MTS Board of Directors Launches Independent Investigation into Allegations Against Fletcher

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The Metropolitan Transit System board of directors on Thursday called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual assault and harassment made by a former MTS employee against former MTS board chairman Nathan Fletcher.

The MTS board’s decision came after a nearly two-hour meeting held behind closed doors. As they emerged, interim board chairman Stephen Whitburn made a statement.

We will begin the outside counsel selection process and begin the investigation immediately, Whitburn said. The commissions intend to make the findings of the investigation public.

The investigation will focus on allegations made by former MTS public relations specialist Grecia Figueroa. She claims that Fletcher groped her twice and continued a sexual relationship with her for two months.

Figueroa was fired the day Fletcher announced his candidacy for the state Senate. Fletcher admitted to having what he called a consensual affair with Figueroa, but denied the allegations of assault and harassment. Figueroa said it was not an affair, just sexual misconduct.

MTS had denied knowing anything about the situation until last week, when Figueroa filed a lawsuit against Fletcher and MTS alleging sexual assault, harassment and retaliation.

A letter from Figueroas’ lawyers suggests otherwise. The letter dated February 17, 2023 demands Figueroas’ employment records. It also mentions allegations of sexual harassment and potential retaliation.

Whitburn insisted that the board was unaware of the allegations until the complaint was filed, raising questions about who at MTS knew about it and whether they hid it from the board.

As a board of directors, we have decided to engage independent counsel to specifically help us understand some of the questions put to us, Whitburn said.

Figueroa alleged in his lawsuit that MTS board member Sean Elo-Rivera might have known what was going on with Fletcher. Elo-Rivera did not hesitate to deny it.

I’m pissed off and disappointed, Elo-Rivera said. There are a lot of feelings that I have, but I had no idea what was going on.

Whitburn would not say when the investigation will end and would only say that the investigation will be prompt and thorough.

Fletcher announced his resignation from the board of supervisors, effective May 15, after the lawsuit was filed and resigned from the MTS board of directors on April 4.

But some officials are calling on him to resign immediately.

San Diego City Councilwoman Vivian Moreno on Thursday became the first elected Democrat to call for Fletchers’ immediate resignation from the Board of Supervisors.

In a statement posted to Twitter, she said his misconduct revealed he was unfit to represent San Diegans for public office.

Others have also called for his immediate resignation, including Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican.

Supervisor Nora Vargas, who chairs the oversight board, said the board would discuss options to replace Fletcher at its May 2 meeting.

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