What could easily be seen as an "old boy network" attempt to cover up an embarrassing sexual harassment incident by one of its members has just backfired quite publicly. When Colorado Representative Wes McKinley was accused of sexual harassment, an independent company was hired to investigate and found him guilty. House authorities slapped him on the wrist -- and went out of their way to keep things quiet.

When you're a well known lawmaker, however, secrets have a way of getting out.

A female lobbyist claims that McKinley grabbed her and stuck his tongue in her mouth during a private meeting in 2007, then continued to sexually harass her throughout the legislative session. She filed a formal complaint with the leadership of the Colorado House of Representatives.

House Speaker Terrance Carroll was designated to find out whether the sexual harassment allegations were credible. He maintains that legislative rules prevent him disclosing any information about the case -- even the outcome.

Apparent Cover Up of Sexual Harassment Findings Revealed

The press asked McKinley last week if he had received any information about the status of the complaint, and he said "No, I haven't."

That doesn't appear to be precisely true. The political blog "Face the State" was shown a "private letter of admonition" from Carroll to McKinley that is dated August 12.

In his letter, Speaker Carroll explains that the outside employment research company hired to review the sexual harassment claim has found that McKinley did make unwanted sexual advances toward the lobbyist, "created an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment."

"I have reviewed the report, which includes statements of the complainant, yourself, and other individuals with knowledge relevant to the investigation, and takes into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the alleged events," Carroll writes in the letter.

"While questions of credibility and political motivations are raised throughout the report, the independent investigator ultimately found [the complainant's] assertions to be credible."

The punishment for McKinley? He was ordered to complete a "private one-on-one tutorial" or class on "avoid conduct that may constitute sexual harassment" before the end of the year and provide documentation that he has done so.

According to Face the State, "Carroll stresses repeatedly that the outcome of the investigation and his reprimand should be handled [as] 'discreetly and confidentially as possible,' using the word 'private' five times in the 1 1/2 page letter."

"For my part," Carroll writes, "I intend to decline all requests for access to any records regarding this matter and will continue to decline to make any comments regarding this matter."

Unfortunately for those who hoped the embarrassing outcome of the sexual harassment investigation could be kept out of public view, Carroll's written comments escaped his control.

"This case is about protecting the rights of a woman relentlessly harassed by a legislator who presumed his political power could buy her silence," said attorney Jessica Corry, who represents the lobbyist who made the complaint, in a May interview.

"He was wrong."

Source:

"Lawmaker to face penalty - confidentially - for sexual harassment" (Face the State, September 1, 2010)