Judge: Sex-Harassment Case Against Rutherford May Proceed
In this Jan. 31, 2014 file photo, former Illinois Treasurer and Republican candidate for governor Dan Rutherford, announced his office is investigating sexual harassment allegations against him made by an ex-employee during a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
A federal judge has ruled allegations of sexual harassment against former Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford can go to trial over the objections of state lawyers.
U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow on Friday issued an order in Chicago denying the state's attempt to dismiss the claims by former Rutherford employee Edmund Michalowski.
Michalowski's allegations that Rutherford made unwanted sexual advances sunk the Republican Rutherford's aspirations to be governor. He filed his lawsuit in February 2014, just weeks before Rutherford, a viable candidate, finished fourth in the GOP primary.
Dana Kurtz is Michalowski's attorney. She said in a statement that her client is pleased by the decision and looks forward to telling his side in court.
A state spokeswoman says defense lawyers are pleased only one count remains.
Links
- Frerichs Won’t Disclose Sex-Harassment Report On Rutherford
- Rutherford: Dismiss Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
- Rutherford Won’t Release Harassment Investigation
- Rutherford Defends Room Sharing, Denies Allegations In Campaign Visit
- Lawsuit Accuses Rutherford Of Sexual Harassment
- Rutherford Employee Resigns, Alleges Sexual Harrassment
- Rutherford: Gov’s Rival Behind Staffer’s Allegations
- Rutherford Calls For Strategic Closure Of Prisons
- Rutherford Wins Champaign Co. Republican Straw Poll
- Gubernatorial Candidates Dillard, Rutherford Announce Running Mates
- Rutherford Addresses Finances, Same-Sex Marriage in Campaign Swing