© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ethics Panel To Re-Hear Arnold Sexual Harassment Case

A former Kentucky lawmaker could still face punishment for allegedly sexually harassing three female state workers.

The Legislative Ethics Commission will hold a second public hearing Tuesday on allegations that former Democratic state Rep. John Arnold violated state ethics laws by engaging in unacceptable conduct.

The nine-member commission held a public hearing last month on the charges and voted 4-1 to convict Arnold. But state law requires the commission to have at least five votes before it can take action. Three commissioners were absent and one seat is vacant. Seven commissioners attended Tuesday's meeting.

Arnold's attorney Steve Downey argued the commission did not have the authority to hold a second hearing. But commission chairman George Troutman said the case was never officially closed because the commission never had five votes.

The commission deliberated in a closed-door meeting over the objections of the media.