SAN DIEGO, CA – As the high-stakes civil trial against Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Superior Court Judge Shawn Nelson, and the County of Orange unfolds, fresh testimony has intensified public scrutiny. On Wednesday, DA Human Resources Director Matt Pettit took the stand and offered stark, unrefuted testimony about the internal chaos that followed sexual harassment allegations within the DA’s office—and the disturbing responses by both Spitzer and Nelson.
The trial, which has already spotlighted allegations of racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and workplace retaliation, grew even more explosive with Pettit’s revelations. His testimony confirmed early knowledge among top officials about multiple victims of harassment and detailed troubling conduct that may constitute retaliation, indifference, and efforts to shield the perpetrator.
Pettit, a relatively new hire at the time the harassment complaints began surfacing, told jurors that he raised the alarm directly with Spitzer after three women came forward with serious allegations against DA supervisor Gary Logalbo, a longtime associate of Spitzer. Pettit recalled informing Spitzer that this was “serious sexual harassment.” A fourth victim emerged shortly afterward…