City settles sexual harassment lawsuit

Thursday, June 21, 2001 | 11:30 a.m.

The city of Las Vegas has settled a lawsuit filed by a former liaison to City Councilman Gary Reese, who accused the councilman of sexual harassment -- a charge Reese denies.

The City Council agreed Wednesday to settle the lawsuit for $100,000.

City Attorney Brad Jerbic said the charges against Reese were dismissed by a federal judge two weeks ago. But there was one remaining charge against the city.

Virginia Hernandez, who filed the lawsuit, claimed the city maintained no policy to prevent sexual harassment. She also claimed the city failed to take steps to educate personnel about the problem of sexual harassment.

City spokesman Erik Pappa said all employees are required to go through sexual harassment training every two years.

Jerbic said it was more favorable for the city to settle, rather than undergo a lengthy and expensive trial. Two outside attorneys have been working on the case since its inception.

Under terms of the agreement, the city does not admit guilt.

Hernandez filed the lawsuit in federal court in 1998. She claimed she was demoted in 1997 after complaining to city officials about unwanted advances from Reese.

In her lawsuit, she claimed to be subjected to sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and physical abuse from Reese.

Reese has denied the allegations. He said Hernandez was doing a poor job for him and was transferred to an equal-paying position. She left the city shortly after she was transferred.