Burke County sheriff tentatively settles sexual harassment lawsuit
WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit that had been filed against him by a former employee.
Mediation was held last Friday in the case involving allegations by Brenda Johnson.
Attorneys on both sides came to an agreement and worked out a settlement after a seven- to eight-hour meeting.
It’s a proposed settlement or tentative settlement, and the Burke County Board of Commission still must vote on accepting the settlement and amount.
Burke County sheriff takes commissioners to court in budget battle
As the latest step in a long-running funding battle, Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams is suing county commissioners.
That’s expected to be on the June 10 agenda. But it could be pushed back if commissioners decide they want this matter to go to court.
Insurance would pay the majority, but the county would have to pick up the deductible amount, plus any costs that exceed specific policy limits
We reached out to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, which said it would not be providing any comment on the matter.
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In a response to the lawsuit that was filed Johnson filed in December 2024, Williams had denied that Johnson was discriminated or retaliated against based on sex, race or age.
He also denied Johnson was subjected to any hostile work environment and that her termination was not based on discrimination or retaliation.
The sheriff also said any allegations in the photos, text messages or other attached documents in the lawsuit were denied.
Johnson filed the initial lawsuit against the sheriff alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
WARNING: LAWSUIT CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
In January, we first reported on the lawsuit against Williams.
That’s when we sat down with Johnson, and she told us what her experience was like -- working at the sheriff’s office.
Then an amended lawsuit was filed on May 6, with Johnson claiming a pattern of egregious sexual harassment, unlawful surveillance, stalking, retaliation and emotional abuse by Williams.
Johnson claims the sheriff used surveillance to watch her movements, tracked her vehicle, and she was fired for opposing his sexual advances.
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