ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The executive director of Rochester's Police Accountability Board says sexual harassment claims he made against the board's chair led to him being placed on administrative leave.

Conor Dwyer Reynolds published an essay online claiming PAB Chair Shani Wilson sexually harassed him from the start of his service with the board in 2020. After reporting the harassment, Reynolds claims Wilson launched a campaign to discredit him and ruin his reputation. 

Reynolds has been on leave since mid-May.

An attorney for Wilson issued the following statement on the issue:

It is our policy that we do not comment on ongoing investigations or matters that may lead to litigation so that the investigation can be conducted in an expedient and thorough manner.

—Beth Cordello, Pullano & Farrow

 

The PAB has been under heightened scrutiny from city government and Rochester City Council over why it has yet to begin hearing police conduct complaints since receiving $5 million to begin operations. 

The board says it will begin taking complaints on June 20.