Misconduct in the News in September 2024

September brought to light another series of disturbing workplace misconduct cases, including a nearly $1 billion sexual harassment verdict against the heir to the Coca-Cola fortune and doctors responsible for a ketamine overdose in the tragic death of Matthew Perry. These headlines and others remind us of the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe and respectful work environments.

See the top headlines showing misconduct in the news.

1. How Healthcare Workers Impacted Matthew Perry’s Death (Nurse)

“Two doctors were charged with supplying drugs that contributed to his death, and a nurse was implicated for holding a large supply of ketamine as directed by one of the doctors.”

2. DOJ investigating sexual abuse allegations at 2 California women’s prisons (Corrections 1)

“Correctional staff at Central California Women’s Facility and California Institution for Women are accused of trading sexual favors for contraband and privileges, the DOJ says.”

3. India stock market regulator under fire again after Hindenburg row (NIKKEI Asia)

“India's stock market regulator has been hit by toxic workplace claims, just after U.S. short seller Hindenburg Research accused the agency's chief of conflict-of-interest…”

4. Another top administrator at Louisiana’s environmental agency leaves his post (New Orleans City Business)

“A top official at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has transferred out of the agency, marking the latest of at least five high-level departures from what current and former employees have described as a toxic workplace under Secretary Aurelia Giacometto.”

5. California Superintendent Fired Over Allegedly Ignoring Bullying Accusations (WIDE OPEN COUNTRY)

6. Jermaine Jenas faces fresh ‘inappropriate behaviour’ claims hours after BBC axe (INDEPENDENT)

“More women have come forward with fresh claims of inappropriate behaviour involving Jermaine Jenas since he was sacked by the BBC, according to reports. The presenter and former England footballer, 41, was fired this week over workplace misconduct after a female One Show colleague raised concerns about unsolicited messages.”

7. South Australian police association scrutinised as sexual assault allegation enshrouds president (NINE)

“Pangallo said current association president Wade Burns had suffered the ‘biggest demotion in South Australian police history’ after an alleged sexual assault involving a female police colleague during a night out in 2017.”

8. Canadian diplomat resigns while under investigation for alleged lewd conduct (Toronto Sun)

“The investigation concluded an executive in one of Canada’s missions abroad made inappropriate sexual oriented comments to employees at the mission. The investigation also found the executive made unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate gestures and inappropriately stared at employees.”

9. Heir to Coca-Cola Fortune Tallies Nearly $1B in Sexual Harassment Verdicts Against Him (Law)

10. Senate investigation into Coast Guard finds that sexual misconduct is a ‘pervasive problem’ throughout the service (ABC 7)

“More than 80 whistleblowers shared stories detailing 'systemic sexual assault and harassment, including a culture of silencing, retaliation, and failed accountability,' according to a report released Wednesday”

11. Current and former Channel Seven staff describe a 'degrading, soul crushing' workplace that's left some suicidal and unable to work (ABC News Australia)

“It bills itself as a family network, but an investigation into Channel Seven [in Australia] has revealed it to be a ‘second chance club’ for senior men, with allegations of bullying, sexism, assault and exploitation that have left staff hospitalised, unable to work and attempting suicide.”

12. 5 Years of Chicago Police Misconduct Cost Taxpayers Almost $400 Million (Reason)

“Over the past five years, Chicago taxpayers have forked over nearly $400 million to resolve lawsuits stemming from officer misconduct”

13. Lake Stevens School District sued over sexual misconduct allegations (FOX 13 Seattle)

“A Lake Stevens High School student is suing the school district for failing to protect her from a former teacher accused of grooming and sexually abusing students.”

14. Kentwood High School teacher faces sexual misconduct charge (Kent Reporter)

“‘The defendant took advantage of his position as a teacher at Kentwood High School’…. ‘He abused that position by engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor who was also a student at Kentwood. He knew that engaging in a sexual relationship with (the girl) was against the law, as he told her he could lose his job or go to jail if anyone found out about his conduct.’”

15. Pediatric doctor Dalton Renick’s license suspended after ‘sexual abuse’ & ‘disruptive behavior’ with patients & others (The U.S. Sun)

“The documents claim that Renick ‘engaged in behavior of a sexual nature as well as engaged in an egregious pattern of disruptive behavior.’"

These headlines highlight the ongoing challenges in creating safe and ethical workplaces. If you're curious about the details and want to hear our takes, tune in to our 9 to 5 Nightmares Podcast, where we dive deep into these stories and share tips for navigating the wild world of workplace misconduct. 

For more information on how you can mitigate misconduct in your workplace, schedule a demo with Fama today.