Former Murphy aide sues woman who accused him of assault

The countersuit Albert Alvarez filed Thursday says Katie Brennan's claims are false.

In December 2018, Katie Brennan, the chief of staff at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, raises her hand as she is sworn in to testify before the Select Oversight Committee at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. (Mel Evans/AP Photo)

In December 2018, Katie Brennan, the chief of staff at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, raises her hand as she is sworn in to testify before the Select Oversight Committee at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. (Mel Evans/AP Photo)

A former staffer in New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is suing the woman who accused him of sexual assault.

The countersuit Albert Alvarez filed Thursday says Katie Brennan’s claims are false. She’s alleged that Alvarez sexually assaulted her while they worked together in 2017 to get Murphy elected.

Alvarez says the allegations make it difficult for him to find a job.

Prosecutors reviewed the case but didn’t bring charges.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Brennan’s allegations hit the Democrat-led government like a bombshell, leading to legislative hearings. They also led Murphy to update workplace policies.

Alvarez was chief of staff at the Schools Development Authority until October when a news article detailed Brennan’s allegations. Brennan is a top aide at the state’s housing finance agency.

Brennan did not immediately respond Friday to a message seeking comment.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal