U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona is presiding over the jury trial.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission counsel Derek Li presented Alegre’s deposition as plaintiff’s evidence.
Attorney Steven Pixley, who represents the defendants Asia Pacific Hotels Inc., which operates the Saipan Grand Hotel, and Tan Holdings, also presented Alegre’s deposition.
In its lawsuit, EEOC charged that the restaurant manager of the hotel sexually assaulted a female employee while she was asleep in her room.
EEOC also alleged that the hotel failed in its obligation to prevent this egregious act of sexual harassment from occurring in its workplace and correct it once it occurred.
The defense has denied the charges, adding that the plaintiff engaged in a consensual relationship with the former hotel manager.
Alegre said since he started working in hotels owned/operated by the defendants, there has been no complaint, no reprimand, or sexual harassment charge filed against him.
Alegre also said he underwent training regarding EEOC and sexual harassment.
His deposition was taken in the Philippines and was read by court law clerk Quynh Chi Nguyen.
The plaintiff, a band member, flew in to Saipan from the Philippines, where she is now based, for the jury trial.
EEOC counsel Nancy Griffiths is also prosecuting the case.
The defendants are also represented by attorney Vincent Seman.
The defense said the plaintiff initiated the complaint so she could stay in the commonwealth.
The incident occurred on Jan. 2, 2008.
