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LOUISIANA RECORD

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Woman says bank CEO's friend made unwelcome remarks and she was fired for reporting them

Federal Court
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NEW ORLEANS -- A woman claims to have suffered sexual harassment while working at a bank.

Crystal Loyd filed a complaint on June 14 in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana against American Bankshares, Inc. d/b/a American Bank and Trust Company, Inc. 

According to the complaint, Loyd began working at the American Bank and Trust Company in 2002 until her termination on Sept. 1, 2020. During that time, Edward Riecke was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank and close personal friend of a bank patron who would subject her to severe, pervasive, offensive and unwelcome sexually based comments and behavior, the suit says. 

Those alleged comments included calling her "sexy" and the way she walked a "turn-on." Loyd allegedly reported the sexual harassment and hostile work environment to human resources. 

Loyd also filed a formal complaint with Human Resources Manager Victoria Smith. Loyd never received a response to her claims, but instead was terminated, she says. 

Loyd seeks compensatory damages, lost wages and benefits, back pay, front pay in lieu of reinstatement, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and cost of suit. Loyd is represented by Robert L. Campbell of Williamson, Fontenot and Campbell. 

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