The leader of the Kentucky House said he doesn’t know the specifics of sexual assault and harassment allegations made against a fellow Democrat. Two statehouse staffers, Cassaundra Cooper and Yolanda Costner, accuse Democratic Representative John Arnold of sexual assaults and harassment which dates back to 2010. The women claim the assaults were reported to their bosses and to top Democrats, but Speaker Greg Stumbo said he was never advised directly.
“I don’t have any direct knowledge, but I have no tolerance for, and I probably speak for every member of this chamber, we have no tolerance of harassment of any kind," said Stumbo. "But, I don’t know the details of about the ethics complaint.”
Stumbo said his office was contacted by LRC director Bobby Sherman.
"I know that director Sherman at one point had contacted us, he does other occasions when these matters have been filed with him," said Stumbo. "We direct him to follow his protocol and to protect the employees.”
Arnold said he’s been advised not to comment on the complaints.
