A Pennsylvania federal judge denied a former county commissioner’s motion for partial summary judgment against emotional distress and retaliation claims from former courthouse employees who have accused him of sexual abuse and harassment.

In a March 7 opinion, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom of the Middle District of Pennsylvania denied Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage’s attempts to dismiss former courthouse employees’ claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation and aiding and abetting under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and equal protection under the 14th Amendment, concluding questions of fact remained.