News 12 at 6 o'clock, January 6, 2009

AUGUSTA---Animal services director Diane Downs says she is "very sorry". She faces demotion now that one of her employees has been fired after multiple complaints of sexual harassment.

Bruce McClure's personnel file is more than 100 pages long. What did Downs know? How could an employee get away with sexual harassment for years? Who dropped the ball?

Animal services director Diane Downs is feeling the heat.

"I do not condone sexual harassment," said Downs, "in any shape, form, or fashion."

An equal employment opportunity report recommends severe discipline for Downs after failing to catch warning signs.

"Much of the information I've read, quite frankly, was a surprise to me."

McClure is accused of sexually harassing three female employees in 2009. Downs admits there were rumors.

"I was very sorry it happened to them," said Downs. "I wish it had not happened."

Keep in mind Downs became director in 2007. McClure was accused of harassment in 2004, 2005, and 2006. We went straight to the Equal Employment Opportunity office.

"Why was this person still in office?" we asked.

"Good question," said Jacqueline Humphrey, director of Augusta's EEO Department.

"Do you not think the director is taking a fall for the county's inaction?" we asked Humphrey.

"You are held responsible when you are in a manager's, supervisory, or directory position," said Humphrey.

"Should the county not be held responsible?" we asked.

"And the county is dealing with it," said Humphrey.

But is demoting Downs, who took office years after the first complaints against McClure, enough?

"I will do my best to serve whatever department I am assigned, whether I stay here in a lesser position, because I am still going to love my animals," Downs said.

The Equal Employment Office says they are planning county-wide classes on what to do in cases of harassment.