Veteran OC Prosecutor Awarded $3.5M in Sexual Harassment Case

Lawsuit against county highlights fallout from disgraced former DA supervisor's actions

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A veteran female Orange County prosecutor was awarded $3.5 million by a San Diego jury that found she was the victim of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment at the District Attorney's Office. The case is part of a series of lawsuits related to the actions of a former high-level DA supervisor, Gary Logalbo, who was accused of repeatedly sexually harassing female employees.

Why it matters

This case sheds light on the ongoing issues of sexual harassment and hostile work environments that can persist even in high-profile public sector organizations like district attorney's offices. It also raises questions about the role of leadership and oversight in addressing such misconduct allegations.

The details

Prosecutor Bethel Cope-Vega testified that Logalbo, her former supervisor, repeatedly sexually harassed her, including making late-night phone calls asking what she was wearing and saying she was naked in his dreams. Cope-Vega also said Logalbo made explicit and demeaning remarks to her when she tried to distance herself from him. The lawsuit was against the County of Orange, and the county representative declined to comment on the verdict.

  • In late 2020, sexual harassment allegations came to light involving Logalbo.
  • Logalbo was placed on leave and quickly left the DA's office in 2020.
  • Logalbo died in 2021.

The players

Bethel Cope-Vega

A veteran female Orange County prosecutor who was awarded $3.5 million in a sexual harassment lawsuit against the county.

Gary Logalbo

A former high-level DA supervisor who was accused of repeatedly sexually harassing female employees, including Cope-Vega.

Todd Spitzer

The Orange County District Attorney, who was previously close friends with Logalbo but later testified he had grown apart from him over the years.

Tracy Miller

A former DA supervisor who previously won a $3 million lawsuit related to harassment by Spitzer and Sean Nelson after cooperating with an investigation into Logalbo.

Sean Nelson

Spitzer's former second-in-command who is now an Orange County judge and was named in the lawsuit brought by Tracy Miller.

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What they’re saying

“Having to sue the job I continue to love has been heartbreaking. This was never about money for me or the other victims — it has always been about standing up to injustice and doing what is right.”

— Bethel Cope-Vega

“The Orange County District Attorney's Office has always supported the victims of sexual harassment and their right to sue and receive compensation for their damages. The OCDA has and continues to advocate for all its employees to be free of discrimination and harassment. This verdict is about the harassment engaged in by a former Senior Assistant Deputy District Attorney; it is also a condemnation of the actions of County Counsel.”

— Kimberly Edds, OCDA Spokeswoman

What’s next

The Orange County Board of Supervisors will need to decide whether to appeal the $3.5 million verdict in Cope-Vega's case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, even in high-profile public sector organizations. It underscores the importance of strong leadership, oversight, and accountability measures to protect employees and ensure a safe, equitable workplace.