Woman told House panel that Gomez sexually assaulted her, attorneys say
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
A woman claimed to the House Ethics Committee that Rep. Jimmy Gomez sexually assaulted her, her attorneys stated. This allegation arises as the panel investigates sexual misconduct claims against the California Democrat. The committee announced on Monday they are probing Gomez for inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.
Gomez responded by acknowledging in a statement that he made personal errors outside his marriage, but maintained the encounters were consensual. His attorneys, Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt, disagreed with this assertion, asserting their client's actions were not consensual with the alleged victim. The attorneys representing the unnamed woman said they expect the Ethics Committee to reach the same conclusion.
Gomez has expressed readiness to cooperate with the inquiry, but has provided no further comment. House Democratic leaders deemed the allegations "serious and disturbing," urging the committee to conduct a thorough and swift investigation. The Democratic Women's Caucus also called for expeditious action, should the allegations prove true, with "clear and meaningful consequences."
The Ethics Committee's probe comes as the House prepares to debate legislation to revise its ethics rules, including a ban on lawmakers having sexual relationships with congressional staffers.
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