Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Assistant Sues

A former administrative assistant for Bernalillo County Sheriff Dan Houston has filed a lawsuit in New Mexico claiming the sheriff created a hostile workplace for women.

Deborah Garcia provided a copy of her Aug. 28 complaint to the Albuquerque Journal.

In the filing, Garcia alleges Houston made comments about female employees’ clothing, body size and breast size. She also says he made negative remarks about her religion.

Garcia’s suit comes on the heels of Houston’s former spokeswoman making similar allegations. Jennifer Vega-Brown said in a lawsuit earlier this month Houston retaliated against her for raising concerns about sexual harassment against Hispanic women in his office.

The sheriff says he fired Vega-Brown for poor job performance and denied making derogatory comments.

Houston did not return telephone calls seeking comment Thursday.