Settlement in the Works in Sex Harassment Case

Settlement talks are underway in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought against Ventura County’s former chief administrative officer, officials confirmed Monday.

Lawyers for Harry Hufford made a pretrial settlement offer of about $150,000 to Terry Dryer, a former top deputy to Hufford who filed suit for $1 million. That figure, was rejected, but Dryer’s attorney, Donald Adams, made a counteroffer.

Adams would not discuss the new amount but said a settlement could come soon.

“We’re making some very good progress on it,” he said.

Trial is scheduled to begin May 19.

According to Dryer, Hufford, 71, made the administrative office environment so hostile that she was forced to take a disability leave in August 2001. She sued Hufford and the county in November 2001, seeking damages and lost wages.

In court records, Dryer claims Hufford was initially friendly and flirtatious, commenting on her attire and flame-red hair, but turned hostile after she ignored his alleged advances.

Hufford’s lawyers have said Dryer’s suit is without merit. They contend she filed the lawsuit to threaten Hufford after he took important work assignments away from her.

Dryer, 52, was one of Hufford’s top assistants when he served as interim county chief from January 2000 to March 2001. She did not return to her job after taking disability leave.

Any settlement would have to be approved by the Board of Supervisors. At least one supervisor, Oxnard’s John Flynn, thinks the county should not agree to a financial payout.

“Her case is pretty weak, from what I hear,” Flynn said. “And if it is weak, it’s not a good idea to settle, because it would be a catalyst for other lawsuits.”