Sexual Harassment Ruled Out in Officer’s Lawsuit : Courts: The jury, however, is deadlocked on whether the former Buena Park policewoman is entitled to damages from the city.

A Superior Court jury determined Friday that a former Buena Park policewoman was not sexually harassed by two male co-workers, but deadlocked on whether the city should be held liable for any damages.

Buena Park Police Lt. Anthony Kelly and former Sgt. Jerry Smock were accused in a lawsuit of sexually harassing and discriminating or retaliating against Sandra McClaren, who resigned from the department in 1989.

After a congratulatory hug from Buena Park Deputy City Atty. Marsha Slough, Kelly said, “It’s just a matter that the jury believed me, and I’m gratified by that.

“We’ve been involved in training in matters that involve sexual harassment for years,” Kelly said. “I don’t think this verdict says we need to change too much.”

“I’m glad it’s over,” added Smock.

McClaren, 26, and her attorney left the courtroom without comment.

McClaren had testified during the trial that male officers made lewd, sexist remarks to her during her two years at the department and that she was pinched and slapped on the buttocks.

She is seeking $300,000 in damages from the city for emotional pain and the premature end of her police career.

Superior Court Judge Robert Green instructed the jury of seven women and five men to return Monday morning to resume deliberations and break the deadlock on the issue of whether the city should be held liable for damages.

The jurors left the courtroom with instructions not to discuss the case during the weekend.

McClaren’s lawsuit is the second involving allegations of sexual harassment at the Buena Park Police Department.

Last January, a Superior Court jury awarded Victoria Chaney, a former Police Department employee, $17,500 in a sexual harassment case she brought against the city and several department officials, including Smock, who has retired from the department.