New Mexico government’s Michelle Lujan Grisham has reportedly paid out at least $ 62,500 to settle with a former co-worker who accused her of grabbing his cross.
James Hallinan, a former spokesman for Grisham’s campaign, accused her of assaulting him at the rep ”s home. Deborah Armstrong during a meeting months before the 2018 election.
The settlement story was first reported by the Albuquerque Journal.
Hallinan claims Grisham poured water into his lap and then stabbed his genitals, reports the Santa Fe New Mexican.
MINNESOTA REPUBLICAN SLAM GOV. TIM WALZ FOR DAUNTE WRIGHT POLICE SHOTING REACTION
“Governor Lujan Grisham and Mr. Hallinan have resolved differences or issues to their satisfaction. I can provide no further information,” Hallinan’s attorney Rachel Berlin Benjamin said in a statement to Fox News.
Both Grisham’s office and Armstrong denied that such an event took place.
The Government of New Mexico Michelle Lujan Grisham addresses reporters during a news conference at the State House. (Associated Press)
Grisham and the campaign ‘strictly deny that there is any merit or truth to Mr. Hallinan’s allegations, including his allegations of difficulty finding or retaining work after the campaign, ‘campaign spokesman Jared Leopold told the Albuquerque Journal.
“They have reached an agreement to avoid the constant distraction and significant cost of possible litigation and to enable them to concentrate on the work of the people of New Mexico during this pandemic.”
Hallinan said he was assaulted in front of Armstrong, Grisham’s campaign adviser Dominick Cabello and two staff members. Governor’s spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett said: “We are a tumultuous bunch. I think they played with water.”
Hallinan later tweeted that he had endured ‘long, horrific abuse’ under Grisham and accused her staff of trying to cover it up. He said he felt like he was ‘under her thumb’.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Grisham, a Democrat, has held office since 2019.
Fox News’ query to Grisham’s office was not returned at the time of publication.
Fox News’ Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.