Accused of sexual harassment, these California lawmakers may not be able to use campaign funds to de

Source: Los Angeles Times

Accused of sexual harassment, these California lawmakers may not be able to use campaign funds to defend themselves

DECEMBER 26, 2017 5:00 AM | REPORTING FROM SACRAMENTO

Patrick McGreevy Contact Reporter

Four state lawmakers who face sexual harassment allegations have $2 million in surplus campaign funds, but experts believe they might not be able to tap the money to defend themselves against ongoing investigations.

State law allows elected officials to accept political contributions into legal defense funds to defray the cost of defending themselves against criminal, civil or administrative probes involving their actions as public officials.

The Legislature has hired outside attorneys to investigate claims of sexual misconduct against Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills), Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) and recently resigned Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima). There also is an inquiry into allegations from a former lawmaker of unwanted hugging from Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles). None of them has yet filed papers to create a legal defense fund.

Political attorneys and observers say there are doubts about whether the men can create legal defense funds given that some of the allegations involve actions taken in nightclubs, hotels and other places away from their official offices.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-sex-harassment-probe-defenses-20171226-story.html