Reply #256: I had a less sordid similar situation... [View All]

[haele]

Luckily, it could be solved with just doing my job, being aware of the rumor out there and if the indications that people were taking sides, eventually asking those who thought I had done what I was "accused of doing" why they would think I had done such a thing - if I still had my position and hadn't been kicked off the worksite jobs, how could this be true? I'd usually end up telling them my side (I had been accused of stealing tools the person lost because I figured out where he had left them, accused of being an unfair "racist and sexist" boss, and trying to get him fired when he couldn't finish the job he were tasked with) and that I had no idea why X (the person spreading rumors) had resorted to spreading rumors rather than taking up an HR case against me if I was as blatant as he claimed. The guy was eventually dug himself enough of a reputation as a screw-up pulling the same crap on other supervisors, so within a couple years, it became a joke and didn't matter.

However, this seems to be more serious. I'd check with a lawyer that specializes in workplace issues (especially slander and hostile workplaces) and find out what your rights and resources are. Especially if it's a matter of something you said to someone in the past who is now hostile to you that could be twisted and misconstrued against you.
It sounds to me that you might have a case for harassment, especially since you indicate that even if there may be a chance of a case against you, there is nothing that can be proven - but the rumor-mongers are still suggesting that you have committed a felony and have apparently got away with it.

The issue at hand is that the Law doesn't care if you're rumored to have committed and got away with a felony, you are still innocent until proven guilty, no matter what someone else wants to claim without evidence or even a paper-trail of abuse against you. If their rumor-mongering without evidence is affecting your ability to find and keep work, it might be something that requires adjudication should they continue this low-level harassment.

My two cents - hie thee to a lawyer. The lounge may be great for casual advise and snarkiness, but not for anything that can seriously affect your life.

And I hope you can get enough advise to retire your Sock Puppet before the end of the week.
(edited to clarify post, hard to type around two fat cats on one's lap)

Haele