared Magness because he is a large man with Marine training and a former special agent with the U.S. Secret Service who boasted of his gun collection and shooting ability.
Magness was allegedly terminated at the firm after managing partners viewed the video images. The defendant was also arrested by the New Orleans Police Department and charged with criminal damage to property and stalking.
The defendant is accused of stalking, intimidation, infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, invasion of privacy and destruction of personal property.
The plaintiff claims she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and had to leave employment of the firm due to psychological and physical damages due to the incident. An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of wages, medical expenses, property damages and other substantial expenses.
Magness has filed a request to drop the case in lieu of an arbitration clause he claims both he and Duncan agreed to in their employment contracts with Barrasso.
The case, filed in February, is currently stayed pending resolution of the criminal action against Magness.
Duncan is being represented by Peggy Gonsoulin Vallejo of Covington-based the Vallejo Law Firm. LLC.
Magness is being represented by Lynn Luker of New Orleans-based Lynn Luker & Associates, LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.
Case number 711061.