Buffalo area assemblyman Pat Burke accused of sexual harassment by former staffer

ALBANY — A former aide is accusing an upstate Democratic Assemblyman of sexual harassment, alleging in a complaint that he frequently commented on women’s appearances and made other lewd and inappropriate remarks in the workplace.

Nicole Golias filed a claim with the New York Division of Human Rights alleging Assemblyman Patrick Burke fostered a highly “personal” and “inappropriate” office culture while she served as his legislative director from late 2021 through May 2022.

The Buffalo News first reported on Golias’ claim, which was filed on April 7.

Golias is one of three former Burke staffers who claim they were fired last year for suggesting the lawmaker take a stronger stance against white supremacy following a horrific hate-fueled mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket.

In her complaint, Golias claims Burke talked about the sex lives of other members of the Legislature and even called his teenage son’s sexual partners “hot” after telling staffers that he watched sexually explicit videos his son posted on social media.

He also commented on the genitalia of a man Golias was dating, according to the complaint.

Several others with firsthand knowledge of Burke’s behavior told the Buffalo News they were present for conversations in which the assemblyman used inappropriate language and commented on women’s looks.

Matthew Dearing, the assemblyman’s former director of community relations, told the newspaper he witnessed several of the interactions mentioned in the complaint. Both Dearing and Golias say they plan to file a joint wrongful termination lawsuit over their dismissal last year.

Burke did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but he told the Buffalo News that Golias’ accusations are “demonstrably false and defamatory.”

The lawmaker claims Golias was the one who made “vulgar, crass and sexually explicit comments” and displayed unprofessional behavior.

Burke also confirmed that the Assembly opened an independent investigation into the accusations.

The 38-year-old is currently serving his third term in the Assembly after previously serving in the Erie County Legislature.