HARASSMENT CASE: Sexual Harassment Case against Reverend, Archdiocese Settled Days before Trial

November 4, 2010

Los Angeles - A sexual harassment case that was filed against a revered and an archdiocese has been settled days before the scheduled trial, reports said.

A former church employee identified as Alma Burciaga sued Rev. Antonio Esteban and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Education & Welfare Corp. Inc. in 2009.

Burciaga alleged that the reverend spanked her buttocks and hugged her in a “sexual manner” while she was working as a cook and janitor at the Epiphany Catholic Church in January 2007.

She further claimed that when she reported the incident to her supervisor, she was asked to “endure the harassment.” Her doctor then placed her on a medical leave.

According to the lawsuit, the former employee was not reinstated by the archdiocese though her physician allowed her to work, as long as she will not be near the priests.

Reports said the trial was scheduled on Monday, but the defendants’ lawyers filed papers with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu claiming that the problems has already been resolved.