Harris County must pay $1.5 million to settle police officer sexual misconduct lawsuit – Houston Public Media

Harris County agreed to a settlement in a 2021 civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct and exploitation during undercover operations by the Harris County 1st District Sheriff’s Office.

During a board meeting this week, commissioners agreed to pay four women $1.5 million.

The lawsuit consisted of complaints from female police officers who alleged that they were sexually abused while on undercover missions. The young police officers were sexually harassed, inappropriately touched, sexually taunted and sexually molested.

The actions, described in the lawsuit as “bachelor party operations,” were intended to arrest the masterminds of human trafficking.

At the request of Commissioner Lesley Briones, a discussion on the lawsuit took place during Tuesday’s board meeting and was approved by vote.

District Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from voting, saying one of her attorneys was working for the plaintiffs in the case.

Constable Alan Rosen defended his department and his deputies throughout the proceedings. A fifth woman joined the proceedings at the beginning but was not part of the settlement.