Construction director ordered to pay $25,000 for sexually harassing secretary

A Federal Court has ordered Richard Aubertin, director of Axe Construction, to pay $25,000 to his former secretary, Sonata Trakimaite, for sexual harassment. The court found that Aubertin extorted her for sex and pressured her to have an abortion during their relationship in late 2020. The court ruled that Aubertin's actions created a hostile work environment, leading to the end of Trakimaite's employment. Judge Robert Cameron stated that she felt compelled to engage in sexual acts due to fear of losing her job. Aubertin denied the allegations, claiming the relationship was consensual. He expressed dissatisfaction with the court's ruling, calling it "disgraceful."