By LaNia Coleman | The Bay City Times
CARO — A former Tuscola County Probate judge is at the center of a sexual harassment suit.
Retired judge W. Wallace Kent Jr., Tuscola County and the Probate Court are named as defendants in the suit filed Nov. 1 on behalf of Kerri Zelmer, a former Probate register.
Zelmer, represented by Saginaw attorneys Victor Mastromarco and Manda L. Danieleski, resigned Oct. 1, 2010, under threat of termination after it was revealed that she had a sexual relationship with Kent, according to court documents.
Kent, 70, ended his 34-year judicial career Dec. 31.
Zelmer alleges Kent demanded sexual favors.
Court records do not indicate what Zelmer received in exchange.
The liaisons began in June 2010 and ended in September 2010 when Kent’s wife discovered the relationship, court records indicate.
Kent then revealed the relationship to Probate Court employees and to colleagues at a judicial conference, Kelmer alleges.
The judge then posed the ultimatum that Kelmer resign or be fired, records suggest.
Kelmer, who is seeking an unspecified sum in excess of $75,000, claims violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment, as well as the state Civil Rights Act.
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