GALVESTON - With six weeks to go until she is to appear at a bench trial to counter allegations raised in a 2012 sexual harassment suit against her, former Galveston County Precinct 7 Constable Pam Matranga will receive new counsel.
Matranga's current attorney, Donald S. Glywasky, submitted a motion to subsitute counsel Aug. 16 before the Galveston County 122nd District Court, announcing his retirement from the Galveston County Legal Department.
League City local and former Deputy Constable James P. Gist is suing Matranga for making unwanted and uninvited sexual advances toward him from May 2011 to late October 2011.
According to Gist, there were approximately 10 instances in which Matranga supposedly tried to seduce him.
His suit, filed May 2, 2012, shows 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.
Matranga learned about the device, suspended the complainant "until further notice" and informed the Galveston County District Attorney's Office about his supposed actions just to get even with him, court papers say.
Records as of early June 2012 indicate she reportedly refuted Gist's claims.
Meanwhile, the respondent lost her bid for re-election in the late May 2012 Republican primary to 30-year law enforcement veteran Rick Sharp.
Barry C. Willey will replace Glywasky pending a signed order from Galveston County 122nd District Court Judge John Ellisor.
The bench trial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Oct. 7.
Case No. 12-CV-1159
Attorney for former Galveston Co. constable sued for sexual harassment announces retirement, files motion to substitute
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