Judicial Watch Suit Accuses Judge-Turned-Congressman of Sexual Harassment
An ousted federal judge-turned-congressman has been accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed by the conservative group Judicial Watch.
The suit claims U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., sexually harassed a staffer who worked for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, according to a press release and CNN’s Political Ticker blog. The staffer, Winsome Packer, alleges in the complaint that Hastings made unwelcome sexual advances, hugged her too closely and made crude comments, including a query about the kind of underwear she was wearing.
At a news conference, Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said Packer was particularly vulnerable because she was a Republican working for a Democratically controlled commission.
Hastings denied the allegations in a statement. “I have never sexually harassed anyone,” he said. “In fact, I am insulted that these ludicrous allegations are being made against me. When all the facts are known in this case, the prevailing sentiment will be, ‘How bizarre!’ I will win this lawsuit. That is a certainty. In a race with a lie, the truth always wins. And when the truth comes to light and the personal agendas of my accusers are exposed, I will be vindicated.”
Alcee Hastings was removed from the bench in 1989 based on allegations of bribery and perjury.
