{"id":11836,"date":"2021-11-28T18:59:38","date_gmt":"2021-11-28T18:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/11\/28\/inquiry-finds-georgia-veterans-agency-chief-harassed-workers\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:34:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T01:34:38","slug":"inquiry-finds-georgia-veterans-agency-chief-harassed-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/veterans\/2021\/11\/28\/inquiry-finds-georgia-veterans-agency-chief-harassed-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Inquiry finds Georgia veterans agency chief harassed workers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 An investigation finds the now-retired leader of Georgia\u2019s veterans agency sexually harassed his secretary, part of a general pattern of demeaning behavior toward women and minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The state inspector general\u2019s report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution<\/a> found that Veterans Service Commissioner Mike Roby<\/a> touching his secretary and forced her into uncomfortable hugs, while applying \u201cpet names\u201d to her and other women employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inquiry said Roby also including using racist nicknames for Black and Latino workers, with one employee describing the workplace culture as \u201ca thickness on the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roby defended his behavior as innocent, telling investigators he is \u201ca hugger.\u201d He retired as the investigation was completed earlier this fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report quotes several officials in the Department of Veterans Service as saying they had warned Roby repeatedly about his behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRoby\u2019s conduct was derogatory, demeaning, and intended to insult, embarrass, belittle, or humiliate [the secretary] because of her sex,\u201d the report concludes, adding that he \u201cknew or should have known that his conduct … was unwanted and offensive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investigation was required after Gov. Brian Kemp enacted new policies during his first week in office<\/a> to prevent sexual harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom the outset of his administration, Gov. Kemp prioritized making sure that state government is a safe, welcoming place for employees,\u201d Kemp spokesperson Katie Byrd told the newspaper. \u201cThe state Veterans Service Board worked closely with both the OIG and the attorney general\u2019s office to review the findings and move the agency forward so it can continue to reach and serve our state\u2019s heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t