Hastings says never told of $220K settlement for sex harassment claims against him

[DonViejo]

Source: Politico



By ALEXANDRA GLORIOSO 12/08/2017 08:53 PM EST

The U.S. Treasury Department settled a $220,000 sexual-harassment lawsuit on behalf of Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) in 2014, according to Roll Call. But the South Florida lawmaker said he was never informed of any settlement.

“This matter was handled solely by the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. At no time was I consulted, nor did I know until after the fact that such a settlement was made," said Hastings in a written statement to POLITICO Florida.

"I am outraged that any taxpayer dollars were needlessly paid to Ms. [Winsome] Packer," he said. Hastings said the original lawsuit was dismissed in 2012 and that he was cleared in 2014 by the House Committee on Ethics.

The lawsuit was filed in 2011 by Judicial Watch, a public interest group. In the lawsuit, a former staffer on the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Packer, alleges she was the victim of “unwelcome sexual advances” and “unwelcome touching” by then-chairman Hastings.



Read more: https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2017/12/08/treasury-department-settled-220-000-sexual-harassment-case-for-congressman-alcee-hastings-in-2014-8634339

[Cattledog]

1. Judicial watch...nuff said.

[7962]

8. Oh, so it didn't happen because JD is involved?

But it DID happen. Shit like this NEEDS to be exposed

[BootinUp]

2. Makes perfect sense. Not.

[MousePlayingDaffodil]

3. Uh, yeah, I'm sure it went down just like that . . .

It's not clear to me that, consistent with legal ethics, the Treasury Department could, much less would, settle a lawsuit without even informing the defendant. And Hastings' reputation for veracity isn't all that it could be, let's just say.

[marble falls]

4. How does a $220,000 settlement make for a "cleared" candidate, $22,000 is a nuisance ....

settlement, $220,000 is smoke from a fire.

I want a list of these settlements made in my name and with my taxes. Its beginning to look like a slush fund of hush money. Let the chips fall where they may with no "nondisclosure"

[2naSalit]

6. +1

[7962]

9. I agree totally. This shit has gotten ridiculous. Slush fund is EXACTLY what it is.

they feel no need to worry about it since its been kept secret and they don't lose THEIR money. D & R alike. Keep shining the light!!

[Achilleaze]

5. "Winsome Packer"

You can't make this shit up...

[7962]

10. IKR? What was that other guys name caught with the 17 yr old? "Rupert Ditsworth". nt

[kimbutgar]

7. Bye bye Hastings

With Franken resigning a lot of Democratic representives will go down.

[tazkcmo]

11. Resign now.

No discussion. The rules have been written.