A former solid waste worker for the city of Portland likely was subjected to sexual harassment by his female supervisor, the Maine Human Rights Commission ruled on Monday.

The unanimous, 4-0, decision will give David Tanguay of Falmouth leverage to reach a legal settlement with, or file a lawsuit against, the city.

Tanguay claimed his female supervisor, whose name is being withheld by investigators, harassed him in 2011 by drawing male genitals on an annual evaluation form, calling him “babe” and “darling,” and putting her hand on his shoulder.

After Tanguay reported the incident, he claimed someone placed pornographic DVDs in his locker with threatening notes, including one that said “leave alone (expletive) or else die.”

Tanguay alleges the incidents caused him emotional distress, forcing him to look for another job.

Tanguay also detailed other harassment claims from 2010 to 2012. He claims his supervisor called him a “scumbag” and a “slime ball” in front of a group of female students who were flirting with him.

Jennifer Thompson, a city attorney, said the city and Tanguay will be encouraged to come to an informal resolution to the dispute.

“The city is disappointed by the commission’s vote and disagrees with it,” Thompson said in an email Tuesday.

Randy Billings can be contacted at 791-6346 or at:rbillings@pressherald.comTwitter: @randybillings

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