Facts

Sgt. Tera White filed a lawsuit against her former mentor, Lt. Patrick Valdez of the Norwalk Police Department and the City of Los Angeles alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.

White began her law enforcement career with the Pasadena Police Department in 1987. She later moved to Norwalk as a patrol sargeant in 2005. Valdez was in charge of White's orientation.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
White contended that Valdez's harassment ranged from asking her out on dates to uninvited contact. White contended that Valdez when began tormenting her, White initially handled the problem without informing her supervisors. When she eventually complained of the harassment, White was transferred to the Sheriff's Department's Star Center in Whittier. White's position at Star Center was tantamount to being a receptionist.

Further, White contended that Valdez claimed that he tried to help White out when she first came to the Norwalk station. White tried to be promoted to lieutenant, but was passed over by another candidate, who her supervisors thought was a better fit for the position.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Valdez contended that he had been exonerated through criminal and internal investigations conducted into White's complaints. Valdez's own promotion to lieutenant was delayed by the investigations against him.

Result

The jury rendered a verdict in favor of White and awarded her $211,700 for enduring years of harassment. The panel, however, rejected her retaliation claim.

Other Information

FILING DATE: October 2008.

Deliberation

four hours