Paterson pays $50,000 to settle ex-court employee’s sexual harassment lawsuit
By Jayed Rahman
Published: April 9, 2021
Municipal officials agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a former court employee’s sexual harassment lawsuit.
Noelia Batista, who worked as a court attendant, sued alleging on Nov. 29, 2017, during the morning court session at the municipal court, Albert Asphall, who was working as a prosecutor, walked behind her and “cupped her buttocks near her genital area with his hand.”
Asphall then walked away without saying anything, according to the lawsuit.
Batista reported the incident to court supervisor Gloria Schweitzer. The next day she reported the incident to court director Manuel Quiles.
Quiles put her in touch with assistant corporation counsel Rachel Nguyen. Nguyen had her complete a complaint form detailing the incident. She received a notice that an investigation would be taking place.
The lawsuit says no “proper investigation” was completed.
Asphall continues to work as a municipal prosecutor. He has been working for the city as an assistant corporation counsel since 2014, according to municipal records.
Batista, who began working for the city in October 2017, no longer works for the city.
Council members approved the settlement during a special meeting on Tuesday night.
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