Former County Clerk Files Lawsuit Alleging Harassment and Retaliation by Imperial County and Supervisor Jesus Escobar
EL CENTRO, CA – Blanca Acosta, the former Clerk of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, has filed a lawsuit against the County of Imperial and Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Eduardo Escobar, alleging years of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. The complaint, filed July 1 in Imperial County Superior Court under case number ECU004161, outlines incidents dating back to 2022 and accuses the County of failing to protect her and ultimately firing her without cause.
Acosta, who worked for the County from 2002 until her termination in April 2025, claims the harassment started when Escobar became Chairman of the Board. According to the lawsuit, Escobar made repeated inappropriate remarks about her appearance, asked personal questions about her marriage, and gave her unwanted gifts—like a necklace and a $200 gift card. Acosta also alleges that in 2022, Escobar forcibly kissed her and touched her inappropriately, which triggered a panic attack.
She says she reported the behavior to County leadership in late 2023, including CEO Miguel Figueroa and HR Director Rodolfo Aguayo, but no formal investigation ever took place, and Escobar faced no discipline.
The lawsuit also claims Escobar retaliated against Acosta after she spoke up, spreading rumors about a sexual relationship between them and making inappropriate comments to her family members. In early 2025, he allegedly entered her office uninvited and continued the unwanted behavior. Acosta was placed on leave in March and fired in April.
The lawsuit includes seven claims, including sexual harassment, retaliation, battery, and wrongful termination. Acosta is asking for damages for emotional distress, lost wages, legal fees, and more. She’s also requesting a jury trial.
When asked for comment, County Public Information Officer Eddie Lopez told 760 News Media, “We’re currently still in the process of discussing the matter, so we’re still having some internal meetings with some of the other board of supervisors as well as the new CEO. We do plan to have a statement either sometime this afternoon or early morning tomorrow.”
Acosta had been with the County for more than 20 years and became Clerk of the Board in 2014. Her complaint highlights her consistent salary increases and clean disciplinary record as signs of her strong job performance.
As of now, the case is ongoing in Imperial County Superior Court. No official statement has been released by the County.
we have also reached out to supervisor Jesus Escobar for comment, but I’ve yet to hear back.
Click here to read a full in-depth summary of The allegations mentioned in the document.