Lawsuit By Ex-Aide Against State Lawmaker Settles For $12k

HARPER WOODS (WWJ/AP) -- The state of Michigan has agreed to pay about $12,000 to settle a lawsuit by a man who says a Detroit-area lawmaker fired him because he rejected sexual advances.

Tim Bowlin of the House Business Office tells the Detroit Free Press that the Dickinson Wright law firm was paid $85,000 to represent the state.

The lawsuit involved Rep. Brian Banks, a Harper Woods Democrat.

A former aide claimed he was hired as a driver in 2013 but then dismissed after he rejected a romantic relationship with Banks. In response, Banks said the aide was fired because of his driving record and other issues.

Banks had argued that he was immune to lawsuits. But the Michigan appeals court last year said the allegations weren't related to the legislative process.

Banks, who has been convicted eight times for felonies involving bad checks and credit card fraud, took office in 2013 to the Michigan House of Representatives.

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