Former state Rep. John Arnold has been fined $3,000 for violating state ethics laws in a sexual harassment case brought by three female state workers.
The Legislative Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to convict Arnold of violating state ethics laws by inappropriately touching the three women.
It was the second hearing on the matter in two months. Commissioners voted 4-1 at the first hearing to convict Arnold. But state law requires the commission have at least five votes to take action.
Arnold's attorney Steve Downey told commissioners Arnold has been diagnosed with dementia.
The case could have repercussions for House Democrats in the fall elections. Yolanda Costner and Cassaundra Cooper — who work for House Democratic leaders — testified their complaints were initially ignored. Republicans have used the incident to criticize Democrats.
