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County Hires Attorney For White

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By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 16, 2007

TAMPA - Hillsborough County officials have hired a private attorney to represent County Commissioner Kevin White and investigate a sexual harassment claim filed against him by a former aide.

Alyssa Ogden, 23, who was one of White's aides for seven months, filed a sexual harassment claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday. She was fired by White on Nov. 9.

Ogden says she was let go because she refused White's requests for kisses and other romantic propositions.

White said he fired Ogden for poor job performance.

On Thursday, the county retained Claire Saady, who has a Lutz firm that specializes in labor and employment law.
County Attorney Renee Lee said Saady will represent the county and White "until there's any reason not to."

Lee reports to county commissioners and said Wednesday that representing White could pose a conflict of interest. The case needs a lawyer with employment law expertise, she said.

Ogden said she accompanied White on a trip to Atlanta within days of being hired in April. She said White asked to share a bed with her and later repeatedly asked her for kisses and to give him a chance.

White denies her allegations, calling Ogden a "disgruntled employee."

Reporter Anthony McCartney can be reached at (813) 259-7616 or amccartney@tampatrib.com.

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