INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is calling allegations that he acted inappropriately at an after party following the end of the legislative session earlier this year "vicious" and "deeply troubling."
Hill issued a statement to RTV6 Monday evening saying he was invited to a party at AJ's Lounge at the end of the 2018 legislative session along with dozens of other people including legislators, lobbyists and staffers.
"I interacted with several people - talking, laughing, and telling stories," Hill's statement reads. "At no time was my behavior inappropriate nor did I touch anyone in an inappropriate manner."
Hill says he was never contacted by an investigator about those allegations.
"I have not been informed of who made these allegations nor have I been provided any due process with regard to these vicious allegations," Hill's statement reads.
These allegations are deeply troubling.
Following dinner, I was invited to AJ's lounge for the legislative end of session party.
The celebration at AJ's was very crowded with, legislators, lobbyists, staffers and others. The atmosphere was light and jovial, as would be expected in a bar.
I interacted with several people - talking, laughing, and telling stories. At no time was my behavior inappropriate nor did I touch anyone in an inappropriate manner.
While the celebration continued, I left with the gentleman who had invited me and went home.
I have never been contacted by any investigator. I have not been informed of who made these allegations nor have I been provided any due process with regard to these vicious allegations.
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R) Indianapolis, House Democratic Leader Terry Goodin (D) Austin, Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R) Fort Wayne and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D) Anderson, issued a joint statement in response to the allegations against Hill saying they were made aware of the allegations on May 14 and conducted a thorough investigation.
"House and Senate personnel policies strictly prohibit all forms of sexual harassment and clearly state that no employee should be subjected to unsolicited or unwelcome sexual advances or conduct, either verbal or physical."
The joint statement says they completed their investigation and have addressed the situation "to the satisfaction of the employees involved."
“On Monday, May 14, legislative leaders were first made aware of employee concerns regarding Attorney General Hill’s conduct at a social gathering at the closing of this year’s legislative session.
House and Senate personnel policies strictly prohibit all forms of sexual harassment and clearly state that no employee should be subjected to unsolicited or unwelcome sexual advances or conduct, either verbal or physical. In accordance with House and Senate policies, interviews of those employees expressing concern were immediately conducted and outside counsel was engaged to be certain that the matter was handled properly and thoroughly.
Our investigation has been completed and the matter has been addressed with the Attorney General to the satisfaction of the employees involved. Protection of House and Senate employees is of paramount importance to legislative leaders.”
John Zody, the chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, has called on Hill to resign. Zody released a statement, saying:
“Like Governor Eric Holcomb has previously stated, Hoosier Democrats agree that there's ‘zero room for harassment of any kind in any state government workplace’. These actions are never acceptable. We believe the multiple allegations against the Attorney General are serious, and raise material doubts over whether he can effectively carry out the duties of his office. Hill is Indiana’s chief law enforcement officer. It is not only his job to carry out the laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly, but also to protect Hoosiers from waste, fraud and abuse. The allegations reported yesterday are beyond troubling and wildly inappropriate in a professional or social environment for any person, much less a statewide elected official charged with such responsibility. Attorney General Hill should spare Hoosiers from this controversy and resign from office.”
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