California Liberal Leader Of The #metoo Movement Accused Of Sexual Harassment? [Video]

California Liberal Leader Of The #metoo Movement Accused Of Sexual Harassment?

Democratic California Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, 40, has had the tables turned on her as she faces sexual harassment charges by two men – one a legislative staffer and the other a lobbyist – both of whom say she made inappropriate sexual advances toward them. Garcia is currently out on a unpaid administrative leave, pending a full investigation.

Garcia is the first female official accused of sexual harassment and the question remains; will her gender win her a ‘pass’ on the allegations against her? As seen in the past, female sexual predators rarely face the same punishments as their male counterparts.

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CBS News-SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Legislature’s widening sexual misconduct scandal now includes allegations against a Democratic lawmaker known for her fierce advocacy on women’s issues, including an anti-sexual harassment movement that began sweeping the Capitol last fall. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia said Thursday she’ll fully cooperate with an investigation into an allegation she groped a 25-year-old man who worked for another lawmaker in 2014.

Daniel Fierro alleges that she stroked his back, squeezed his buttocks and attempted to touch his crotch in the dugout after a legislative softball game. Garcia said she doesn’t recall the incident.

Fierro didn’t report it at the time but in January told his former boss, Democratic Assemblyman Ian Calderon, who reported it to Assembly leaders. Speaker Anthony Rendon confirmed an investigation is underway on Thursday after Politico first reported it.

As reported by KATHLEEN RONAYNE with Associated Press:

Garcia’s spokeswoman Teala Schaff said the assemblywoman learned Jan. 23 a complaint was filed but was given no details and only learned the specifics of the allegations from Politico.

“Every complaint about sexual harassment should be taken seriously and I will participate fully in any investigation that takes place,” the Los Angeles-area lawmaker said in a statement Thursday. “I have zero recollection of engaging in inappropriate behavior and such behavior is inconsistent with my values.”