On May 29, 2018, ECBAWM filed a charge of discrimination with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of Patricia Gunning, a former Special Prosecutor/Inspector General at the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. In the charge, Ms. Gunning alleges that James Kiyonaga, who served as Acting Executive Director and Executive Deputy Director during her years at the Justice Center, engaged in a pattern of sexual discrimination and sexual favoritism, creating a hostile work environment. The charge alleges that when Ms. Gunning complained about the abuse, she was retaliated against, leading to her termination. Mr. Kiyonaga currently serves as Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

Patricia Gunning is represented by Richard D. Emery, Ilann M. Maazel, and Debra Greenberger.

For more information, read coverage from the New York Post, Times Union, and New York Daily News.