What are my rights in MD? My ex-employer is harassing and threatening me.?

[avikar76]

I was recently laid off from the place I work in Maryland. My boss let me go with one week of notice. I was understanding and was happy to finish out the week. I was there mostly by myself, but the office is pretty much unsecured and open to the public during business hours.

After I left, he started calling me and e-mailing me accusing me of changing the password on my computer and stealing company office supplies. He said the same thing about another employee he fired in October, and he tried to fight her unemployment in order to get back at her. She didn't do anything to him either, she was let go with out any notice and left the same day he fired her. But he believes she ruined her computer and stole files from the office. I know that she did neither of these things, and that he just wants to blame others for how disorganized his company is. I did not do either of these things he is accusing me of. I e-mailed him back and told him I didn't do any of the malicious things he accused me of and requested him to quit calling me. (He is calling from a restricted number, but has left me voice-mails so I know it is him.) Now he is threatening to fight my unemployment as well as press criminal charges for theft and computer tampering. (Can he do this? Will I be charged for things I didn't do?) I have now e-mailed and requested he cease all communication. However he won't leave me alone.

What can I do? I didn't steal or change the password. I want him to leave me alone. Is this harassment? What options do I have? I'm considering filing a report with the police department, but I want to know what laws there are to protect employee's in the state of MD? As well as what kind of harassment this would be?

Any advice would help. I am looking up information, but I'm having a hard time finding anything solid. Thank you in advance.

[chason58]

You file for unemployment and if he persists you go to court for a temporary protective order.

[lalla3]

it's just plain old harassment - tell him if he doesn;t stop, you will file criminal charges against him

change YOUR phone number

[francisco]

Your first call should probably be to the State Attorney General in MD. Here's the link to their website: http://www.oag.state.md.us/contact.htm

You may also want to familiarize yourself with EEOC laws regarding harassment: www.eeoc.gov.

You should also file for unemployment immediately if you have not done so.

If you call the AG's office, be professional and factual:

* I was let go on this date
* I have received threats in the form of e-mail (have the proof) and by phone (save the messages) from my former employer
* I've asked him to stop calling/harassing me
* If your former coworker will also testify that this happened to them, let the AG's office know

Knowing your rights/responsibilities from the most qualified source is your best bet to protecting your rights.