Sheriff denies accusations of sexual harassment by employees

PHILADELPHIA – The sheriff of Philadelphia is denying allegations of sexual harassment made by several women.

An administrative assistant in the office of Sheriff Jewell Williams last week filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual come-ons and lewd remarks from 2013 to 2015. Williams says he “categorically” denies that in the “strongest possible fashion.”

A former employee also alleged harassment in a complaint last fall with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday the 60-year-old Williams called the accusations “without merit” and asked the public to leave the issue to the courts “before passing judgment.”

Williams declined to comment on a $30,000 settlement state Democrats acknowledge paying in a 2011 lawsuit by a third woman who alleged harassment when Williams was a state representative and she was his legislative aide.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com