CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The Latest on the resignation of Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle (all times local):
1:15 p.m.
The Democratic leader of the state Assembly says he has no information about any sexual harassment complaints made against Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle.
Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson says he was informed of Sprinkle’s resignation Thursday morning and is not aware of the existence of any formal complaint made against the Democratic whip. Frierson says it was Sprinkle’s decision to step down.
Sprinkle announced in a statement Thursday that he would resign because he’s facing “growing sexual harassment claims.” He did not appear on the Assembly floor Thursday. Frierson says the reporting process does not inform him of the details of a complaint until an investigation is conducted and there are findings.
Several Democrats declined to comment while leaving an Assembly floor session.
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12:45 p.m.
The Nevada Republican Party is calling on Democratic Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson to release details about the sexual harassment allegations made against Democratic Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle.
State GOP Executive Director Will Sexauer said in a statement Thursday that Sprinkle’s resignation on the heels of another Democratic lawmaker’s resignation last week was “deja vu.”
The party noted that Democratic Majority Leader Kelvin Atkinson resigned last week after admitting to misusing campaign funds.
Sexauer says Nevadans deserve answers about what forced Sprinkle to announce his resignation Thursday.
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12:35 p.m.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak says he’s “disgusted” and “outraged” by sexual harassment allegations made against Democratic state Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle.
The Democratic governor said in a statement Thursday that sexual harassment should never be tolerated and he commends the courage of those who came forward to report Sprinkle’s behavior.
Sisolak did not release any details about the allegations made against Sprinkle.
The governor says he’s committed to ensuring state government is safe for employees.
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11:55 a.m.
Democratic state Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle says he is resigning because he faces sexual harassment complaints, making him the second high-ranking Democratic state legislator to resign in under two weeks.
Sprinkle’s resignation announcement Thursday offered no details about the claims made against him but follows the resignation of Senate’s Democratic majority leader Kelvin Atkinson last week. Aktinson has since pleaded guilty to a fraud charge and admitted he used at least $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses.
Sprinkle said in a statement Thursday he is sorry that “anyone ever felt harassed or threatened by me.”
He was first elected to the state Assembly in November 2012.
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