LOGAN, Ohio — Former employees of the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office, Kate Ricketts and Kelsey Vanscyoc, have filed a federal lawsuit earlier this month against Prosecutor Ryan Black and Hocking County, alleging a “frat house” environment rife with sexual discrimination and retaliation.
Ricketts and Vanscyoc resigned from their positions in 2023 citing retaliation and harassment after raising complaints about Black’s conduct.
The suit, filed in the U.S. Southern District Court by Columbus-based attorney Michael Moses, seeks unspecified damages, back pay and benefits, as well as the reinstatement of Ricketts and Vanscyoc to their previous roles, according to court records. The lawsuit, dated Feb. 12, follows a ruling by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission permitting the two to proceed with the suit.
Black’s office has declined to comment on the litigation.
The lawsuit alleges a series of incidents beginning in the summer of 2022, where Black, in his capacity as prosecutor, made unwelcome advances towards Vanscyoc, who served as lead victim advocate since her hiring in 2021.
According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 6, 2022, Black, Vanscyoc, and another office employee smoked marijuana at his residence before Vanscyoc and the colleague went to a bar. Upon her return, the lawsuit alleges Black pressured her into sexual activity while she was intoxicated.
Further, the suit claims that despite Vanscyoc’s attempts to decline, she ultimately engaged in sexual activity with Black on Aug. 17, 2022, feeling coerced and intimidated.
The lawsuit accuses Black of making sexually explicit remarks to female employees, sending inappropriate messages and images, and referring to office furniture in a sexual manner. It also describes erratic behavior, including outbursts and threats, allegedly made worse by the presence of a firearm in Black’s office.
The lawsuit highlights Black’s inappropriate references to a couch within his office, which he allegedly dubbed the “porn couch” or “casting couch.” These derogatory terms, commonly associated with exploitative practices in the entertainment industry, insinuate a highly inappropriate and sexually charged atmosphere within the workplace. Black purportedly suggested filming female employees in bikinis on this couch, further perpetuating a demeaning and objectifying environment.
Following Vanscyoc’s refusal to continue their relationship, the lawsuit alleges that Black retaliated against both her and Ricketts, culminating in Vanscyoc’s demotion and subsequent resignation.
The suit asserts that Hocking County administration failed to address the discrimination and harassment despite complaints, allowing the hostile environment to persist.
