Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Moonlighting on the job? With an illegal second job?

Most employees are required during their work shifts to devote themselves to their job, and to no other job. Employers frown on someone working a second job during their shift. And if the second job is illegal...well...

Not that Melissa Redmond, a currently-suspended employee of the Dunkin Donuts in Rockaway Borough, claims that she was doing anything illegal:

"I have a lot of friends, and sometimes people I know give me money because they know I need it," she said. "I build friendships with people and sometimes those people could use a little company."

The local police have a different view. After receiving a tip, an undercover officer went to the donut shop.

Officer Scott Haigh pulled up to the drive-thru window and pretended he was new in town, looking for some fun.

"He hit on me," Redmond said. "He told me he was a softball player."

There is a dispute over what took place next. Schwarzmann said Redmond told Haigh that she was a fun girl, met him outside the store and told him what sexual services she provided at what cost.

Redmond said it was Haigh who made the first offer.

"He asked if we could hang out some time," Redmond said. She was flattered.

Haigh returned a few days later.

"He said, ‘can you take care of me real quick,’" according to Redmond.

She went outside and money changed hands. She was arrested, served a complaint and released.

"I thought he wanted to be my friend," she said. "He seemed nice."


Dunkin Donuts was asked to comment, and their comment was worded very carefully, probably after extensive legal review.

"We are aware of the situation," said Jessica Gioglio, a spokeswoman. "Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants are owned and operated by individual franchise owners who are responsible for all hiring and other employment related decisions. Upon learning of this situation, the franchise owner placed the crew member on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation."

So, what are the chances that a lawyer representing Redmond will attempt to file a wrongful termination suit in a year or two?
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