Former employee sues Assemblyman Steve Fox

A former legislative director for Assemblyman Steve Fox has sued the lawmaker in Superior Court, contending that he forced her to work on cases from his private law practice and, on one occasion, exposed himself to her.

The suit by Nancy K. Finnigan also alleges that the lawmaker fostered a hostile office work environment, and that he targeted her in “to prevent her from reporting the continuing illegal and improper conduct…”

Fox sp0kesperson Lisa Gasperoni called Finnigan’s suit “nothing more than a disgruntled former employee attempting to extort Mr. Fox in the middle of his re-election campaign.”

“I’m confident that the voters will see this flawed claim for what it is, and focus on the millions of dollars Mr. Fox has brought to the district to create and keep good paying jobs in the Antelope Valley.”

Details of the six-count complaint were first reported by Law360.com, which covers legal news.

Assemblyman Steve Fox, D-Palmdale.

Fox, D-Palmdale employed Finnigan for about six months, from December 2012 to May 2013.

She said she performed a number of functions, including helping the lawmaker with his wardrobe, obtaining toiletries and assisting him in finding an apartment.

In February 2013, Fox exposed himself to her, according to Finnigan. Fox had not been present for a vote, and she went to the apartment to get him. He answered the door partially naked, she alleged.

Earlier this year, a complaint was filed by a paralegal at Finnigan’s law firm accusing him of violating state wage and labor laws. At the time, Fox called the suit “defamatory.”
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Ed’s Note: Adds comment from Fox campaign spokeswoman, 3rd and fourth grafs.