Monessen mayor denies sexual harassment

Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis on Tuesday vehemently denied sexual harassment accusations included in a federal complaint filed Monday by a town meter maid.

Melissa Luketich, a single mother who has worked for the city since 2014, claims that when she approached the mayor about working more hours, he suggested a sex act.

Mr. Mavrakis, 80, who faces re-election next month, said the complaint was politically motivated by opponents’ “vindictiveness” that has dogged him since he was first elected four years ago.

“These people are vicious,” said Mr. Mavrakis, who added that he had not seen the complaint.

“If I lose this election, fine. They’ve ruined this city. They put the city $13.5 million in debt. I’ve been keeping this city alive.”

Ms. Luketich also said other women have complained that the mayor had sexually harassed them.

Her complaint says that since she refused him and then filed a complaint this month with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the city has subjected her to retaliation by having employees drive by and watch her work in an attempt to come up with a reason to fire her.

“These same people did this to other people in this city,” the mayor said. “This has got to stop. Nobody will ever be able to run for office in this city if I walk away from these things.”