Monroe County Legislator Ernest Flagler-Mitchell says allegations of sexual abuse against him are not true. His comments came after the Democratic Caucus of the legislature called again for him to resign because of the allegations, and minutes before Republican Legislature President Joe Carbone also called for Flagler-Mitchell to go.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, the Democratic legislator says he’s always been one to help people who call on him and that’s what he attempted to do in this instance. He says “unfortunately, we were unable to resolve this individual’s situation favorably, and now she has launched false allegations against me.”
Flager-Mitchell says he has had moments of marital infidelity, but these are personal matters that he and his wife are working through. He called on people to respect his privacy at a critical time.
Democratic Monroe County Legislators called for Flagler-Mitchell’s immediate resignation after they say a 13th woman has come forward with allegations against him. The Democratic legislative caucus says the woman described in a written statement asking Flagler-Mitchell for help with a Child Protective Services case. When they met at the County Office building, she says he then requested sexual favors of her
Her sexual harassment complaint was filed with the NYS Division of Human Rights.
Legislator Rachel Barnhart says Flagler-Mitchell’s behavior is unacceptable. Barnhart says in addition to Flagler-Mitchell’s resignation, members are also calling for ethics reform, saying that it is very important that there is transparency and accountability in county government.
Republican Monroe County Legislature President Dr. Joe Carbone is now joining Democrats in calling for Flagler-Mitchell to resign. Carbone says Republicans worked behind the scenes to encourage Flagler-Mitchell to resign, but he refused.
Congressman Joe Morelle and Assemblyman Harry Bronson joined in calls Thursday for Flagler-Mitchell to resign his seat.