Mayor Kevin Johnson Denies Allegations In Sexual Harassment Claim

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Mayor Kevin Johnson is denying a sexual harassment claim made by a woman who works at Sacramento City Hall.

The claim paints a picture of a mayor forcing himself on a woman who works there. The mayor says it never happened, and the city attorney is backing him up.

The woman filing the claim in the amount of $100,000 described unwanted sexual advances in city hall by Johnson starting in December 2013:

"Mr. Johnson asked her into his library, then closed the door."

"He gave her an unwelcome and close hug, pressing his body against hers, then felt her along her torso."

"He pressed his body against hers and asked her if she 'felt it.'"

"He then attempted to kiss her. She was forced to push herself away."

The claim continues:

"Mr, Johnson proposed that she enter into a sexual relationship with him, asking her if she was 'game.'"

"When she responded in the negative, Mr. Johnson persisted; he requested that she…think about it"

Mayor Kevin Johnson called a press conference where he made a 90-second prepared statement to reporters.

"I understand that I am the target of attacks, and i understand that even though this is an allegation, one that absolutely no merit, it will generate headlines, and it will wound me, my family, and the city," he said.

The city attorney denied the claim after its investigation and an independent investigation by an outside law firm could not substantiate the allegations.

But now the claim is public, opening the door to questions about the mayor's conduct inside city hall.

Typically after a claim is denied by a city, there is a one-year window to file a lawsuit. A representative of Johnson says no lawsuit will be filed in the case.

The claimant's attorney did not take calls.

The mayor took no questions from reporters after delivering his prepared statement.

This isn't the first time Johnson has been accused of misconduct. In the 1990s, Johnson was accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl when he was a player for the Phoenix Suns. He settled that case for $230,000.

In the early 2000s, investigators found reports of inappropriate sexual behavior toward five students at Johnson's Sacramento charter school, St. Hope Academy. No legal action was taken in that case.