Tuesday, May 8, 2001
WARREN -- A Trumbull County jury found that a local attorney did not sexually harass one of his former secretaries.
The jury returned a verdict Monday in favor of Atty. George Kafantaris. Jurors deliberated three hours before returning the verdict.
Karen Longstreth of Warren, who had worked for Kafantaris in 1998, filed the civil lawsuit two years ago alleging that Kafantaris committed battery and sexually harassed her.
During the trial Kafantaris admitted having an affair with Longstreth but said the affair was consensual.
Atty. David J. Kovach, of Independence, who represents Longstreth, said he is disappointed with the verdict but "respects the hard work of the jury."
Kafantaris and his sister, Atty. Irene Makridis, who represented him, said they were "very, very pleased" with the verdict.
"This was a very big ordeal for my family, and I am very happy it's over," Kafantaris said.
Visiting Judge Dominick Olivito, of Steubenville, presided over the trial which started April 30.