D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced her former chief of staff and deputy mayor who abruptly resigned last week is the focus of an internal investigation. News4’s Mark Segraves reports at least one woman has alleged sexual misconduct.
A second D.C. government employee has accused former Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio of sexual harassment, according to a statement from her attorneys.
“Her allegations are extremely disturbing and reflect a longstanding pattern of sexual harassment and predatory behavior by Mr. Falcicchio,” the statement read.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an investigation into Falcicchio, her former chief of staff, after his abrupt departure from her administration earlier this month.
The attorneys also represent the first accuser.
“It is our understanding that this behavior is longstanding, and our client is cooperating fully with the investigation, which Mayor Bowser initiated immediately,” a statement from March 20 read.
News4’s Mark Segraves asked about Falcicchio after he didn’t show up for the Department of Economic Development’s biggest event of the year, which Falcicchio created.
The mayor’s office then announced Falcicchio’s replacements in a news release March 17.
Falcicchio had been by Bowser’s side since before she first became mayor, serving on her mayoral campaigns before as chief of staff and deputy mayor. He was one of the most powerful figures in the bowser administration. He also worked for former Mayor Adrian Fenty’s campaigns and administration.
"Mayor Bowser was notified by the MOLC (Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel) about the second complaint on Wednesday evening March 29th and immediately directed the MOLC to investigate," MOLC Deputy Director Vanessa Natale said in a statement to News4 Friday evening. "The investigation of this complaint is in its preliminary stages. As stated previously, this matter will be handled confidentially to protect the privacy of the individual complainants."
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