MEDIA, PA — Delaware County’s director of emergency services Timothy Boyce is currently suspended with pay after facing sexual discrimination allegations from women in his office.
Delaware County Council President Monica Taylor said there is both an internal and external investigation going on into the matter.
“We take harassment, discrimination, or any retaliation seriously and it will not be tolerated and that is why we are working fully with the investigation to make sure that’s it’s concluded and that our employees feel heard and that we are creating that safe work environment,” she said.
Mark Schwartz is the lawyer representing the women in the case against Boyce and said the first charge was filed in January of this year.
“What started this all was one woman who wanted protection under the Age Discrimination Act, who complained that Boyce had a preference for certain good looking younger women,” he said.
Schwartz said it was a pattern Boyce displayed over time and that it became clear to him when a second woman came forward. She was his executive assistant and alleged Boyce invited her into his office one day and attempted to grope and kiss her.
“She’s the one who basically quit the next day,” said Schwartz.
She also sent Boyce a text message.
“She asked Boyce how he would feel if someone did that to one of his daughters and she hoped he would think twice before attempting the same alleged action with someone body else,” said Schwartz. “Boyce allegedly responded quote that was never my intention. I apologize, I have respect for you never my intention to come on to you.”
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office said it has referred the investigation to the PA Attorney General’s Office.