Cost of Harassment Suits Nears $1 Million

In what is becoming the most expensive case of its kind in county government history, taxpayers have spent nearly $1 million in settlements and legal bills involving sexual harassment charges leveled against a former assistant sheriff.

The county has settled two of the five harassment suits filed by female sheriff’s employees against Dennis LaDucer and paid a total of $914,906, according to financial records obtained Wednesday under the California Public Records Act. A third settlement is now in the works that is expected to push the tab well above the $1-million mark.

LaDucer, 53, is accused of making inappropriate comments to a sheriff’s lieutenant as well as groping her and other female department employees. He was fired after an internal investigation.

Last month, LaDucer testified that he did not believe his actions violated the county’s policy on sexual harassment and did not consider them inappropriate.

Two plaintiffs, Lt. Wendy Costello and Deputy Florence Jean Henson, settled their cases with the county earlier this year for $310,000 and $367,577 respectively.

The case brought by Mary Ann Hoyt, a clerk, went to trial June 15. But after one day of testimony, attorneys decided to settle. A final deal is expected soon, and the amount is likely to be similar to the earlier settlements.

Two lawsuits are still pending.