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Assembly Committee Drops Investigation into Duvall's Sex Scandal
Assemblyman Mike Duvall, R-Yorba Linda, sits at his former desk in the Assembly chambers (AP Photo/Hector Amezcua, The Sacramento Bee)
The Assembly Ethics Committee yesterday had to drop the investigation into former Orange County Assemblyman Mike Duvall after they were advised the panel lacked authority over the issue.
“The Legislative Counsel has concluded that Mr. Duvall’s resignation terminates our legal ability to investigate the alleged conduct of Mr. Duvall while he was still a member," explained co-chair and Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank). "While I take counsel’s advice and analysis seriously, I am not prepared to agree with that conclusion at this point."
Duvall was caught on video bragging about sexual trysts, allegedly one with a lobbyist. On the day the story broke last month, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) instructed the Ethics Committee to look into the matter. A few hours later, Duvall resigned.
"Part of what the committee will explore in fulfilling the speaker’s charge will be to determine the boundaries of our legal authority to investigate, both as it relates to the current circumstances and any future incidents," continued Krekorian.
The FBI has questioned at least two of Duvall's former employees, but said no formal investigation has been launched.
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