Matrenga
GALVESTON - A Galveston County constable who is the target of a recent sexual harassment lawsuit has lost her bid for re-election.
Pam Matranga was defeated in the Republican primary for the Galveston County Precinct 7 Constable seat last week, according to the county's latest election returns.
League City resident Rick Sharp received 50 percent of the votes to beat Matranga's showing of 39 percent in the primary held May 29.
In court papers filed May 2 before the Galveston County 405th District Court, former Deputy Constable James P. Gist, of League City, alleges Matranga made unwanted and uninvited sexual advances toward him from May 2011 to late October 2011.
Gist claims there were approximately 10 instances in which Matranga supposedly tried to seduce him.
Gist's original petition explains that prior to the last encounter with Matranga on Oct. 26, 2011, he began using a recording device in an effort to record and collect evidence of the harassment.
The defendant learned about the device, summoned him to her office and informed that he "was suspended until further notice," according to the suit.
The plaintiff claims Matranga notified the Galveston County District Attorney's Office about the recording device just to get even with him.
Court records as of June 1 show no original answer from Matranga.
Sharp, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, will run unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election since there is no Democratic opponent.
Case No. 12-cv-1159