The lawsuit of one of four women who sued Schuylkill County over sexual allegations regarding former commissioner George Halcovage has been settled.

The commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to settle the lawsuit with Jane Doe 1, which includes mutual release and the payment of $1.7 million, allocated $983,649.33 to Jane Doe 1, $716,350.07 to her attorneys Catherine W. Lowry and the Derek Smith Law Group, with $1.5 million paid by the county’s insurance carriers and $200,000 paid by the county.

Board Chairman Larry Padora read from a prepared statement he said would be the county’s only comment on the suit.

“The county took action today to approve the settlement with Jane Doe 1 from the pending federal litigation. We recognize that the settlement includes payment of $200,000 by the county to the attorney representing Jane Doe 1,” he read. “After consultation with the attorneys representing the county in the litigation, our county solicitors, the Commissioners firmly believe this settlement is in the best interest of Schuylkill County. Although the settlement with Jane Doe 1 addresses the significant aspect of the litigation, the case remains pending as to remaining plaintiffs, so we will have no further comment on the settlement of the pending litigation at this time.”

Four female employees identified as “Jane Does” filed the federal lawsuit in 2021. They allege Halcovage subjected them to unwanted advances for years. They further claim that when they complained, they faced retaliation from supervisors and the county government, including human resources directors.

The women said Halcovage harassed them from the time he was elected in 2012. He sought re-election in 2023, but lost his bid in the primary.

Halcovage, County Administrator Gary Bender, and former human resources director Heidi Zula had all requested summary judgment, hoping the judge would rule in their favor without a trial.

Last month, U.S. Judge Daryl Bloom denied requests to dismiss the sexual harassment lawsuit.

Jill Whalen contributed to this report.