Godoy photo via Flickr[/caption]The former deputy chief of staff of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar has filed a sexual harassment complaint against the City of Los Angeles, and her former boss.
Francine Godoy, who left the Councilman’s office four months ago, filed the complaint on June 7, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
In a copy of the report provided to the Los Angeles Times, Godoy alleges she experienced discrimination, harassment and retaliation because of her gender and her “refusal to engage in sex.”
The complaint alleges the activity took place on or before April 21, when Godoy left the Councilman’s office and took a job with the city’s Bureau of Sanitation. Godoy, 33, says she was denied a promotion, forced to quit, and forced to transfer.
According to Huizar spokesman Rick Coca, the Councilmember was surprised by the claim, and “strongly and emphatically denies the assertions made in the claim and intends to fully cooperate with the City in any investigation of this matter.”
Huizar hired Godoy in March 2006, at an annual salary of $47,000, according to the city’s personnel records. By January of this year she was earning nearly $133,000.
Coca said that because of potential for litigation, Huizar is not making further comments on the issue, but said, “the Councilmember remains focused on delivering top-notch City services to the constituents of the 14th Council District.”
Michael Eisenberg, Godoy’s lawyer, is also currently not discussing the complaint, and has said they do not wish to try this in the media. A lawsuit has not yet been filed.
Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson convened a panel this week that will investigate the allegations.
