House Democrat Accused of Sex Assault Days After Ethics Investigation Announced

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) has been accused of sexual assault days after it was announced that he was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, CNN reported on Wednesday.

The woman’s attorneys, Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt, told the network that their client was sexually harassed and assaulted by Gomez, disputing the lawmaker’s claim that his actions were consensual.

“We represent one of the women who was interviewed by the House Committee on Ethics about her experience of sexual harassment and assault by Representative Jimmy Gomez, the lawyers said in a statement to CNN. “Contrary to Representative Gomez’s assertion in his statement, his actions were not ‘consensual in nature’ with respect to our client. We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation.”

The woman was not identified.

The news came two days after it emerged that Gomez was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations of sexual misconduct.

“The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), is reviewing allegations that Representative Jimmy Gomez may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct, including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer in violation of clause 18(b) of the Code,” the Ethics Committee said in a statement on Monday

Gomez did not comment regarding the new CNN report, but had previously told the panel that while he made “personal mistakes outside my marriage,” he considered his behavior to be consensual and claimed he did not break any laws.

Gomez is one of several lawmakers who are under investigation by the Ethics panel, including former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) over allegations of sexual misconduct involving an employee under his supervision.

Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) was investigated over his behavior toward young female staffers, with the committee finding substantial evidence that he violated House rules on sexual harassment and hostile workplaces and recommended his censure.

Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), meanwhile, remains under investigation over a sprawling collection of allegations that includes domestic abuse and other misconduct, while Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) is being investigated over allegations of domestic violence, abuse, and illegal drug use. The committee is also reviewing a matter involving Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), though it has not yet publicly disclosed the underlying allegations.

Former lawmakers probed by the House Ethics Committee include Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Nancy Mace (R-SC).

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