Pa. House Republicans Call On Butler Co. Lawmaker To Quit Over Sexual Assault Allegations
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/KDKA) -- Pennsylvania state House Republicans are stripping a member of his committee chairmanship and recommending he resign over allegations that he had sex with an incapacitated woman against her will.
House GOP leaders issued a statement Friday that said eight-term Rep. Brian Ellis, 49, should step down "to take care of his family and address the allegations" about an incident in his home near the Capitol in Harrisburg more than three years ago.
The statement goes on to say, "The speaker has suspended Rep. Ellis's chairmanship of the Consumer Affairs Committee pending the outcome of the criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney's office."
Ellis is from Butler County.
Ellis hasn't responded to texts, emails and phone messages seeking comment. He hasn't been charged.
The woman's lawyer, Christine Wechsler, says her client believes she was drugged while having a drink and was sexually assaulted.
House Republicans say prosecutors are looking into the allegations.
Governor Tom Wolf is also calling on Ellis to resign. Congressman Mike Kelly, who represents the same district as Ellis, is keeping a wait-and-see attitude.
"Maybe Brian can clear his name, maybe not, but I think for everyday people, they like to know, did this happen? Didn't it happen? If it did happen, of course there are consequences," he said.
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo is declining comment.
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