Former Henrico prosecutor sues Shannon Taylor over firing and harassment claims

Nicholas Emmons, a former assistant commonwealth's attorney in Henrico County, has filed a lawsuit against Shannon Taylor, the current Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney and congressional candidate, according to WTVR CBS 6. Emmons claims he faced retaliation after reporting sexual assault and harassment by a coworker with whom he had a prior romantic relationship.

The lawsuit, filed in Henrico Circuit Court, states that Emmons reported unwanted advances and threats from a fellow prosecutor to Taylor, his supervisor. Emmons alleges he was "effectively victim blamed" and subsequently fired following an HR investigation, which focused on the prior relationship rather than the harassment claims, WTVR CBS 6 reported.

Emmons is suing Taylor for retaliation and seeks to be reinstated to his position. He is also suing two former colleagues for defamation, alleging they spread false rumors about him, and is seeking $1.25 million in damages for that part of the lawsuit, according to WTVR CBS 6.

Taylor's campaign responded by calling the lawsuit a "desperate attempt to smear Shannon" during her race against incumbent Republican Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st Congressional District, as reported by NBC12. The campaign statement also mentioned that the law firm representing Emmons includes a former GOP elected official who has endorsed and campaigned for Wittman.