More details: Ontario County DA's party allegedly involved drinking in courtroom

Canandaigua, N.Y. (WHAM) — 13WHAM has uncovered more details concerning a workday party at the Ontario County Courthouse on Election Day.

Thursday, we provided an overview of the findings and claims county employees were drinking alcohol inside the courtroom.

The compliance report says the party included alcohol, games, karaoke and elaborate office decorations.

Some employees reportedly dressed as strippers, Hannibal Lecter in a prison jumpsuit, serial killers and Tony award-winning musicals.

BACKGROUND: Investigation: Ontario County employees drank alcohol during workday on Election Day

The report we received from the county after submitting a FOIL request was heavily redacted. Since then, we've been able to read the portions originally blacked out by the county.

We now know the compliance report was completed on Jan. 31, after the initial complaint was received by the county's human resources department on Dec. 2.

The report reads, "Although employees enjoyed 'Fall Fest,' most employees also felt aspects of the event were inappropriate, unprofessional and/or would be viewed negatively by the public."

The investigative findings also state, "Drinking alcohol at work, singing karaoke in the courtroom and/or using certain costumes/decorations during “Fall Fest” violated the County’s Workplace Conduct Standards Policy."

The report also reads that employees must be professional at work and should not act in a manner that would reflect any department or Ontario County in a negative manner.

The investigation spanned beyond Fall Fest, stating the Ontario County District Attorney's Office had a culture of gossiping, which violates the county's workplace conduct standards policy.

Findings state District Attorney Jim Ritts violated the county's non-discrimination and sexual harassment policy by not reporting an offensive comment aimed at the LGBTQ+ community by an employee earlier in 2024.

Among the recommendations listed in the report: initiate an investigation into those alleged derogatory comments, counsel all employees in writing about using paid time off when not working a full work week, gossiping and loitering will not be tolerated, and employees must abide by all county policies.

Investigative findings give a mixed picture of the DA’s office — some saying the working environment was "very positive" with close bonds and support, while others said the environment was "horrible" and compared to “high school drama” with cliques and an “in-group.”

Ritts released a statement Thursday.

Just like plenty of offices everywhere, we held an office party on a State holiday, this event started many years ago under the direction of my predecessor and no one has questioned it until now, when I happen to be running for re-election. Political silly season is apparently upon us, and I am confident the people of Ontario County are smart enough to see through it.

On Friday, 13WHAM asked Ritts at an unrelated press event about the compliance report.

"I have said all I’m going to say," Ritts said. "I released it yesterday and I’m not going to say anything more, so no, there’s nothing more to say."

In a statement Thursday, the Ontario County Board of Supervisors said it couldn't comment on internal compliance investigations. 13WHAM reached out to the county's administrator for comment again Friday about the heavy redaction and not disclosing the next course of action for Ritts and the DA's office but did not hear back.

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