OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Steve LeClair, the President of the Omaha Firefighters Union, is on paid administrative leave after an alleged assault in November.
According to our partners at the Omaha World-Herald, LeClair approached the woman three times at Tiger Tom's Pub near 72nd and Military and made sexual comments, including telling her “You are the most sexy woman I have ever saw, and if I was not married, I would take you to the bathroom.”
After the woman, who is black, told LeClair she was not interested, he allegedly punched her in the back and whispered "white power" in her ear. LeClair was removed from the bar.
The woman said she inquired about filing a formal complaint with the Omaha Firefighters Union Hall on Nov. 12 and LeClair and his attorney told her she must file a police report to make a formal complaint. She did not file a report "due to her thinking nobody would believe her," according to the World-Herald.
LeClair was put on leave on Dec. 21 and the city is conducting an internal investigation.
LeClair's attorney said he was cooperating with both the internal and criminal investigations and is ready to defend himself against the allegations. He also said LeClair “doesn’t have a discriminatory bone in his body.”
“Our organization takes these allegations very seriously, and out of respect for all parties involved, we will honor the investigative process,” the Fire Union said in a statement. “Our focus will remain on the representation of Omaha’s firefighters and their mission to keep Omaha a safe city for everyone.”
