Former Reading solicitor's sexual harassment suit against Mayor Eddie Moran has been settled

Michelle Lynch, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 3—A lawsuit filed by a former Reading solicitor accusing Mayor Eddie Moran of sexually harassing her has been settled.

Elizabeth Kraft filed the suit against Moran and the city in November 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Kraft agreed in January to withdraw all claims she asserted against the mayor, according to a joint statement released Thursday by Kraft, the city and Moran.

"Although I believe that I filed my lawsuit in good faith," Kraft said in the statement, "during the course of the case it became clear to me that I misunderstood the mayor's words and actions."

Under the terms of the settlement, the city agreed to pay $89,166 to Kraft and $34,834 to her attorney, Weinstein Law Firm of Fort Washington, Montgomery County.

The settlement proceeds will come solely from the city's insurance carrier and not from taxpayer funds, according to the statement.

"Although the city and mayor wanted very much to try this case and vindicate themselves," the statement reads, "the city's insurance carrier made a business decision and forced the city to settle this case in order to save the costs of defense."

Kraft also had accused Moran and the city of violating her civil rights.

The lawsuit alleged that Moran frequently made comments about Kraft's appearance, requested hugs and asked Kraft to accompany him on a trip to Puerto Rico while his wife remained in Reading.

"Because it is now clear to me that the sexual harassment claims would not succeed," she said, "I have voluntarily withdrawn the claims."

Kraft also had filed a lawsuit in Berks County Court claiming Moran improperly removed her from office and gave no reason for her termination.

The mayor fired Kraft in February 2021 but did not give a reason and declined to comment at the time because it was a personnel matter.

That matter was also settled under the January agreement, City Solicitor Fred Lachat said.

Joint Media Statement — Settlement 03.02.23 Kraft — Settlement Agreement and General Release (64) Rule 41.1(b) Order show_temp