Fletcher’s accuser now representing herself in sexual assault lawsuit

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The former San Diego Metropolitan Transit System employee who accused Nathan Fletcher of sexual assault now plans to represent herself in her ongoing lawsuit against the ex-Supervisor, according to new court filings.

Grecia Figueroa signed off on the substitution to her counsel on March 22 and is expected to bring it before the judge hearing her case on Friday — days before discovery hearings were slated to begin in the lead up to a trial next year.

No rationale for dropping her current counsel, Jessica Pride, was provided in the court filings. FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the Pride Firm, Figueroa and Fletcher for comment.

Figueroa accused Fletcher, who was then chair of the MTS board, of at least two instances of sexual assault in a bombshell lawsuit filed almost a year ago. In her complaint, she also alleges she was abruptly fired by MTS on Feb. 6 — the same day Fletcher launched a bid for State Senate.

Timeline: Unfolding of the Nathan Fletcher scandal

Fletcher has admitted to having physical interactions with Figueroa, but denied her claims of assault. MTS has also refuted claims that her firing was due to their relationship.

This is the latest development in an ongoing legal battle that has unfolded since last March. The fallout of the complaint has spurred other legal challenges against MTS, as well as revelation of similar accusations against Fletcher of inappropriate behavior.

Last week, a top MTS officer filed a retaliation lawsuit against the transit agency for its handling of the scandal, alleging she was mistreated for raising questions about when leadership knew about Figueroa’s accusations.

Since filing the suit, Figueroa has remained relatively quiet about her claims, speaking out only once in a public blog post. She has similarly not been present in any hearings held in the course of litigating her lawsuit.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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