April 26, 2023

To: MG Richard Noriega, Executive Director, Universal Services

Fm: David Berry, County Administrator
Cc: Diana Ramirez, Incoming County Administrator
Re: Discussion Regarding Investigation Findings

Dear General Noriega,

On April 11, I notified you that the Office of Human Resources & Risk Management
received a complaint of alleged sexual harassment by you. Specifically, it was alleged
that on one occasion you hugged a Harris County employee and kissed her on the cheek
in the workplace.  A thorough investigation found there was substantial evidence to
support that you had in fact done so.
In my April 11 letter, I instructed that you meet with Erika Owens for one-on-one
training to provide additional clarity regarding sexual harassment, the propriety of
touching, and the Harris County Non-Discrimination and Anti-harassment Policy. I also
instructed that you attend and complete a web-based Sexual Harassment Training
offered through Human Resources & Risk Management within the next 15 days.
I would like to clarify that these trainings are required regardless of what trainings you
have completed in the past. Finally, if you wish for another employee from HRRM to
provide you the one-on-one training, I am willing to grant this request.
As a County leader, I am confident that you understand the seriousness of these
allegations, which I also take very seriously. As of this morning, I had not heard any
response from you since the date of my letter. When we did speak this morning, you
indicated that you did not intend to take these required trainings. If that is not the case,
and you are willing to take the trainings, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Harris County Office of County Administration

1001 Preston St, Suite #500, Houston, TX 77002 oca.harriscountytx.gov