UPDATE: District Attorney Jay Gaither released the following statement Friday:
βI have made a public statement regarding the true circumstances of my former employeeβs departure from my office. Β At this time I believe it is incumbent upon her to address the issue of whether she had a sexual relationship with a married defense attorney who regularly appeared as opposing counsel in her Court. Β I believe she owes that to the voters of this district.
While I am human and I make mistakes, I own up to the mistakes I make. Β This is not one of those occasions. Β Her claim of sexual harassment is unfounded and false, which is why her EEOC complaint was dismissed.βΒ
STATESVILLE, NC —Β A bombshell lawsuit filed against the District Attorney for Burke, Catawba and Caldwell counties. Β Jay Gaither’s former employee says Gaither sexually harassed and intimidated her. Β Gaither says the lawsuit is a vendetta.
Former ADA Nikkie Shaffer filed the lawsuit against Gaither Thursday in federal court in Statesville. Β She claims he used his position to harass and intimidate her. Β She claims he would show up in her office when she was alone, and repeatedly make sexual advances. Β
The suit also says Gaither sent Shaffer repeated text messages. Β One says, “I’ve laid hands on you and love the feel of your body.” Β
Gaither released a statement saying Shaffer was forced to leave his office in 2013 after she was caught in bed with a married defense attorney. Β
Shaffer is now an Assistant District Attorney for Transylvania and Polk counties. Β She is represented by the law firm of James, McElroy and Diehl. Β The suit asks for a trial by jury and for punitive damages, but does not say how much.Β
