Former assistant DA files complaint
By John Stevenson, The Herald-Sun
November 6, 2006 10:19 pm
DURHAM -- Former Durham Assistant District Attorney Ashley Cannon confirmed Monday that she has filed a sexual-harassment complaint against someone in her old office.
She said the complaint was filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Raleigh, which oversees judicial operations statewide. This could not be confirmed with the administrative office Monday evening.
Cannon said one element of her complaint was that District Attorney Mike Nifong failed to take action when she informed him of the alleged harassment.
Nifong had no comment.
Cannon would not name the person who allegedly harassed her or provide any further information.
Friday was her last work day at the Durham District Attorney's Office. She began a new job as an assistant prosecutor for Orange and Chatham counties on Monday.
"I really don't want to get into the details of it," Cannon said of her complaint. "It's something that needs to be handled by the AOC. I can't discuss it further. I'm just starting a new job."
Cannon's complaint marked the second time in a year that a Durham court official was accused of sexual harassment.
Late in 2005, former Public Defender Bob Brown was suspended and then resigned for alleged harassment against one of his assistant attorneys. The woman claimed Brown bothered her with numerous comments, gestures and actions -- but no actual touching.
Meanwhile, Cannon's former boss -- Nifong -- is up for election today in a campaign that has been marked by acrimony and virulence.
A veteran of 27 years as a Durham prosecutor, Nifong faces challenges from local Republican Party Chairman Steve Monks and County Commissioner Lewis Cheek, who has said he would not serve if elected.
Monks and Cheek are running on an unaffiliated basis. Cheek's name will be on the ballot, but Monks is running on a write-in basis.
If Cheek polls the most votes, Gov. Mike Easley would appoint someone to serve in his place.
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