Two former employees settle sexual harassment lawsuits against Delaware County, 911 trust authority in Oklahoma

Shelby Haggard, a former supervisor, and Joey Lambert, a former 911 dispatcher, filed federal civil rights lawsuits in May 2009 against the Delaware County commissioners and the Delaware County E911 Trust Authority, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, according to court records.

Haggard's lawsuit settled for $86,500 and Lambert's case settled for $31,000, Commissioner Doug Smith said.

“I'm angry for the amount of time the settlement dragged out,” Lambert said. “I have been struggling with this since 2006. The reason I settled is because I want my life back.”

The settlements were announced in Tuesday's county commissioners meeting. The women were not present during the meeting.

None of the current commissioners were in office at the time of the allegations.

Smith declined to discuss the specifics of the settlements, saying the negotiations and settlements are confidential. He also declined to say if any disciplinary action would be levied against Don Murphy, the 911 supervisor.

“I am looking into a civil lawsuit with others (county employees) concerning Don Murphy,” Lambert said.