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Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is being accused of groping a lawmaker and three legislative staffers at a party, earlier this year.
According to the Indianapolis Star, a confidential memo made for legislative leaders was released to the public last night, containing details of the allegations. The incidents allegedly took place during an end-of-the-legislative-session party at a bar on March 15th.
According to the legal memo, which was obtained by the Indy Star, Hill is accused by a lawmaker of twice grabbing her butt, even after she told him to “back off.” Three legislative staffers told similar stories to an Indianapolis-based law firm. Hill also allegedly told women that they should “show a little skin” if they wanted to receive faster service.
In a statement to the IndyStar, Hill denied the allegations, saying “At no time was my behavior inappropriate nor did I touch anyone in an inappropriate manner”. Hill said that he did not know the identity of his accusers, nor had he been contacted by investigators.
In response, the legislator, whose identity is being protected, told the IndyStar that Hill’s behavior was witnessed by many individuals at the party. She also stated she was “disappointed that nothing can be done to censure him formally.”
Indiana Democrats have called for Hill to resign, with Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody saying in a statement this morning, “We believe the multiple allegations against the Attorney General are serious, and raise material doubts over whether he can effectively carry out the duties of his office.” The state attorney generals office is the highest law enforcement official in the state.
Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer said in a statement last night that, “As the Republican Party, we have zero tolerance for sexual harassment, and that’s the standard to which we should all adhere. Actions like these alleged have no place in public life or anywhere else,”. However, Hupfer did not call for Hill’s resignation.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb says that he is currently with his wife in Montana celebrating his anniversary, and that he will not comment any further on the allegations until he returns home tomorrow night.
