An investigation found substantial evidence that the executive director of Universal Services hugged and kissed a Harris County employee in the workplace, constituting sexual harassment. As a result, the county administrator instructed the executive director to complete one-on-one training on sexual harassment policies and web-based sexual harassment training. However, when following up, the county administrator learned the executive director was unwilling to participate in the required trainings.
An investigation found substantial evidence that the executive director of Universal Services hugged and kissed a Harris County employee in the workplace, constituting sexual harassment. As a result, the county administrator instructed the executive director to complete one-on-one training on sexual harassment policies and web-based sexual harassment training. However, when following up, the county administrator learned the executive director was unwilling to participate in the required trainings.
An investigation found substantial evidence that the executive director of Universal Services hugged and kissed a Harris County employee in the workplace, constituting sexual harassment. As a result, the county administrator instructed the executive director to complete one-on-one training on sexual harassment policies and web-based sexual harassment training. However, when following up, the county administrator learned the executive director was unwilling to participate in the required trainings.
To: MG Richard Noriega, Executive Director, Universal Services
Fm: David Berry, County Administrator Cc: Diana Ramirez, Incoming County Administrator Re: Discussion Regarding Investigation Findings
Dear General Noriega,
On April 11, I notified you that the Office of Human Resources & Risk Management received a complaint of alleged sexual harassment by you. Specifically, it was alleged that on one occasion you hugged a Harris County employee and kissed her on the cheek in the workplace. A thorough investigation found there was substantial evidence to support that you had in fact done so. In my April 11 letter, I instructed that you meet with Erika Owens for one-on-one training to provide additional clarity regarding sexual harassment, the propriety of touching, and the Harris County Non-Discrimination and Anti-harassment Policy. I also instructed that you attend and complete a web-based Sexual Harassment Training offered through Human Resources & Risk Management within the next 15 days. I would like to clarify that these trainings are required regardless of what trainings you have completed in the past. Finally, if you wish for another employee from HRRM to provide you the one-on-one training, I am willing to grant this request. As a County leader, I am confident that you understand the seriousness of these allegations, which I also take very seriously. As of this morning, I had not heard any response from you since the date of my letter. When we did speak this morning, you indicated that you did not intend to take these required trainings. If that is not the case, and you are willing to take the trainings, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Harris County Office of County Administration
1001 Preston St, Suite #500, Houston, TX 77002 oca.harriscountytx.gov