The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that an outside investigation into sexual harassment allegations against state Sen. Tony Mendoza found he “more likely than not” engaged in “sexually suggestive behavior” with six women in the Capitol over more than a decade, including legislative staffers, fellows, an intern and a lobbyist.
A three-page summary of the findings indicates that outside investigators interviewed 47 witnesses, many of whom were former and current staffers of the L.A. Democrat. Investigators interviewed Mendoza twice.
Senators are still deciding what to do with Mendoza.
Expelling him or suspending him without pay would require a two-thirds vote, while a censure motion would need a majority vote for approval. The Senate is expected to vote on the matter on Thursday.
The summary made it pretty clear that Mendoza is a threat to women in the workplace.
Mendoza meanwhile maintains his innocence, and has filed a lawsuit against the state Senate, saying it and his former roommate Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles, violated his constitutional rights to due process and equal protection by suspending him during the investigation.
We’re not expecting great things from Mendoza’s colleagues. It’s a shame for his victims.
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