ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A new sexual harassment accusation in New York's Assembly was blocked from investigation by a lawyer who will be fired by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as the longtime leader continues to be dogged for mishandling other harassment claims.
Assemblyman Micah Kellner, a Manhattan Democrat now running for New York City Council, was accused four years ago of inappropriate online communication with a young female staffer.
The accusation, including 15 pages of transcribed online chats, was reported to longtime Assembly lawyer Bill Collins.
Silver says he will fire Collins, who has worked for the Assembly for more than 15 years and runs the legal staff. Silver says he recently learned of the complaint and has referred it to the Assembly Ethics Committee.
The New York Times first reported Collins' dismissal.
(c)2013 AP
