A former El Paso Zoo registrar has initiated legal proceedings alleging workplace sexual harassment by her supervisor and institutional failure to intervene despite management awareness. According to the December 2, 2024 court filing, Anahí Chavez Villegas claims her then-supervisor John Kiseda began sexually harassing her “almost immediately” following her October 2023 hiring.

The lawsuit specifically names Zoo Director Joe Montisano and human resources representative Tracy Chavarria as defendants who allegedly “were aware that Kiseda sexually harassed others, knew or should have known that the conduct constituting sexual harassment against Villegas was occurring and failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.” This allegation potentially establishes institutional liability beyond the actions of the immediate supervisor.

City officials have declined public comment regarding the litigation but filed a formal response on January 2 asserting governmental immunity protections and denying all allegations. Governmental immunity represents a significant legal defense that could shield municipal entities and officials from certain types of claims. The plaintiff is pursuing monetary damages exceeding $1 million plus attorney fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and pre- and post-judgment damages.