Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state of Oregon and the former head of the state’s police academy will pay $450,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit.

A former employee of John Minnis accused the agency director of making unwanted sexual advances and exploiting her alcoholism to ply her for sex.

The case pitted one state agency against another. The Bureau of Labor and Industries sued Minnis and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says he was prepared to seek more, as much as $2 million.

Brad Avakian: “But it’s very difficult on an individual and a family to go through that kind of litigation. And Jane Doe, the victim in this case, was satisfied with the $450,000 and felt she could move on with her life. And we completely respect that.”

Minnis stepped down from Oregon’s police training academy in November. 

The woman’s attorney – Dana Sullivan – issued a statement saying her client is thankful to move on with her career.