State rep’s alleged ‘inappropriate conduct’ under investigation

A state representative is being investigated following an allegation of “inappropriate conduct” at New Member Legislative Academy at UMass Amherst in December.

According to Catherine Williams, spokeswoman for House Speaker Robert DeLeo, four House members informed DeLeo of the harassment, which was reported Dec. 19, with four other reports being filed afterward.

DeLeo’s office said the reports were characterized as a “rumor.” Each of the members reporting to have heard of the alleged misconduct said they did not have any first-hand involvement.

DeLeo’s office didn’t specify the nature of the misconduct.

DeLeo’s office did not identify the state rep or the alleged victim.

The allegation was referred to the Equal Employment Opportunity officer to be assessed while DeLeo immediately notified the House Counsel of the situation.

The EEO officer found that the allegation was plau- sible and recommended opening an investigation.

DeLeo declined to comment further on the matter, citing confidentiality while the investigation is underway.

DeLeo’s office said the Committee on Rules voted to hire an outside EEO officer, Cynthia Farquhar, who will conduct an investigation of complaints of alleged misconduct.

Katherine Palmer, director of House human resources, and House Counsel James Kennedy will also be involved in the investigation.