WASHINGTON — Just hours after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that she was investigating her former chief of staff, sexual harassment claims were made against the same man.
DC Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio abruptly left the Bowser administration Friday, after working alongside the mayor since before she was elected in 2014. At the time, his departure was only acknowledged as a footnote in a press release highlighting leadership changes and thanking Falcicchio for his years of service to the city.
On Monday morning, Bowser addressed all the changes with a formal statement, saying that the circumstances of Falcicchio's departure "led [her] to initiate an investigation," being handled by the legal counsel's office.
“I have made it clear that my expectation is that all staff will cooperate fully with this investigation," the statement read. "I can also tell you that this investigation does not involve any allegations of improprieties related to business transactions. There is no reason for our important work on behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia to slow down."
Less than three hours later, attorneys Debra Katz and Kayla Morin released their own statement in response to Bowser's investigation, saying that they are representing an employee of the District who has reported "serious allegations of sexual harassment" by Falcicchio.
"It is our understanding that this behavior is longstanding and our client is cooperating fully with the investigation, which Mayor Bowser initiated immediately," the attorneys statement read. "Our client is courageous. She came forward to ensure accountability and protect other women."
The statement went on to say their client alleges Falcicchio made unwelcome advances and sexual contact toward her.
Bowser said she learned of the allegations against Falcicchio Thursday, and accepted his resignation Friday. Falcicchio was replaced by two people, with Lindsey Parker taking over the role of chief of staff and Keith Anderson being named interim deputy mayor for planning and economic development.
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