Judge agrees to settlement in sexual harassment case

BILLINGS (AP) – An eastern Montana judge has agreed to settle a sexual harassment complaint filed by his former court reporter and plans to resign on Jan. 1.

However, the state is asking a judge in Lewis and Clark County to declare it’s not obliged to pay any damages on behalf of District Judge George “Jerry” Huss of Forsyth.

The Billings Gazette reports Huss and the woman, with the help of a mediator, entered into a stipulation that says she is entitled to more than $744,000 and that the state’s Office of the Court Administrator is responsible for payment.

The state argues Huss’ sexual harassment did not arise out of the course or scope of his employment and the Office of the Court Administrator — which employs the judges — was not notified about the negotiations.