A suit alleging sexual harassment and political impropriety against former Riverside County Supervisor Jeffrey Hewitt and his chief of staff survived a motion for summary judgment April 15.
Matthew Shannon, the chief of staff, argued that the plaintiff and former Hewitt staff member, Brenda Dennstedt, cannot establish grounds for intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress. Shannon argued that Dennstedt cannot prove his conduct was extreme or outrageous, or that she sustained severe emotional distress from his conduct. He also argued that Dennstedt could not establish any duty between them—a requirement for negligent infliction of emotional distress.
“Mr. Shannon made every effort to help Dennstedt succeed in her position and maintained a
