Woman in sexual harassment case loses job, attorney says

The newest member of the state House Democratic leadership team has terminated a woman who has a pending sexual harassment case against a former Democratic lawmaker.

Yolanda Costner’s attorney, Thomas Clay, said she was notified of her dismissal on Wednesday. Costner worked for former House Democratic whip Tommy Thompson. But state Rep. Johnny Bell ousted Thompson earlier this month in a leadership election.

Bell did not return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

It is not uncommon for new leaders to hire their own staff. But Costner was at the center of a high profile sexual harassment lawsuit against former Democratic state Rep. John Arnold. Clay said he intends to add Bell as a party to Costner’s lawsuit.

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