The House's independent ethics office is looking into sexual-harassment claims leveled months ago against Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., the Wall Street Journal is reporting.
(PICTURES: Latest Political Sex Scandals)
Citing sources familiar with the inquiry, the Journal reported the investigation, which began at least a month ago, is being conducted by the independent Office of Congressional Ethics and not the House Ethics Committee.
A lawsuit, filed against Hastings on March 7 by the conservative group Judicial Watch on behalf of Helsinki Commission staffer Winsome Packer, alleged that the congressman sexually harassed Packer over the course of more than two years and threatened retaliation if she tried to report it.
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton told the Journal that his organization had been contacted by investigators and confirmed that Packer is cooperating with OCE.
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