ATLANTA — A federal court document filed in the Northern Georgia District Court shows a judge agreed to push back former Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard's alleged sexual harassment trial.
The trial was set for Monday, Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m. before the document was filed. The court document stated the trial was delayed because of a Columbia County criminal case. Attorneys for the plaintiff said in a news release Howard told the court he was representing a defendant in the separate case and this trial would be a conflict for his schedule.
Attorneys for the plaintiff said in the 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 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.
The 2020 complaint stated that when the woman finally commented on his actions, her office items were packed up and she was moved to another building with a different job; attorneys said she was eventually terminated. Attorneys for the woman in the complaint also believe more women could have been a victim of Howard's alleged actions.
11Alive reported in 2019 on a separate allegation where a former Fulton County administrator claimed sexual harassment. She also alleged Howard inappropriately touched her and made obscene comments over the span of months. She also believes that after calling attention to his alleged action, she was then demoted. Howard's attorney back in 2019 said the ex-admin's claims had no merit. Mario Williams, who represents both women, said to 11Alive on Wednesday 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.
The news release said the woman in the most recent case has been waiting to get her day in court. The attorney said that they are prepared to go to trial.
"She feels confident that a jury will vindicate her rights, which she alleges Paul Howard violated," Williams said.
Howard appears to be representing himself in this case, court records show.
A new trial date has not been set yet, Williams said. 11Alive has reached out to Howard for a comment on the recent delay, but have not yet received a response.