Recorder’s Office Administrator to Be Reassigned : Government: The transfer of Nancy Smith would be the first action in a 2-month investigation of sexual harassment and physical abuse allegations in the office.

An administrator in the Orange County Recorder’s office whose personal relationship with embattled Recorder Lee A. Branch has become part of a county investigation is expected to be reassigned to another job in county government, officials said Monday.

The transfer of Nancy L. Smith, the office documents manager who has been on a paid leave since October, would be the first action taken in a two-month-long investigation of sexual harassment and physical abuse allegations within the recorder’s office.

“My understanding is that’s what is going to happen,” Assistant Recorder Ella M. Murphy said of the transfer. “I called (county Personnel Director Russ Patton’s office), and they were still working on it.”

Patton and other county officials could not be reached for comment Monday. Murphy said she did not know where Smith would be assigned or what position she would fill.

A source familiar with the investigation said, however, that the transfer would be a lateral move. “It’s just too disruptive to have her in the office,” the source said.

Smith, who has worked in the office for the past 22 1/2 years and earns about $40,000 a year, could not be reached for comment.

Branch has acknowledged a personal relationship with Smith and employees have alleged that the recorder has shown favoritism to the documents manager. Sources said investigators have questioned whether Smith tried to undercut higher-ranking members of the department. Employees have also been questioned about an incident in which Smith was alleged to have grabbed a worker while strongly scolding her.

Smith has denied the allegations. She is expected to return to work when the reassignment is complete.

The investigation is being conducted by the county’s Affirmative Action Office within the Personnel Department. It is also exploring claims that Branch made lewd comments to a female employee in the office and that the recorder shoved an employee who had been seen talking to a union representative.

But county officials acknowledge that even if Branch’s conduct is found to be improper, they have little authority to penalize the recorder because he is an elected official. The Personnel Department, which is responsible for the investigation, cannot fire or suspend Branch.

Branch also could not be reached for comment Monday, but he has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that they are politically motivated.

Meanwhile Monday, investigators were said to be close to completing their study of misconduct allegations against Branch.

Branch has already been urged by county officials to resign his position because of the allegations. Sources said Monday that efforts would continue to seek the recorder’s resignation.

Murphy said Monday that she knew nothing of Branch’s plans, adding only that the recorder had been “in and out” of the office in recent weeks.

An employee in the office since 1956, Branch, 57, assumed control of the obscure elective office in 1978. The office is the repository for nearly a million documents each year, most dealing with real estate transactions.