Ex-deputy Galveston County constable awarded $550K in harassment case
GALVESTON — A former deputy constable was sexually harassed by his former boss, and will receive more than $550,000 in back pay and damages from the county, a Galveston jury decided Friday.
After deliberating for about five hours, the jury of seven men and five women issued a unanimous verdict that determined Galveston County was not legally excused from responsibility for the alleged lewd behavior of former Precinct 7 Constable Pam Matranga, who was accused of forcing her breasts against James Gist and making bawdy propositions to the former deputy constable, among other things.
Gist was placed on leave by the county shortly before his resignation because of his opposition to discriminatory employment practices in the constable’s office, according to the jury’s verdict.
The county will also be required to pay about $97,000 in attorney’s fees for Anthony Griffin, who represented Gist in the trial.
More at http://www.galvestondailynews.com/news/local_news/article_e7c525fe-b165-11e3-937e-0017a43b2370.html .
Related thread:
Ex-deputy constable recalls alleged sexual harassment by boss in court room (Galveston County)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107816316
= new reply since forum marked as read
