House GOP statement on Ellis expected
The House Republican leadership is expected later this morning to issue a new statement in the wake of allegations that state Rep. Brian Ellis (R-11th) of Butler County sexually assaulted a woman in Harrisburg more than three years ago.
The statement could shed greater light on how seriously GOP caucus leaders are taking reports that the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office has opened a criminal investigation into the matter, according to Mike Straub, spokesman for House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster.
He declined further comment until the statement is released, possibly by noon.
Ellis, 49, has not been charged and the Dauphin County DA's office has declined to comment on the reported investigation.
According to multiple sources with knowledge of the inquiry. Ellis is alleged to have taken the woman to his Harrisburg residence, where the alleged assault occurred in late 2015.
The woman, a state employee who does not work for Ellis, has alleged that the lawmaker told her the next morning that the two had had sex, according to reports.
Prior to that evening, according to reports, she said that Ellis had pursued her and that she had made it clear she did not want to be involved with him.
House GOP leaders on Thursday issued the following joint statement:
“The House Republican Caucus has zero tolerance for any instance of sexual violence or harassment. Our caucus has not been contacted by any law enforcement agencies regarding any new or ongoing investigations. If criminal charges related to sexual violence or harassment are filed against one of our members, we would expect an immediate resignation. Our caucus will fully cooperate with any law enforcement investigation, or request, and would take any allegation against one of our members with the utmost seriousness. Our rules, recently adopted by both House Republicans and Democrats, reflect the gravity of these cases, and the rules, including expulsion proceedings, would apply to any complaints against current members, regardless of when the incident is alleged to have taken place.”
