The Tulare County Public Defender’s Office has settled an employee’s sexual harassment allegations by agreeing to pay the complainant $200,000.

The office also agreed to take steps to prevent future out-of-bounds behavior.

The California Civil Rights Department announced the settlement Monday of claims filed in 2024.

“Leaders have an obligation to prevent and remedy sexual harassment in the workplace,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish in a statement. “It is unacceptable to allow inappropriate behavior to go unchecked. Through this settlement, the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office is taking important steps to ensure staff are able to do their critical work free from harassment.”

According to the CRD, a direct supervisor sexually harassed the employee for several years. The complaint sa

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