Pennsylvania governor’s office settles for $295K a former staffer’s claim senior aide harassed her

By BROOKE SCHULTZ
Associated Press/Report for America

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — According to documents released by the administration late Friday under the state’s open records law, the office of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro settled a former employee’s claim she was sexually harassed by a senior aide earlier this year by agreeing to pay her and her lawyers $295,000. The settlement stems from allegations made by a coworker against Mike Vereb, who served as Shapiro’s secretary of legislative affairs until his resignation in September. Her attorney, Charles Pascal, confirmed the settlement, which provided more than $196,000 to the woman and more than $49,000 to both law firms she had hired to represent her through this process. He declined further comment.