Former Nygren staffer files sexual harassment complaint against Montoya

Posted by Krista Allen | May 30, 2024 | News |

Part I

TSÉBIGHÁHOODZÁNÍ – A former Buu Nygren staffer has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Vice President Richelle Montoya. Over a year after the alleged incident, the former staffer wants Montoya to self-evaluate, apologize, and perhaps step down from her position.

The former staffer, Marvin Murphy, submitted a sexual harassment intake form at the ethics and rules office on May 2, 2024, alleging he had close contact with Montoya while moving furniture and inspecting workplace lighting in the president’s office on Jan. 13, 2023. Murphy had started as an executive staff assistant after Nygren’s and Montoya’s inauguration on Jan. 10, 2023.

“I was dealing with 25 employees at (the president’s office) that needed assistance with tribal permits/vehicles to employee housing,” Murphy stated in a confidential statement obtained by the Navajo Times. “Chief of Staff Patrick Sandoval appointed me to be assigned to the motor vehicle and the housing boards during this period (Nez-Nygren presidential transition) and work as building maintenance for (the president’s office), cleaning and clearing up the office.”

The statement is filed with the Navajo Nation Department of Personnel Management and the Navajo Nation Police Department.

Murphy stated he had removed packed snow and ice from the walkways after a snowstorm on the morning of Jan. 13, 2023. After fulfilling his responsibilities as property manager, he returned to his office, where Montoya asked him to meet, implying she had air quality issues in the workspace and electrical issues.

According to Murphy’s statement, Montoya wanted to know why her computer wasn’t working, even though it was noticeable that its power cord was unplugged under her desk.

“Montoya wanted me to plug it back in for her,” Murphy stated. “Being at her desk, being in such a tight spot, the proximity (personal space) was way too close.

“I had to kneel to plug in the equipment,” he stated. “In hopes that VP Montoya would move out of my way to do my job, instead, VP Montoya walked too close as VP Montoya brushed alongside me with her left bosom and hip.”

According to Murphy’s statement, when Murphy stood up, Montoya didn’t move.

“And I turned away from her and went about doing my job,” Murphy stated, “never thinking it was a ‘bar-brush’ or to cop a feel. I felt so embarrassed as nothing was said by VP Montoya.”

Murphy’s new administrative staff assistant employment ended March 31, 2023.

Read the full story in the May 30, edition of the Navajo Times.