The four women's lawsuit filed in federal court Tuesday alleges the Statehouse has become a hostile workplace since they raised allegations against the attorney general.
State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon is among four women suing Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and the State of Indiana for sexual harassment.
(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana’s attorney general is being hit with a federal lawsuit filed by four women accusing him of sexual harassment.
Legislative assistant Niki DaSilva says she and three other women filed the lawsuit Tuesday to ensure all individuals working in and around the Indiana Statehouse are able to perform their jobs free from sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
“We’re asking for the State of Indiana and the attorney general to be held accountable,” said DaSilva.
The alleged victims, including Democratic State Representative Mara Candelaria Reardon, say Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill groped them during a party at a downtown Indianapolis bar in March of 2018.
The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis also names the State of Indiana for discrimination, retaliation and violation of the Equal Protections Clause.
Another of the victims, Indiana Senate Democrats Communications Director Gabrielle McLemore, says nothing has changed to provide a safer environment at the Statehouse since the allegations against Hill broke in 2018.
“Illegal and improper behavior should be addressed by our laws, no matter the perpetrator’s title. And law should be equally applied across the board,” said McLemore.
Following the plaintiffs’ press conference, the attorney general’s office announced it will defend vigorously the state and Hill.
“The lawsuit is related to allegations that have now been reviewed four times. The investigations all concluded without any recommendations for further action,” the office stated.
“This latest legal action will be addressed in the court and through the proper procedures as established by law. Under Indiana law, the Office of the Attorney General shall defend all suits instituted against the state and its officials.”
Hill, who has vehemently maintained his innocence, has resisted calls from Democratic and Republican leadership at the Statehouse to resign from his post.
The former Elkhart County prosecutor was cleared in a criminal investigation, but he also faces a complaint filed against him by the state Supreme Court's Disciplinary Commission. A hearing is scheduled for October. Possible sanctions include disbarment, which could disqualify him as attorney general.
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