Newly released complaints obtained by the Desert Sun have detailed for the first time allegations that former Palm Desert City Manager John Wohlmuth circulated a nude photo of one of his colleagues around City Hall. The documents were released by the city Friday in response to a public records request and concern incidents that took place in March during a gathering at the ex-city manager’s home.
According to the complaint, the colleague removed his clothes to enter Wohlmuth’s pool since he did not have a bathing suit with him that day. A photo was then taken from behind and shown to fellow council members at work.
Wohlmuth abruptly resigned from his position in April. As we noted, there was no reason given for his departure at the time. It is now clear from the documents that he was asked to step down over the harassment claims. The city then offered him nearly $3,000 in severance out of fear that he would sue.
City Attorney Robert Hargreaves said Palm Desert has since implemented a number of changes aimed at preventing inappropriate behavior by employees. These include stepped up anti-harassment training and a new employee protection hotline that allows complaints to be submitted anonymously.
Palm Desert is still in the process of selecting a new city manager. It has narrowed its search down to eight candidates.