Lovers no more

The EEOC investigator on her case found no evidence to back her claims. It is not unusual for EEOC to conclude a claimant hasn't got a case; many who have received such findings have later won large awards in federal court. But the investigator in Benge's case also made an unusual point of noting her conduct during the probe, citing her nearly "daily telephone contact" with the EEOC and her attempts to "disguise" her voice.

In an EEOC pre-determination letter, senior investigator George Ashford alleged that Benge had made several phone calls during which she posed as others: "You called [Sky Chefs] and EEOC and have tried to disguise your voice. We have listened to you pretending to be three or more persons who you contend have more information to help your case."

Benge denies making such calls. Her attorney believes one of Minor's supporters set Benge up by making the calls.

In early March 1995, the Tarrant County district attorney's office charged Benge with class-A misdemeanor harassment for making obscene and harassing phone calls--including the ones that got her into trouble in the state court--to Minor. A trial is set for February 5. If convicted, Tonjua Benge could face a $4,000 fine and a one-year prison sentence.

Sky Chefs is placing its bets on Carlos Minor in this messy affair. "It appeared to us," says company spokesman Siebert, "that Minor had played no part in this except when he blew up over the cartoons left in his locker."

Everyone is expecting a comparably messy courtroom brawl. "In almost any case," says Siebert, "there is an opportunity for a settlement, but not with this one."

So Tonjua Benge and Carlos Minor will meet again, in yet another chapter of the affair that will not die.