The co-owner of a fast food shop must pay a half million in damages to a former female worker.
New York's Human Rights Commission ruled on a case from Norwich in Chenango County.
The Commission said Quizno's co-owner Dale Blackwood subjected a high school student to horrendous acts of sexual assault and harrassment.
This is a published photo of Blackwood during the shops grand opening in 2006.
A teenage worker said Blackwood assaulted her at his apartment, then fired her when she refused to return.
And, continued to harass her with text messages.
The Commission has ordered Blackwood to pay the woman 500-thousand dollars for mental anguish.
He can appeal.
Blackwood was never prosecuted in criminal court.
But Chenango County DA applauds the ruling, saying it sends a message that people can be held accountable for their conduct.
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