O.C. Recorder Reportedly Is Urged to Quit : Inquiry: Lee A. Branch, who is the target of a sexual abuse and harassment investigation, is asked to extend his voluntary leave. Management problems have been found in his office, an official says.

Orange County Recorder Lee A. Branch is being urged to resign his office, as an investigation into sexual harassment and abuse allegations continues, officials familiar with the probe said Monday.

Branch returned to work Monday after a six-week leave only to be asked by county officials to extend his voluntary absence by an additional two weeks, until an investigation of his conduct is completed.

Branch did not return telephone calls to his office. Assistant Recorder Ella M. Murphy said that he left work about 4 p.m. It was unclear whether he would return today.

During part of Branch’s absence, Robert A. Griffith, deputy director of the county Social Services Agency, was assigned to oversee office operations. In that time, a source said, “serious management problems were found. The people have no faith in Lee’s leadership and management.”

Those findings, coupled with the sexual harassment and abuse investigation, prompted officials in recent meetings to urge Branch to resign, sources said.

Branch, 57, who earns $75,420 a year, had been on paid leave since Oct. 29, shortly after employees accused him of showing favoritism to office documents manager Nancy L. Smith and making lewd comments to another employee. Branch has acknowledged a relationship with Smith.

During the probe, investigators have asked employees about separate incidents of alleged physical abuse directed against employees by Branch and Smith, who is on indefinite leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Branch and Smith have denied all allegations.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Harriett M. Wieder said that it may be time to refer the matter to the Orange County Grand Jury for review.

“Let the grand jury have it,” Wieder said. “It’s really out of our hands.”

Two weeks ago, the grand jury requested documents detailing the recorder’s office operations, but it is not known whether the panel has opened an official investigation.

Wieder said that preliminary reports on the recorder’s operation confirmed what one official characterized as an “organizational and management nightmare.”

“From what I understand,” Wieder said, “the office is in general disarray.”

Griffith could not be reached for comment Monday.

Since Branch is an elected official, Wieder acknowledged that there is little the Board of Supervisors can do about the recorder’s tenure in office.

“The people are his bosses,” she said.

Monday, employees in the recorder’s office said Branch spent most of the day ensconced in his first-floor office, catching up on work, and in meetings with other county officials.

Murphy said her boss’s first day back was marked by reports of a weekend break-in at the office.

Employees arrived Monday to find a shattered glass door to the department, located next to the Hall of Administration. Murphy said the only item missing was an old videocassette recorder taken from Branch’s rear office.

The VCR was used to show training tapes, Murphy said, adding that the Sheriff’s Department was investigating the break-in.

“I hardly saw (Branch) all day,” Murphy said. “I’ve been chasing around sheriff’s deputies and glass repairmen. Other than that, it’s been a pretty quiet day. Everything is fine.”