Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — A Michigan Department of Corrections employee has filed a lawsuit claiming she was coerced into a sexual relationship with her supervisor, then punished after coming forward.

Lisa Gass is suing former MDOC spokesperson Chris Gautz, the department itself, and Director Heidi Washington. Her attorneys say Gautz harassed her for over a year, and that MDOC retaliated after she reported it — cutting her duties and denying a promotion.

Attorney Zachary Runyan says Gass once loved her job, but the harassment turned it into a nightmare.

The lawsuit alleges Gautz made repeated unwanted advances, including sending explicit messages and videos. Gass says she was coerced into sex on multiple occasions out of fear of losing her job.

MDOC says it has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and denies any retaliation. Gautz resigned last year and had recently worked at a Lansing PR firm, which has now placed him on leave.

Gautz is a former reporter for the Jackson Citizen Patriot, and he worked for Gongwer news before taking the position with MDOC.

A hearing is set for August 8.