Jun 9, 2009 7:27 pm US/Eastern
Teddy Bear Co. CEO Accused Of Raping Employee
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Steiff Teddy Bear is a 129-year-old company that sells bears that can cost thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors.
WBZ
The CEO of a well-known toy maker is accused of rape and years of sexual harassment, and the Fall River woman who filed the suit is seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages.
Jane Collins started at The Steiff Teddy Bear Company in 2000. The company is based in Germany, but its North American headquarters is in Raynham.
Collins says the current CEO of Steiff, Martin Frechen, trapped her inside a car in 2004 before raping her. She also claims her assignments outside of Steiff's North American offices were manipulated so that he could create opportunities to sexually assault her.
Collins says she kept the 2004 sexual assault a secret because she was a single mom and she needed to keep her job.
According to the lawsuit recently filed in New York, the company's revenues topped $50 million last year.
Collins is seeking $80 million. She's also filed a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
Steiff Teddy Bear is a 129-year-old company that sells bears that can cost thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors.
An attorney for Steiff, who represents Margarete Steiff and James Pitocco, says while the company won't comment on the pending litigation, "
Steiff North America, Margarete Steiff and James Pitocco resolutely deny the allegations in Ms. Collins' complaint, and will vigorously defend the claims made by her in court. They are confident that when all the facts and circumstances are presented, the evidence will show conclusively that there has not been any wrongdoing by any of the defendants in this case."
Attorney Michael Rosen, who is representing Frenchen, says his client believes the plaintiff's claim are entirely without merit. He intends to vigorously defend himself against these claims and believes he ultimately will prevail. He does not believe it appropriate at this time to provide further comment."
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