New York Times Staffer Accused of Sexual
Harassment

A New York Times copy editor says he has been wrongly accused of sexually harassing a 33-year-old coworker, the New York Daily News reported Sunday. Charles Cretella, a 40-year veteran at the Times, was suspended for two weeks for "inappropriate behavior toward a new hire." Cretella, who said he is not gay, claims he was the victim of sexual harassment as well as age discrimination when he was passed up for a promotion.

The younger hire became friends with Cretella, who was asked to train him, but his behavior started to become less appropriate, according to Cretella. In a lawsuit filed with the Brooklyn supreme court, Cretella said his coworker would whisper things like "Did you miss me?" on returning from lunch and in June 2006 started to rub himself through his pants for 20 minutes at a time in his cubicle.

Cretella allegedly offered to train the new employee at his home and had a sign on his computer that read, "Can't get enough of lil' bro," referring to the younger editor.

Michael Borrelli, Cretella's attorney, said to the Times, "This guy's been there 40 years and they are treating him like a leper." (The Advocate)