Overview

• A San Diego jury found DA Todd Spitzer and former second-in-command Shawn Nelson liable for creating a hostile work environment that forced veteran prosecutor Tracy Miller to retire.
• Miller received $1 million for future economic losses and $2 million for emotional distress, with jurors scheduled to assess additional punitive damages against Spitzer.
• The verdict determined that Orange County failed to take adequate steps to address reported harassment and retaliation within its district attorney’s office.
• The civil trial was moved to San Diego Superior Court to avoid conflicts of interest among judges who had worked with Shawn Nelson in Orange County.
• Testimony described gender-based slurs, attempts to penalize a harassment accuser, and racially insensitive comments by Spitzer during high-profile case discussions.