NHP enlists aid to investigate sex claims

Kieth Paul

Friday, July 21, 2000 | 4:50 a.m.

Originally published July 11, 2000.

The head of the Nevada Highway Patrol has requested an outside agency investigate claims of sexual discrimination and harassment in the Las Vegas office after lawsuits were filed by six women, including five troopers, the Sun has learned.

Col. Mike Hood said he asked the North Las Vegas Police to investigate the claims after the federal lawsuits were filed in April.

"We asked North Las Vegas to conduct the investigation so that there would not be the perception that we're investigating our own operation," Hood said. "We are several weeks from the resolution of the investigation."

A North Las Vegas Police detective has been interviewing troopers and looking into the allegations since May. Lt. Chris Larotonda, North Las Vegas Police investigations bureau commander, referred all questions about the probe to Highway Patrol officials.

Ken McKenna, the attorney representing the six who sued, said he is pleased that Highway Patrol officials asked another police agency to conduct the probe.

"I really want a sincere, honest and thorough investigation. What they need is a real independent investigation," McKenna said. "So I'm optimistic with North Las Vegas (Police) conducting the investigation."

McKenna said he has heard that some troopers have told the North Las Vegas investigator of sexual harassment and discrimination in the Las Vegas office.

"It's not just these women (who filed the lawsuits), but the rank and file guys are coming forward saying 'Yeah, there's a problem,' " McKenna said.

Larotonda would not say whether such information had been uncovered, referring questions to the Highway Patrol. Hood, saying the investigation is ongoing, also would not comment on what, if anything, has been uncovered.

Hood said the investigation is not disrupting the daily routine of the 200 troopers in Las Vegas. He added that investigations by outside agencies are common, and the Highway Patrol has done it for other departments in the past.

Angela Newman, a program assistant for the Highway Patrol, in her suit alleged she was the target of harassment, jokes and sexual remarks by a man who worked in another department. She claimed she reported the problem, but nothing was done.

Hood said at the time the lawsuit was filed that the man was barred from Newman's office as soon as the agency became aware of the incidents.

Troopers Christina Zaporowski, Tammy Tedesko, Ann English, Gina Johnson and Judy Dart also claimed discrimination and harassment in their lawsuits. Their allegations range from being transferred from patrol duties while pregnant and cautioned by a superior not to say anything to being forced to go into a men's locker room to get a uniform.

Hood said Monday the Highway Patrol denies the allegations in the lawsuits.

The lawsuits were filed in federal court in Reno but have since been transferred to the federal court in Las Vegas.

Highway patrol has faced -- and lost -- a sexual harassment suit before, when Trooper Mary Howard was awarded $500,000 in damages in 1997 by a federal jury in Reno. McKenna, who represented Howard, said the parties negotiated a settlement of $425,000. Howard worked in Beatty when she filed the lawsuit.