Ward rips Shapiro over handling of sexual harassment complaint against top aide

Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward lashed out at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration Monday over its handling of a sexual harassment allegation made by a female worker against a top aide of the governor.

Ward, R-Hempfield, said it was “unacceptable” that Mike Vereb, Shapiro’s secretary of legislative affairs, remained in a position of power until he abruptly resigned last week.

The details of the sexual harassment complaint made by the woman against Mike Vereb were “appalling,” Ward said in her statement.

Vereb, who resigned Sept. 27, is accused of making lewd, misogynistic and unwanted sexual advances toward the woman during her brief time working in the governor’s office, according to a complaint filed with the state Human Relations Commission.

In a March 31 statement to the state Office of Administration, the woman said Vereb told her that if she became involved in a sexual relationship with him, it would be their business. Vereb also is alleged to have suggested how the woman should dress.

“The alleged offender remained in his influential role until he tendered his resignation, leaving the victim in an unsafe space, to fend for herself, with limited options. This is unacceptable,” Ward said in her statement.

Ward’s spokesperson Erica Clayton Wright said in an email Wednesday evening that questions about Vereb’s alleged behavior should be asked of “the Governor’s Office not Senator Ward. That is why Senator Ward issued her statement. We want answers. This is not OK.”

Vereb could not be reached for comment. He and Shaprio, both from Montgomery County, served in the state House.

A spokesman for the Shapiro administration could not be reached for comment.

Even though it involves a personnel matter, Ward said that Shapiro’s office has offered official comments and conflicting information on the issue.

“This not only raises concerns related to their workplace practices, but also whether this matter has influenced our current unfinished budget situation, and how taxpayer funds are supporting this issue,” Ward stated.

Spotlight PA obtained a May 26 document that claims the alleged harassment started in February, a month after Shapiro started his term as governor. The woman said Vereb’s behavior was the reason she quit her job in March. She alleged that Shapiro’s office did not resolve the matter when she complained about Vereb’s alleged behavior.

Shapiro named Thomas J. Yablonski Jr. of Mechanicsburg as Vereb’s replacement. Yablonski has been a placeholder for vacant positions in former Gov. Wolf’s administration, as well as Shapiro’s.

The governor in June named Yablonski to fill vacancies in the clerk of courts offices in Bucks and Dauphin counties, as well as with the Armstrong County controller and at district judge offices in several counties.

This story has been updated to include a statement from state Sen. Kim Ward’s office.