ATLANTA (AP) -- The state ethics commission has settled for more than $1.8 million with three former employees alleging retaliation stemming from an investigation into complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal.<br />
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Chairman Kevin Abernethy said Friday that the commission is pleased to put the matters behind it.<br />
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Under the terms, the commission's former deputy, Sherry Streicker, will receive $1 million, former IT specialist John Hair will receive $410,000 and former staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein will receive $477,500.<br />
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The settlements follow a jury verdict in favor of the commission's former executive secretary, who said her pay was slashed and Streicker's position eliminated as they were preparing subpoenas in the Deal investigation. The commission has denied any wrongdoing, and Deal has said he was not involved.
