http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-914151.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The report of a Tampa law firm clears an Innovation Park board member of charges of sexual harassment made by Shanna Lewis, the former employee who is herself charged with embezzling $650,000 from the agency. Margie Menzel reports.
Former Innovation Park employee Lewis made the allegations against Hebrock on April 20. It took three months for the Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez & Hearing law firm to investigate the sexual harassment allegations and conclude the "alleged conduct had not actually occurred." Hebrock, who is known for asking detailed questions in his capacity as a board member, said Lewis had a motive for the charge.
"It looks like the motive behind the allegation was to prevent me from becoming treasurer of the organization," said Hebrock, "because board members don't really interact with the staff that much. Had I become treasurer, I would have had to interact with her more, and we probably would have found the theft much, much sooner."
Hebrock said he hasn't consulted an attorney about how the allegations were initially handled and doesn't want to. Lewis faces decades in prison if convicted.