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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon has been ordered to pay $9,618 in legal fees to a former staff member who had accused a boss of sexual harassment.
The lawsuit against Cannon's former chief of staff, Charles Warren, was settled in February 1998. But Cannon found himself in hot water after he told The Salt Lake Tribune that "no entity associated with me paid a nickel."
Crelley Mackey had included Cannon in her lawsuit, citing his duty to supervise employees.
After his comments to the newspaper, Mackey said the Utah Republican had broken a confidentiality agreement. Cannon paid $10,000 a year ago to resolve that claim.
But 3rd District Judge Robert Hilder awarded legal fees Thursday, agreeing that Cannon didn't cooperate when he was asked if he had discussed the case with the newspaper.
Hilder also awarded $2,553 in interest on the $10,000 payment.
Mackey's attorney, Roger Hoole, said she was vindicated by the judge's order.
Cannon's spokesman, Charles Isom, referred calls for comment Friday to the congressman's attorney, who could not be immediately reached.
------ Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
