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SPRING, Texas (FOX 26) - An investigation is underway after a teen says she was sexually assaulted by her boss, who is also a registered sex offender. It’s common for employers to check an employee’s criminal history, but how many times does the reverse happen?
Selby Cluff says she did not know her boss' background when, according to her, she was sexually assaulted by him. A short time later, she learned he had served time in prison for a sexual assault of a child case.
"My life has been shattered into a million pieces," says Cluff. With her parents by her side, Cluff describes the night she says she was raped by her boss. “I was in and out of consciousness, laying down on the couch, passing out."
Cluff worked as a stylist at Salon Demi in Spring for a month and a half. The business is owned by Eric Buffington and his wife. It turns out that Mr. Buffington spent almost five years in prison after he was convicted in the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in 1998. Cluff says she didn't know that in March 2018 during a company outing at a bar & grill where she had ten shots and claims her bosses picked up the tab.
"She was 19 at that time," adds Mo Aziz, the teen's attorney. "She should not have been served a single amount of any type of alcohol.”
Aziz says Buffington was also giving Cluff a ride home, but she says he first dropped by the salon.
“He walked me to the back shampoo area and sat me down in one of the shampoo chairs," describes Cluff. "At this point, I passed out. I woke up to him having his merry little way.”
Cluff says he stopped when she asked him. The next morning, Cluff reported her allegations to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Now, she has filed a lawsuit against the salon owners. Aziz says the owners never notified employees of Buffington's criminal background.
“They should have the benefit of that information so they can be extra cautious around him,” explains Aziz.
"Mentally, I am damaged," says Cluff. "Physically, I am broken. However, I stand with my head held high ready to share my story."
"Nobody would think an employee would have to check their bosses record,” says Aziz.
You can check on the status of your supervisor or anyone on the sex offender registry by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety web page at www.dps.texas.gov. Click "Sex Offender Registry search."
Eric Buffington spoke with FOX 26 News. He says Cluff’s accusations against him are "100% false.” He declined to speak on camera but says he has given information to investigators proving that he's innocent, including that he says he never gave Cluff a ride home that night.
HCSO confirms it is conducting an investigation.