Sexual harassment suit against police dropped

-- Deepa Bharath

A former Costa Mesa police officer dropped her sexual harassment

lawsuit against the department Thursday in a settlement agreement.

According to a settlement finalized Thursday, Nancy McAllister, who

currently works at the city jail as a custody officer, agreed to dismiss

her claim in return for getting back lost vacation time and gaining

seniority in her current post, city officials said.

No money was paid to settle the claim.

McAllister, who joined the department as a cadet, was fired in 1997 --

just two days before she would have completed her probationary period as

a sworn police officer. She claimed she lost her job in retaliation for

complaining about the behavior of male police officers.

McAllister was one of three female officers who jointly filed the

sexual harassment lawsuit in November 1997. Kathy Sothard’s case was

dismissed without trial in April. In May, a jury decided June Romine was

not a victim of sexual harassment.

Costa Mesa Police Chief David Snowden has consistently denied all

allegations.

“We feel there was no wrongdoing,” he said. “We did a thorough

investigation and the case had no merit.”

McAllister was not available for comment Thursday.

Although McAllister will not return to work on the police force -- she

will continue her job as a custody officer -- city officials will certify

that she has completed her probation period as a police officer. The

department has agreed to help her get basic certification from the state

Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.