ATLANTA — A former Fulton County District Attorney was found not guilty in a long-awaited sexual harassment trial, according to attorneys.
A jury of 12 people was just recently seated in the case on Wednesday.
In a statement following the development, an attorney for the woman accusing Paul Howard of the behavior said they were "disappointed" in the verdict but said "the jury spoke" and added, "this is how the law works."
Howard was accused of pressuring a former employee into engaging in sexual activities on "multiple occasions," according to lawyers of the employee, who claimed she was the target of "unwarranted advances."
Attorneys for the plaintiff, Mario B. Williams and David Betts, said in a filed complaint Howard met the former employee while she worked at a Fulton County office in the 90s. She was later transferred to the district attorney's office after Howard took on the job.
The woman in the claim alleged Howard would make several advances at the work place, including at his office inside the Fulton County courthouse, and would even show up at her home. The complaint also claimed he would "pull strings" as a way to pressure or persuade her into his advances.
According to federal court documents, Howard and his team of attorneys tried to dismiss the case in the past. However, a federal judge ruled that there was enough credible evidence to proceed with the case, allowing it to go before a jury.
Part of that evidence, according to attorneys, includes an audio recording in which Howard allegedly requested sexual favors, among other evidence.
The woman's attorneys also said other women could be called to testify against the former D.A. for past allegations.
In 2019, 11Alive reported on a separate allegation where a former Fulton County administrator also claimed sexual harassment. She alleged Howard inappropriately touched her and made obscene comments over the span of months. She also believes that after calling attention to his alleged actions, she was then demoted. Howard's attorney back in 2019 said the ex-admin's claims had no merit.
Williams, who represents both women, previously told 11Alive that the complaint in the ex-administrator's case has been refiled due to procedural reasons. Attorneys are waiting for a response from Howard as they ask for a settlement demand.
11Alive reached out to Howard's team, who did not wish to comment at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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