Many people meet their significant other at work. Romantic relationships in the workplace can be healthy. But sometimes, unfortunately, the work environment is altered if such a relationship turns sour.

A woman who worked at the Laurens County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina has sued the sheriff after their romantic affair turned ugly. She filed a lawsuit this week against the sheriff and several other employees, alleging they created a hostile work environment after she refused to get an abortion.

The woman apparently began her employment at the office in January 2008. An article on the TV station WYFF's website says she began an affair with the sheriff the following month, and got pregnant in the summer of 2010. At the sheriff's request, she got an abortion, but after getting pregnant again that fall, she reportedly refused to undergo the procedure a second time.

At that point, the woman claims, her co-workers began to harass and intimidate her. The sheriff allegedly told his employees to do everything possible to make the woman resign from her position. She says she felt forced to resign because the work environment grew so hostile. She also says she feared for her own well-being and safety before she resigned in October 2010.

The lawsuit reportedly includes claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and interference with her employment contract.

The day before the lawsuit was filed, the sheriff admitted to an affair. In addition to filing the lawsuit, the woman has logged complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the sheriff and his office.

Source: wyff4.com, "Sheriff's former mistress files lawsuit," 2 June 2011