Madeira Beach Commissioner Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

MADEIRA BEACH, FL -- A Madeira Beach city commissioner has resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment although she continues to deny that any harassment took place.

Madeira Beach's former city manager accused Commissioner Nancy Oakley of licking his face and grabbing his genitals in November 2012.

The Florida Commission on Ethics found that Oakley did sexually harass the former city manager. At a special commission meeting Wednesday night, the commission issued a resolution censuring her and accepted her resignation.

Former City Manager Shane Crawford accused Oakley of grabbing his genitals and licking his face in front of witnesses, including the former city clerk and Crawford's wife, Cheryl.

Cheryl Crawford said Oakley also called her a name and tried to hit her.

Crawford's complaint mentioned similar incidents involving other men.

“She would grab your genitalia and then lick you from your Adam's apple, up across your face ... to show dominance," said Crawford.

Current City Manager Jonathan Evans said commissioners just want to put the incident behind them and move on.

“We believe that the resolution communicated the city's position and effectively closes this chapter and allows us to move forward,” he said.

Oakley has also been ordered to pay $5,000. She said she is considering appealed the ruling by the State Commission on Ethics. She has 30 days to file an appeal.

Image via Madeira Beach

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)