Oakland will pay 1M to former city employee in sexual harassment case settlement

Oakland will pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Candace Reese Walters, a former public information officer for the Department of Violence Prevention. Walters accused the city and other defendants of discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation during her employment from April 2022 to April 2023. The City Council unanimously approved the settlement this week, with the city attorney stating it aims to avoid further litigation without admitting liability. Walters alleged that her former boss, Guillermo Cespedes, made inappropriate comments and sexually pursued her while paying her less than male colleagues in similar roles. After submitting anonymous whistleblower complaints, she was fired just before her transition to a permanent position.

Her attorney emphasized that the $1 million settlement reflects the city's acknowledgment of the significant risks associated with a potential trial. Cespedes' attorney denied all allegations and claimed independent investigations cleared him. The case follows similar accusations from another DVP employee against Cespedes, highlighting ongoing issues within the department.