WEST COLUMBIA — A well-known Midlands lawyer and frequent Republican political candidate sexually harassed his female employees and brought prostitutes into his law office for sex acts, according to a new federal lawsuit filed by a former employee.
The Sept. 9 lawsuit alleges a yearslong parade of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment by Billy Oswald, a 74-year-old personal injury attorney who has been active in Lexington County politics for decades.
Oswald, a former Lexington County councilman and ex-Lexington Medical Center board member, exposed himself to employees, frequently pressured them to have sex with him and verbally abused those who pushed back or requested raises, according to the lawsuit filed by Sharon Ross, who did secretarial work for more than a decade at Oswald’s firm.
Ross’ lawsuit alleges Oswald groped her breasts, placed his hand near her crotch and made inappropriate gestures. Oswald also brought prostitutes, some who were allegedly his legal clients or rental tenants, into his back office and conference room to perform sexual acts on him, according to the lawsuit. Employees “could overhear moans and other noises of their rendezvous from adjacent offices,” including during normal work hours, the lawsuit stated.
Ross’ lawsuit states that she ultimately left the firm after she requested a raise in June 2020 and Oswald replied: “You haven’t earned a raise. You don’t deserve it. The only thing you’re good for is laying on your back.”
Oswald’s...
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