State Rep files ethics complaint against Speaker

Kelsey challenges Williams over sexual harassment allegations

Email | Print By Clint Brewer

State Representative Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) filed an Ethics Complaint today against Speaker of the House Kent Williams for what a written statement described as "Williams's acts of sexual harassment and for making a false statement to the public regarding the allegations."

Kelsey filed the complaint with Williams this afternoon via e-mail, according to a statement released by Kelsey. Williams denied "harassing anyone" earlier today.

"Speaker Williams' actions of sexual harassment were bad enough to begin with. Denying that the events ever occurred, in effect calling Rep. Lynn a liar, is like spitting in the face of his victim," Kelsey said.

The incidents, which are alledged to have occurred almost two years ago, and to which Kelsey was never described as a witness to, revolve around State Rep. Susan Lynn and Williams. According to a document prepared at the time by Republican Leader Jason Mumpower, Lynn alleged that Williams sexually harrased her on two separate occassions.

The first occurred on March 27, 2007, where Williams purportedly offered a week's pay to see his colleague naked. The second occurred a few weeks later where Lynn alleges that Williams came up behind her, gave her a tight hug, and said, "Have a good weekend." In between the two alleged actions, the memo from Mumpower states Williams apologized for his actions during the first incident.

"Speaker Williams issued a false statement with the intent to deceive the public," Kelsey said. "This type of dishonesty to the people of Tennessee is totally unacceptable from the leader of the House of Representatives."

Kelsey's complaint is the second time the Memphis lawmaker has challenged the new GOP speaker who was elected by a unanimous House Democratic Caucus, ending the expected rise of House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower to the post. Previously, Kelsey in a floor statement asked Williams to resign his seat for breaking ranks with the GOP House Caucus.