Lawsuit filed against former deputy chief public defender

SANTA FE — A lawsuit filed in the First Judicial District alleges a former deputy chief public defender in Clovis created a hostile and hypersexualized work atmosphere and targeted employees who reported the misconduct.

Chandler Blair, who resigned in July to enter into private practice in Albuquerque, is accused of misusing his position as second in command for the state’s public defender department in a lawsuit filed by former Clovis Division Managing Attorney Jocelyn Garrison.

Blair, who has previously denied sexual harassment allegations, directed questions to his attorney, Paula Maynes of Miller Stratvert P.A. Law Firm in Santa Fe. Attempts to contact Maynes on Saturday were unsuccessful.

According to Garrison’s lawsuit:

• Garrison, who worked from 2011 to 2015 for the public defender’s office, was recruited by Blair in May 2016 for the managing attorney position. She came aboard the following month.

• Upon her return, Garrison noticed Blair’s workplace demeanor and conduct changed with his promotion to deputy chief and an apparent belief he was insulated from discipline.

• Blair would frequently make sexual remarks to Garrison and other female employees, call female staffers names and brush against Garrison while touching her.

• A paralegal who clearly had a romantic relationship with Blair was given limited, basic tasks to the detriment of other employees who had to pick up more work.

• Garrison requested a transfer to the Las Cruces office, but before the transfer went through in February 2017 Blair approached Garrison from behind and choked her while making sexual remarks. When she stood up to get away, Blair hit Garrison on her genitals.

• A transfer was eventually approved for Garrison to Las Cruces with a demotion. She accepted to get away from Blair.

• Garrison repeatedly reported Blair’s actions to supervisors and human resources, but a human resources investigation found her complaint “unsubstantiated for being uncorroborated.”

• The lawsuit contends that higher-ups appeared to take pleasure in informing Garrison that Blair would continue to be her supervisor and be present in both the Clovis and Las Cruces offices.

n On May 3, Garrison requested and received permission for a day off from the magistrate court division director due to anxiety and stress. The following day, she was told by the Las Cruces division director to be present for an 8 a.m. meeting or be considered absent without leave. Garrison resigned via email.

The suit requests a jury and seeks damages, double Garrison’s back pay with interest, and attorney fees.