Struggle over confidentiality in sexual harassment settlement

Posted on Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 at 4:09 pm    

St. Clair County, Illinois state attorney Brendan Kelly issued the settlements for five women who were allegedly sexually harassed by former county clerk Bob Delaney, the Madison-St. Clair Record reported on May 15.

The five women, who lodged sexual harassment complaints via the Illinois Human Rights Commission, were paid amounts of $200,000; $150,000; $135,000; $90,000; and another $90,000, respectively, for compensatory and punitive damages, totaling $665,000.

Kelly redacted the names of the victims due to the privacy concerns of the women. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked Kelly to identify the names of the complainants because, despite confidentiality clauses in the settlement, public policy demands transparency when distributing taxpayers’ money. However, it was the view of Assistant State Attorney Sean Murley that the plaintiffs had the right to be insulated from public scrutiny due to the humiliation they may suffer as a result of the subject matter.

A person charged with a sexual crime in Illinois can face grave ramifications if convicted. If you are involved in a dangerous situation of this nature, don’t hesitate to seek the legal assistance and representation of our attorneys at the Bruno Law Offices by calling 217-328-6000.