A federal workplace sexual harassment lawsuit against New Windsor and a town judge has now reached a settlement.
The lawsuit accuses New Windsor Town Justice George Meyers Jr. of making repeated sexual advances toward a female senior court clerk.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. Southern District Court of New York, Meyers frequently asked the victim out for drinks and to accompany him during other social gatherings. Court records claim the judge made comments about the victim’s physical appearance at work that caused other employees to believe she and Meyers were in a physical relationship, even though the victim is married and repeatedly refused alleged advances.
In one instance, the lawsuit claims Meyers remarked to the victim that, “If I had my way, then we would both just get {expletive} and go back to my place but since you’re married - that’s not happening.” During another alleged encounter, Meyers asked the victim to join him for drinks with friends, according to legal documents, and when she declined, allegedly later sent her a photo of a liquor bottle by text saying the group relocated the gathering to his home and that the victim should join them.
The lawsuit states that when the victim came forward to the town for help, Meyers retaliated by making statements critical of her workplace performance and remarks that led the woman to believe her job would be in jeopardy. Meyers’ father at the time was the town supervisor.
The victim’s attorney, Michael Sussman, says the settlement is confidential but that his client is satisfied by the resolution of the case and is looking forward to continuing her service for the town.
An attorney for Meyers and the Town of New Windsor had no comment on the lawsuit or settlement.
A hearing in Meyers’ case was recently held by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, but a spokesperson says the outcome of the proceeding is being kept confidential.
Meyers was suspended several months ago by the state Office of Court Administration. It’s not clear if he will return to the bench. News 12 reached out to court officials for information and is waiting to hear back.