NEW YORK – New York City is paying $175,000 to settle a federal lawsuit by a former police officer who said she was sexually harassed by a lieutenant.
The settlement with 43-year-old Michele Alexander was finalized this week.
Alexander said the harassment started in 2009 when Lt. Jason Margolis told her his wife was out of town and she should come over to his house.
The lawsuit alleged that Margolis retaliated against Alexander when she complained to the Police Department’s office of equal employment opportunity.
Alexander has since retired from the department.
Her lawyer, JoAnn Squillace, said Alexander hopes her case will help the city improve its response to sexual harassment complaints.
A Law Department spokeswoman said the settlement was in the city’s best interest.
