Statement From A.G. Schneiderman on Secret Deal to Pay Off Assemblyman Lopez Accusers in Sexual Harrasment Cases
NEW YORK, NY -- The following statement can be attributed to Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman:
“If true, the actions of Assemblyman Lopez are reprehensible, and the decision of the Assembly to keep secret the provision of ‑ and even the existence of ‑ a settlement agreement was wholly inappropriate and contrary to the public interest. Our office policy requires that agreements of this kind do not include confidentiality provisions. On May 30, 2012, an OAG attorney provided the Assembly's counsel with a copy of a model pre-litigation settlement agreement which included no provision mandating secrecy or confidentiality.
“Our office has already been in communication with Ellen Biben, the Executive Director of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. We have already provided the Commission and the press with copies of all communications with the Assembly in our possession relating to this matter, and stand ready to work with JCOPE to ensure a full and fair investigation.”
BACKGROUND ON OAG ROLE IN EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION