Accused of Sexual Harassment (sexually inappropriate comments)

I have been employed with the Department of Corrections for 7 yrs now and in July I was at a training seminar with other DOC employees from across the state. We were all staying in the hotel. After the first day of training, a bunch of us went to the bar for drinks. I became very drunk. Afterwards, I went to a restaurant and met a number of women that remembered me from the training. They requested that I sit with them. One, in particular (Sara) sat beside me and offered to drive my truck back to the hotel. It was agreed that we all would "party" in my room. She and the rest of the women stopped at a liquor store for more alcohol. Sara came back to my room and promptly kissed me as soon as I shut the door. People started to arrive at my door and I let them in. We were asked by management to go to another persons room because we were too loud and there were students on the floor trying to study for a state exam. I stayed back and passed out. When I awoke, I rejoined the group in another room. I later asked Sara for my room key, but she told me to "go away" and that she didn't have it. The next morning I thanked her for driving my truck and apologized for being a burden. She laughed it off.
A month later my wife received a certified letter from the Sate claiming that her husband has been connected to a sexual harrasment claim. I was appalled and confused. Two investigators questioned me weeks later. The wait was horrible. Apparently the accuser (sara) claims that I had made sexually inappropriate comments to her and groped her while she was driving my truck to the liquor store. Then, I apparently initiated the kissing and groped her in the room. I refute the claims of touching her inappropriately, however I cannot recall what was said. She has been quite elaborate with details, but I can hardly remember anything that was said - I was seriously intoxicated. That, coupled with the time that has passed, it's all just a dream at this point. However, I would have remembered if I had groped her. The allegations are completely erroneous. I have to ask why she would continue to drive my truck after I "allegedly" offended her? And why would she go back to my room "alone" with me, if I offended her? I understand that it doesn't help matters that I was drunk and she may not have been, but what gives? What can I expect from this?
I have 3 young beautiful children and a loving wife, not to mention my career is at risk. My employer has also investigated and interviewed me. The investigation is still pending and I am truly worried. Rumors are being spread and I can't even look at people anymore without wondering what they are thinking. If I did say something that offended this woman, why can't I write her a letter? Apparently she filed a complaint with the police department in July. The PD sent it to my employer, and I have no idea what to expect from this point. But everyday is getting harder and harder for me. I feel like a monster even though I did nothing wrong. I just wish I knew what to expect from here. What is the next move? What can I expect? I need answers and no one is talking. The waiting is killing me. Help.

[annjd]

You may want to have a lawyer intervene and see of what quality the evidence if any is.

If a police report was filed you should not be handling this yourself any longer. Normally a solution can be worked out in these kinds of situations.

Thank you very much.
It's a case of conflicting testimonies. She says I allegedly assaulted her and I deny everything. I often ask myself why she would make such malicious accusations...what does she stand to gain? The problem is that I was intoxicated and she was not. Therefore I am worried about my defense.
I can safely say that I did not touch her inappropriately, but my memory is fuzzy as to what was said in our conversation.

If there was a police report and charges filed, does that automatically mean that this will go to trial?

What's next?

[ryancarr007]

Maybe she was trying to blame someone to cover her own mistakes. You better hire a lawyer to defend your rights.