ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Records obtained by The
Associated Press show that state officials spent more than $1 million in
public money over the past four years to settle sexual harassment
claims against state workers.
Almost half of the cases were settled in court last
year as Albany was embroiled in a scandal over a $103,000 settlement
paid to women who accused Assemblyman Vito Lopez of sexual harassment.
Lopez has denied harassing anyone and was easily re-elected to his
Brooklyn seat in November.
The records obtained under the state Freedom of
Information Law show 13 women and one man brought cases against several
agencies.
The largest payout was for $650,000.
Records from the state comptroller show millions
more in cash settlements, but don't identify which cases involved sexual
harassment claims.
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