Mpls. city employee under fire for allegedly assaulting co-worker [8.19]

The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to approve a $15,000 dollar settlement with Melissa Heus Friday morning.

Heus worked for the city for less than two years and accused her boss of trying to sexually assault her in November.

Thirteen councilmembers debated until noon before approving the settlement at the taxpayer’s expense, to head off a possible lawsuit.

"We make a judgment about what's in the best financial interest of the city and that's what the council did today," said City Council President Barbara Johnson.

The director of the Minneapolis Empowerment Zone, Jonathan Palmer, is at the center of the allegations.

He led the economic growth-focused agency for three years until one of his analysts, 31-year-old Heus, accused him of attempted sexual assault and financial mismanagement.

Heus filed a police report on Nov. 30, but later declined to prosecute. She said it was because she 'feared for her safety.'

Palmer submitted his resignation letter shortly after in December. At the time, he denied the allegations and told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he was leaving to focus on a run for a Minnesota State Representative seat in District 58A, and even launched a campaign website.

However, the candidacy filing date has passed and Palmer will not be on the ballot.

"I think that our management acted quickly and dealt with the situation. I hope that settling this eliminates the distraction," Johnson said.

Even though the council approved the settlement, Heus can turn it down within seven days.

Heus declined to comment and Palmer did not return a phone call left for him at his home.