CEO and HRD accused of 'ludicrous' sexual advances towards employee

The CEO and the HR Director of a health and wellness company have been accused of making shocking sexual advances towards an employee.

Arkell Cox claims that Denise Mooney, who is still HR Director at 5Linx Enterprises according to her LinkedIn profile, grabbed her breasts in front of ten co-workers and said: “Oh my God, I can’t help myself.”

In addition to this, Cox has accused Craig Jerabeck, who was company CEO at the time, of propositioning the pair for a threesome on a “private island”, the NY Post reports. 

However, Jerabeck, who left 5Linx last autumn, denies the allegations, telling the NY Post that they are “complete nonsense.” 

He adds: “This stuff is ludicrous. She was never touched. She was never fondled. She was never propositioned. 

“This is an attempt by Ms Cox and her attorney to extort money.”

Speaking to Executive Grapevine, Beverley Sunderland, Managing Director of Crossland Employment Solicitors, addresses such claims: "The starting point for any employer in the UK is that they should not only have an equal opportunities policy but they should also train their staff on what is, and is not, acceptable in the workplace. If they do this, then if an employee brings a claim saying that another employee has sexually harassed them, the employer can say it has taken all reasonable steps to prevent this kind of behaviour and avoid liability for the actions of its employee. The harassed employee can still claim against the individual employee but they may not have any money.