California lawmaker resigns after lobbyist’s claims that he cornered her in a Las Vegas bathroom and masturbated in front of her last year
California Assemblyman Matt Dababneh announced Friday that he’s resigning
Dababneh again denied the allegation in his resignation letter, but said he no longer believes he can effectively serve his Los Angeles district
Pamela Lopez, the lobbyist, said his resignation means little without an apology
Jessica Yas Barker also accused Dababneh of making innapropriate remarks
DAILYMAIL.COM
9 December 2017
California Assemblyman Matt Dababneh announced Friday that he’s resigning amid an investigation into a lobbyist’s allegation he sexually assaulted her in a bathroom last year.
Dababneh again denied the allegation in his resignation letter, but said he no longer believes he can effectively serve his Los Angeles district.
He is the second Democratic California lawmaker to step down following allegations of sexual misconduct. He said he’ll cooperate with an ongoing Assembly investigation into the claim.
‘Beyond the salacious headlines, I am confident that the completed investigation will bring to light and into focus the significant and persuasive evidence of my innocence,’ Dababneh wrote.
Pamela Lopez, the lobbyist, said his resignation means little without an apology.
‘He’s not attempting to atone for his behavior,’ Lopez told The Associated Press.
Lopez alleged at a Monday news conference Dababneh pushed her into a single-stall bathroom during a Las Vegas social event in 2016 and masturbated in front of her while asking her to touch him.
She also outlined the alleged incident in a letter to the Assembly committee tasked with handling misconduct complaints.
Another woman joined Lopez at a news conference to allege that Dababneh made sexually suggestive comments to her.
Jessica Yas Barker, who once worked with Dababneh in the district office of US Representative Brad Sherman in the San Fernando Valley, accused the assemblyman of repeatedly commenting on her appearance.
Dababneh allegedly told her not to dress like ‘such a lesbian.’
He also is alleged to have told Barker about his sexual experiences.
Barker alleges that he on one instance brought her into the office and showed her condoms in his desk drawer.
‘Who knows what my career would look like today had I been able to stay in a congressional office with a boss who was respectful and encouraging?’ she said.
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