A former Broome County Family Court judge has been found liable for creating a hostile work environment, according to WBNG. A federal jury in Syracuse awarded $200,000 in punitive damages to former secretary Rachel Gallagher, citing gender-based discrimination during her time working for Judge Richard Miller from 2015 to 2017.
Gallagher and former court attorney Mark Kachadourian accused Miller of repeated sexual harassment, threats of violence, and coercive behavior—including pressuring Gallagher into sexual favors for political gain. The jury found Gallagher’s constitutional rights had been violated under the Equal Protection Clause.
Miller was removed from the bench in 2020 following prior disciplinary action by the state judicial conduct commission. The plaintiffs’ attorney declined further comment.
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