Government settles lawsuit with Duryea woman over alleged groping in Social Security office

The federal government agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by a woman who said she was groped by an administrative law judge with the Social Security administration, according to the woman’s attorney.

Alice De Quevedo of Duryea sued Judge Sridhar Boini and the federal government last year, alleging Boini grabbed her breast and attempted to kiss her at the Social Security office in Scranton in July 2012.

The lawsuit, filed by Attorney Larry Moran of Scranton, claimed the government knew Judge Boini was previously accused of indecently assaulting another female in 2011, but failed to take action against him.

Normally, The Citizens’ Voice does not identify victims of sexual assault but De Quevedo requested her name be used.

Moran said he believes the settlement, which did not contain a confidentiality agreement, was fair given the circumstances of the case. The action is one of two lawsuits De Quevedo filed. She also sued Boini in Lackawanna County court. That suit remains pending.

Boini pleaded guilty in January 2013, to simple assault in connection with De Quevedo’s case and was suspended. A closed door hearing was held in October over whether he will be fired.

Moran sought information regarding the outcome of that hearing, but was told the record was sealed by the judge presiding over the case.

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com

View Original Article