Settlement considered in lawsuit by officer

CARSON CITY -- A state panel will consider Tuesday whether to pay the Nevada Highway Patrol's first female captain nearly half a million dollars to settle a federal civil rights case alleging sexual harassment and misconduct by top patrol officials.

The attorney general's office has recommended that the Board of Examiners approve the $480,000 settlement for Capt. Jacquelyn Sandage, whose lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation and other claims.

Sandage filed her lawsuit in U.S. District Court in late 2006, just months after the patrol's chief resigned and one of his majors was demoted following a Department of Public Safety investigation into allegations they sexually harassed Sandage.

Col. David Hosmer, 50, resigned, and Maj. Robert Wideman, 49, chief of the Northern Nevada command, was demoted.

In a brief report to the Board of Examiners, newly appointed Department of Public Safety Director Jerry Hafen asked for a settlement, "including conditions that will remedy the disruptive effect Captain Sandage's involvement in the litigation is having on the department."

A source familiar with the settlement said Sandage will retain her rank and continue working on special projects, including homeland security, in the Department of Public Safety director's office.

The Board of Examiners, made up of Gov. Jim Gibbons, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Secretary of State Ross Miller, must approve the settlement.

Neither Sandage nor her attorney could be reached for comment.

The complaint predates the current administration of the Public Safety Department and the Nevada Highway Patrol.

In her complaint filed in November 2006, Sandage said she was "leered at" by a high ranking highway patrol official and told, "you look good in uniform. I like a woman in uniform."

The complaint says that Hosmer once said: "I know why I don't like that new jacket, I can't see your ass."

Sandage said Hosmer referred to her as "the princess" and that some male troopers openly referred to her by a derogatory sexual phrase and that such references were tolerated by management.

Sandage also said a job application for McDonald's restaurant was placed in her office mail box and that Hosmer openly made sexist remarks and jokes.

Sandage also says she was subjected to at least one unfounded attempt to discipline her.

Sandage said the Department of Public Safety was aware of Hosmer's attitudes and behavior but took no action.

"The NHP has a history of bypassing procedures with regard to promotions and assignments and to affording promotions and favorable assignments based on influence and connections," Sandage said in the complaint. "Such a practice has resulted in discrimination against plaintiff and other female employees, who have not benefitted from the 'good ol' boy' system maintained by the NHP to the degree male employees have benefitted."

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.