Punishment for ending affair creates liability.

• Position: Legal Briefs

A consensual sexual affair may not mean automatic liability for sexual harassment or sex discrimination, but punishing an employee for ending an affair does.

Recent case: Crystal, who worked in another county, allegedly began a sexual relationship with Butler County Judge Thomas Doerr. He then proved instrumental in getting her hired in Butler County.

After their relationship ended and Crystal married, she alleged that Doerr made life difficult for her on the job. She said he restricted her email access and made sure she had...