Veteran Says Help Center Employed a Sex Offender

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) - A counseling center for veterans employed a sex offender who harassed a U.S. Army veteran with post traumatic stress disorder, she says in court.

Theresa Jones sued DLW Veterans Outreach Center and William Adkins Jr. in Richmond City Circuit Court for assault and battery, negligent hiring and infliction of emotional distress.

Jones says serving at Fort Bragg, N.C., left her with post traumatic stress disorder, leading her to seek advice and guidance from DLW.

"While she was there, defendant, Mr. Adkins, solicited Ms. Jones for sexual favors in exchange for allowing her to sleep at his personal residence," the complaint states.

"Defendant Adkins is a convicted sex offender and appears on the Virginia State Police Sex Offender website."

Jones adds: "Defendant Adkins continued his inappropriate action in the days following their first encounter by repeatedly calling the plaintiff and making lewd statements, suggestions, propositions and requests, including seeking sexual acts at the offices of DLW, all in his capacity as a member of and an administrator at DLW.

"Mr. Adkins repeatedly called Ms. Jones anxiously wanting to work on her claim, and suggesting that, after the claim was submitted, they could then have sexual relations."

Jones says Adkins inappropriately touched her on multiple occasions, leaving her "heavily burdened, fearful, and ... physically sick by the stress."

She wants $150,000 in compensatory damages and $50,000 in punitive damages.

Jones is represented by David Worrell Jr.

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