Judge Dismisses Sexual Harassment Suit Against Ex-Supervisor Fletcher

San Diego Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner dismissed the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Grecia Figueroa against former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, citing her intentional destruction and withholding of evidence crucial to the case. The suit alleged Fletcher sexually assaulted Figueroa and retaliated against her by orchestrating her firing from the Metropolitan Transit System, where Fletcher was chair. Fletcher denied the allegations, acknowledging only a consensual relationship, and resigned from his political positions amid the controversy. The judge characterized Figueroa's actions as "rampant and willful spoliation of evidence," including deletion of messages and recordings, which justified terminating the case. Figueroa and her attorneys expressed shock and disrespect over the ruling and announced plans to appeal. The dismissal effectively ends the lawsuit that had significant repercussions on local politics and Fletcher's career, though Fletcher continues to pursue a defamation case against Figueroa.