Former House Speaker Jeff Hoover, and Republican lawmakers James DeCesare, and Michael Meredith are trying to prevent the public release of a deposition taken from a former staffer who accused them of sexually harassing her.
The former staffer was subpoenaed in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by her former supervisor Daisy Olivo (oh-LEE-vo), who alleges she was retaliated against for raising questions about sexual harassment.
Her lawyer, Shane Sidebottom, said that the woman’s deposition includes allegations of sexual assault.
“Jane Doe reported to both of my clients incidents of sexual harassment and possible sexual assault. My clients reported that internally as they felt their duty was under the law," said Sidebottom.
The lawmakers are requesting that the woman’s deposition be sealed, saying that it includes information that compromises a non-disclosure agreement.
Last year, Hoover and three other House Republicans admitted to paying the woman $110,000 in an out-of-court settlement.
Hoover is running unopposed for his seat representing House District 83 in the southern part of the state. Another one of the accused representatives, Michael Meredith will face off against Democrat Bill Fishback in the 19th District race near Bowling Green.
