January 18, 2010 9:03 AM
FROM STAFF REPORTS

SAN BERNARDINO • District Attorney Michael A. Ramos did not harass a coworker after their consensual relationship ended, according to portions of an independent investigation released by San Bernardino County’s Department of Human Resources on Friday.

Former District Attorney’s office employee Cheryl Ristow of Redlands filed a $1.5 million claim against the county last week. Ristow originally accused Ramos of sexual harassment last year, saying he pursued her after a 3 1/2-year “intimate relationship” between them ended. Ristow also said she faced a hostile work environment and retaliation, including being written up for prior “trivial” violations.

Ramos denied the allegations, calling them “false and politically motivated.”

The county ordered an investigation by a neutral third party, which found there was no retaliation aimed at Ristow, and that the performance-related actions taken against her were “based on objective, verifiable and current concerns.”

The law firm did not investigate reports of sexual harassment, the county report states.

To read entire story, click here.