congressman who lied on his resume and has since touched off a string of state and federal investigations into his financial dealings has now been accused of sexual harassment.
A former aide filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee on Friday against Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., according to a copy of the complaint posted on social media.
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Santos has denied the allegations. Inquiries to the lawyers for Santos and Myers for comment were not immediately returned.
“It is an unfortunate series of events, but the matter will hopefully be handled by the appropriate bodies and not litigated through the news media,” Myers said in a statement.
Here’s what we know about the aide and the complaint.
The man who filed the complaint is Derek Myers. He describes himself on Twitter as a journalist and was listed as the editor of the Scioto Valley Guardian in Ohio.
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Myers worked in Santos’ D.C. office starting Jan. 24, according to the ethics complaint. His duties included “answering phones, reading mail, corresponding, and writing to constituents, among other tasks.” He said his title was “volunteer” until hiring paperwork could be completed.
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Myers said he was called into the Congressman’s office on Jan. 30 and asked about his background as a journalist, including “matters that had already been disclosed in my conversations with hiring managers.”
On Feb. 1, Myers said he was informed his job offer was being rescinded.
The complaint also alleges that it is a violation of House Ethics for Santos’ office to have him work as a volunteer to “offload work from paid staff members.”
Santos denied the sexual harassment allegation. “It’s comical,” he told CNN. “Of course, I deny that claim.”
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