Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse is facing serious allegations of sexually harassing her former aide, Allyn Hershey, who is now demanding $750,000 in damages. Hershey claims that Clouse pressured him into dating her, then made him run errands, buy her things, and loan her money before firing him just 30 minutes after he reported the relationship to county authorities. While Clouse was suspended from some duties, an outside investigator found she likely did not sexually harass or retaliate against Hershey. However, Hershey disagrees and has filed a lawsuit against Clouse.
The relationship between Clouse and Hershey included a period of consensual romantic/sexual involvement, but Hershey felt pressured and uncomfortable with certain aspects of the relationship. The lawsuit also alleges that Clouse made false claims of sexual assault against Hershey as a form of retaliation. Despite denials from Clouse’s attorney, Hershey is determined to expose what he believes to be inconsistencies and lies in the investigator’s report.
Hershey’s decision to speak out publicly about the alleged misconduct stems from his belief that the public deserves to know the truth about Clouse’s character, not just her policies. He hopes that voters will consider the allegations and make an informed decision about whether Clouse is fit to remain in office. The lawsuit and ongoing legal battle highlight the complex nature of the allegations and the potential impact on the political landscape in Thurston County.
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