Former DCI agent speaks out about harassment, retaliation
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A former Division of Criminal Investigation agent hopes a jury's $1.2 million verdict in her favor sends a strong message about the need to believe sexual harassment victims.
Laura Zylstra Kaiser says her case wasn't so much about sexual harassment but retaliation for reporting it. She says it's also about the actions of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, who oversees the DCI and is running for governor.
Kaiser got a stellar review just before a new a colleague joined her on the Aberdeen Area Drug Task Force in 2011. She says he soon began making inappropriate comments. She complained to superiors, got a bad review and a demotion. She eventually quit. Last week a jury awarded her $1.2 million.