By Nathan Duke
A former staff member at Astoria’s Community Board 1 has filed a lawsuit which accuses former district manager George Delis of sexually harassing her during her three-year stint at the board’s office.
The suit, which also names CB 1 Board Chairman Vinicio Donato and Borough President Helen Marshall, alleges that Marcela Gutierrez was forced to quit her job as a receptionist for the board in December 2007 because Donato ignored her complaints of sexual harassment against Delis.
According to the suit, filed June 10 in New York’s Eastern District Court, Delis allegedly referred to Gutierrez as a “hooker” and a “lesbian” as well as bragged about his sexual conquests and prowess. The former district manager is also accused of inviting Gutierrez to watch pornographic films with him, according to the suit.
“On many occasions, [Gutierrez] had come to me and complained about [Delis’] abusive language to her and reference to her sexual preference,” Donato said during sworn testimony before an unemployment insurance appeal board, according to the complaint.
Donato told the appeal board that he did not believe he could get CB 1 to discipline Delis, according to the complaint.
But Delis denied Gutierrez’s claims, saying the two of them had never gotten along.
“I never trusted her and never felt comfortable with her,” he said. “Why would I watch adult movies with heri Vinny Donato hired her over my objection — she’s his friend. I tolerated her, but she was a very difficult person. She did what she wanted and came and went when she wanted. She had an attitude problem.”
Delis said he has received hundreds of calls from community members who have expressed their support for him.
“Vinny and I worked together for 30 years,” he said. “Hundreds of employees came through my office and we never had a problem with any of them. [Gutierrez] is looking to make a fast buck.”
Bruce Bernstein, Gutierrez’s lawyer, said he did not have any comment outside of the complaint.
“The complaint is so specific and I don’t think I can add anything more,” he said.
Delis retired as CB 1’s district manager in spring 2008 after having worked 30 years with the board. In 1998, he ran as a Democrat against state Sen. George Onorato (D-Astoria) and had planned a City Council run in 2001 before Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) stepped into the race.
The city Law Department said it would not comment on pending litigation.
The suit, which does not specify a specific monetary amount, also names the borough president, who appoints district managers and has a supervisory relationship with the community boards. Marshall’s office could not be reached for comment.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
