Conyers faces ethics investigation over charges

WASHINGTON» The House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into allegations that senior Democratic lawmaker Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Michigan sexually harassed female aides and used office funds to settle a former staffer’s claim that she was fired after rejecting his advances.

Committee Chairwoman Susan Brooks, R-Ind., and ranking Democrat Ted Deutch, D-Fla., announced the start of a probe into Conyers, 88, the longestserving member of the House and top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee.

Shortly after the probe was announced, BuzzFeed News reported a second allegation by a former Conyers aide, who claimed in court filings this year that he sexually harassed her. BuzzFeed reported the 2015 settlement between Conyers and an unnamed former employee late Monday.

On Tuesday, Conyers initially denied that he had settled sexual harassment claims when asked by an Associated Press reporter at his Detroit home. Later in the day, he reversed himself and acknowledged the settlement while emphasizing that he never admitted fault.

“I expressly and vehemently denied the allegations made against me, and continue to do so,” Conyers said in a written statement. “My office resolved the allegations — with an express denial of liability — to save all involved from the rigors of protracted litigation. That should not be lost in the narrative,” he stated.