Jurors Award $212K To Sergeant Who Was Sexually Harassed

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jurors have decided a Los Angeles County sheriff's sergeant should get $211,700 for enduring years of sexual harassment by a lieutenant.

Sgt. Tera White sued the county and Lt. Patrick Valdez for harassment, claiming a variety of incidents ranging from asking her out on dates to unwanted kisses. Valdez lawyers say criminal and internal investigations exonerated Valdez.

City News Service says White was a Norwalk station patrol sergeant mentored by Valdez.

The 2008 lawsuit says Valdez began tormenting her and she eventually complained. She was then transferred to the Sheriff Department's Star Center in Whittier for what she says amounted to a receptionist job normally handled by interns.

The jury deliberated about four hours on Tuesday before announcing its verdict. The panel rejected her claim she was victim of retaliation.

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