ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608290052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: FREDERICKSBURG
An internal investigation found inappropriate behavior but nothing illegal in the Spotsylvania County assessment office.
Patricia Irving, who worked as a part-time appraiser in the office from 1994 to 1996, accused the office last month of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, nepotism and questionable hiring practices.
An investigation found ``no violation of law, although there has been inappropriate behavior by individuals in the assessment office,'' Deputy County Administrator Doug Walker said in a news release.
Walker refused further comment and would not provide copies of reports on the investigation conducted by County Attorney William Donnelly III and Personnel Director Susan Reynolds.
Under the county's personnel policy, Walker rules on harassment complaints.
In a letter to the Free Lance-Star and county officials last month, Irving alleged that women were exposed to sexually offensive comments by male counterparts and were treated unequally in job assignments. She said there was no uniform policy for hiring under former Commissioner of Revenue Mary Williams and thatWilliams filled positions with friends or relatives.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB