College Exec Quits Over Harassment Charges

The head of financial aid at Golden West College in Huntington Beach has resigned after two women accused him of sexual harassment, and his boss has been placed on paid leave.

Two clerks alleged that Financial Aid Director Steve Mucciaro had made sexually suggestive comments to them over a period of time, said John Renley, the college’s vice chancellor of human resources.

Mucciaro and Richard Porter, vice president of student services and Mucciaro’s supervisor, were placed on paid leave Aug. 25, Renley said.

Mucciaro voluntarily resigned three days later, Renley said, effective Friday.

Porter, 51, said he was suspended because the administration did not like the way he handled the matter.

He said that about July 24 he first talked to the women about their allegations, and they filed a formal complaint with the district the following week.

Renley said Porter’s fate would be decided within two weeks. He has worked for the Coast Community College District, which includes Golden West College, for 27 years.

He started at Orange Coast College as a financial aid officer and worked as a dean and in other administrative positions.

He has been in his current position for four years. He said he and Mucciaro were good friends.

Mucciaro had worked for the district for 15 years. He could not be reached for comment.

Renley said he first had his assistant investigate the allegations and then hired a private investigator.

He said that after receiving the investigator’s report, the two men were placed on leave.