As a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer who also deals with sexual harassment cases, Edith A Pearce has found recent developments in the case between the Philadelphia Housing Authority and former chief Carl R. Greene to be quite interesting. As part of this lawsuit, the fact that Greene has paid off three women for sexual harassment claims is becoming relevant in the defamation lawsuit he has filed against the PHA.
Initially, one of the women, Carolyn Griffith, was willing to testify in the defamation case. However, Greene’s attorney claimed that the testimony in the sexual harassment case was not relevant to the defamation case and should not be allowed as evidence. However, the Judge disagreed. “Sexual harassment allegations are relevant,” U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter wrote in an order, allowing Griffith to testify against Greene. , yet her testimony was being kept out of the courts. In a recent ruling, judge Buckwalter ruled that it should be entered into the courts as part of the case. Greene’s attorney also tried to keep Griffith’s testimony from being covered by the public press. However, Judge Buckwalter would not allow a secret testimony, making her coming testimony totally public and fully admissible. Griffith has been threatened with “appropriate action” if she testified by Greene’s side, according to PHA attorneys. Because of these threats, Griffith failed to appear for a deposition. Buckwalter’s order prevents these types of threats as well as any other action that would prohibit Griffith from testifying.
This case shows that accusations of sexual harassment are something to be taken very seriously. This is why it is so important to have a capable attorney on your side when filing these types of cases. Our firm is ready to help you if you feel you have been the victim of sexual harassment, so call us today to schedule a consultation.
For more information about a sexual harassment case, contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at The Pearce Law Firm.