Retired Deputy Sheriff Files Lawsuit Against Preston

Roger Neel/WNBF News [file][/caption]Broome County Executive Debra Preston is being sued by a woman who recently retired as a sergeant with the county sheriff's office.

In the lawsuit, Dawn Shafer claims she left her job as of last week because of "ongoing harassment and discriminatory conduct" by Preston.

According to a complaint made by Shafer, Preston started harassing her after Shafer began a relationship with Thomas Delamarter, the parks and water superintendent for the town of Conklin.

Shafer said she observed Preston driving by her Conklin home, apparently keeping an eye on her.

Shafer also contends Preston tried to put her job in jeopardy and adversely affected her relationship with colleagues in the sheriff's office.

The legal action being brought in State Supreme Court in Broome County seeks unspecified damages.

Shafer's attorney, Ronald Benjamin of Binghamton, says she contacted him regarding the matter about six weeks ago. She left her job after working more than 25 years with the county agency.

Benjamin told WNBF News that he views Preston's actions as a "gross abuse of authority."

Broome County attorney Richard Behnke released a statement on behalf of Preston. The statement indicated Shafer's allegations "are without merit" and that Preston intends to seek the dismissal of the complaint.