Delis lawsuit settled

From the Daily News:

The city has paid a $98,000 settlement to a former female staffer at Community Board 1 in Astoria who had claimed in a federal lawsuit that she was sexually harassed by former Board 1 district manager George Delis.

Marcela Gutierrez's explosive allegations included Delis inviting her to watch pornographic films in his office, commenting about the size of her breasts and constantly bragging about his sexual conquests.

Gutierrez also claimed that Delis referred to her as a "hooker" and a "lesbian."

Gutierrez claimed she quit her $24,000-a-year job as an aide due to Delis' alleged abuse. Her lawyer, Bruce Bernstein of New Jersey, said they were satisfied with the settlement and declined further comment.

Delis, who retired in 2008 and is known as the "mayor of Astoria," said he favored fighting the charges all the way to a trial.

"Though the city opted to settle, there was no finding or admission of any wrongdoing by Mr. Delis," said Walter Kretz, an attorney hired by the city to represent Delis.

Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said it was unfortunate taxpayers had to foot the bill for Delis' alleged behavior. "He [Delis] should have to reimburse the city for the damages," Gianaris said.

Delis hit with sex harass suit

From the Daily News:

A former female staffer at Community Board 1 in Astoria is alleging she was sexually harassed by longtime district manager George Delis, according to explosive charges in a lawsuit.

Marcela Gutierrez contends in the suit that she was forced to quit her job as a receptionist in December 2007 because her complaints about Delis' behavior were ignored by board Chairman Vinicio Donato and, as a result, her health was deteriorating.

Gutierrez alleges that Delis frequently made comments about his sexual prowess, twice invited her to watch pornographic films in his office, openly touched his private parts and referred to her as a "hooker" and a "lesbian," according to the suit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court.

Delis, 64, a charismatic community activist who is known as the "mayor of Astoria," retired in 2008 after 30 years as the district manager.

The suit also alleges that Delis was thrown under the bus by Donato in sworn testimony before an unemployment insurance appeal board.

"Mr. Donato testified that 'On many occasions, [Gutierrez] had come to me complaining about [Delis'] abusive language to her and reference to her sexual preference,'" according to the complaint.
Donato refused to comment, but Delis had plenty to say about the suit.

"I had nothing but problems with her," Delis told the Daily News.

"She was totally incompetent. She bragged about being gay, and she hit on every woman who came in the office. Why would I watch adult movies with her? I couldn't stand her."