Complaints filed against women in Ohio AG scandal

7/17/2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio Two women whose claims of sexual harassment triggered a scandal at the Ohio attorney general s office have been accused of harassing co-workers.

Complaints filed against Vanessa Stout and Cindy Stankoski say they fostered a hostile work environment in the office by intimidating co-workers with dirty looks and inappropriate comments.

A spokesman for the attorney general s office says the employment complaints are being investigated. An attorney for Stout and Stankoski says the allegations are part of a pattern of retaliation.

In March, Stout and Stankoski accused a top aide to then-Attorney General Marc Dann of sexual harassment. Two aides were fired and another forced to resign following an investigation.

Dann resigned in May after he acknowledged having an extramarital affair with a subordinate, which he said contributed to an inappropriate atmosphere in the office.