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Complaint against PSC official still unresolved

But state officials say an investigation into a harassment charge lodged against Rudy Bradley is continuing.

LOUIS HAU
Published October 31, 2003

An investigation into a sexual harassment complaint against Florida Public Service Commissioner Rudy Bradley remains unresolved more than three months after the complaint was filed.

The delay has been frustrating for former Bradley aide Breda Platt, who filed a complaint with the PSC in mid July, according to her attorney, Tom Brooks of Meyer & Brooks PA in Tallahassee.

Platt, who joined Bradley's staff in March, alleged that he repeatedly asked her about her sex life, appeared to stare at her at "chest level" and "waist level" and became more critical about her work when she confronted him about his behavior.

"We are still awaiting a response, and we've been promised several times that there was a resolution coming soon," Brooks said. "It seems every time we ask, it's at least another couple weeks." Platt, who was 26 at the time of her complaint, couldn't be reached for comment.

The investigation is being conducted by Chief Inspector General Derry Harper, who is part of the governor's office. Alia Faraj, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jeb Bush, confirmed that the probe was continuing but said it wasn't yet clear when it would be concluded.

"The Florida inspector general takes a thorough look at the information provided to him, and we need to ensure that we talk to the appropriate people and gather the appropriate information in the best interests of both parties," Faraj said.

Within days of filing the complaint, Brooks said Platt met with representatives of the chief inspector general's office. Shortly thereafter, she was questioned by Lynne Winston, inspector general of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and John Franco, inspector general of the Department of Education, who were asked to assist in the investigation, Brooks said.

Since then, there hasn't been much else to do but wait, he said.

Bradley, 57, "has been allowed to go ahead with his life and his profession and she's been left in limbo," Brooks said. "She'd like to get on with her life." Platt remains on paid leave from the PSC.

Bradley, a former state representative from St. Petersburg, was in Miami on Thursday attending a PSC public hearing and couldn't be reached for comment. According to a PSC report in July, Bradley said Platt's allegations were false.

PSC spokeswoman Thelma Crump referred calls on the matter to the chief inspector general.

- Louis Hau can be reached at hau@sptimes.com or 813226-3404.

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