Louisiana secretary of state accused of harassment

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler has been accused of sexual harassment by an employee who said in a lawsuit the harassment has been ongoing for more than a decade.

The female employee, who continues to work for the department, said Schedler provided unsolicited gifts like flowers and sex tapes in her lawsuit filed in 19th District Court.

"On countless occasions, Schedler showed up at Petitioner’s doorstep with unwanted gifts, including wine, love letters and cards, clothing articles, and even sex tapes which Schedler pronounced would encourage Petitioner to want him," the lawsuit alleges.

Schedler, who is married but separated, sent a statement to USA Today Network and other media outlets denying the allegations of harassment.

Late Thursday, he conceded the two had a sexual relationship, but said it was "consensual."

"We take any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously here at the Secretary of State’s Office," Schedler said in the written statement. "I have not seen the suit or the specific details but as the father of three grown daughters and three granddaughters, I can assure the public that I believe in a safe workplace, free from harassment, and will continue my record of transparency with my constituents."

Thursday afternoon the leader of the state Democratic Party called for Schedler, a Republican, to resign if he can't prove his innocence.

“Secretary of State Schedler either needs to clear his name or step down," said Stephen Handwerk. "It’s deeply troubling that he isn’t denying the allegations and is still holding his position."

The employee was once Schedler's executive secretary, according to the lawsuit.

She alleges Schedler moved her to less desirable jobs within the department after she rebuffed his sexual advances.

The lawsuit clams Schedler bought a townhouse directly across from the employee so that he could spy on her.

She claims in the lawsuit whenever she played host to friends, "... particularly male friends, over at her house, went out with friends, refused to go to dinner or an event with Schedler, and/or refused his sexual advances, he retaliated by punishing her at work, transferring her to another work site with nothing to do, or embarrassing her at work and in front of her colleagues."

The lawsuit alleges Schedler referred to her as "My Dearest Sunshine" in cards.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney Jill Craft of Baton Rouge.

Schedler addressed his marital situation in the statement:

“My wife and I have been living apart for a long time and our friends and family have known of our personal status and have lovingly supported our decision," he said. "We still very much respect one another and are fully committed to sharing in family events with our children and grandchildren as often as possible.

"While I understand that my service as a public official opens my private life to outside scrutiny, I’ve found support from others who have experienced similar marital issues in their personal life and can empathize.”

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1