Second ex-staffer accuses Conyers of sexual harassment

[brooklynite]

Source: Detroit News

A former staffer of U.S. Rep. John Conyers said the veteran lawmaker made unwanted sexual advances toward her, including inappropriate touching, adding to allegations by other unnamed former employees that have prompted a congressional investigation.

Deanna Maher, Conyers’ former deputy chief of staff who ran his downriver office from 1997 to 2005, told The Detroit News that the Detroit Democrat made unwanted advances toward her three times.

Maher is the second former Conyers staffer to go public with accusations about the veteran lawmaker. Conyers on Sunday stepped aside as the the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee amid a congressional ethics probe of sexual harassment allegations involving former staffers.

The first instance of harassment happened, Maher said, shortly after the congressman hired her in September 1997 during an event with the Congressional Black Caucus.

Read more: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2017/11/28/former-staffer-accuses-conyers-harassment/108085966/

[oberliner]

1. Glad people are no longer afraid to come forward

It can't be easy.

[snooper2]

2. Maher claimed Conyers touched her inappropriately, including on her legs under her dress.

Time for this creepy old man to resign his office--

This is #3 coming forward


"In the 1998 accusation, Maher said Conyers was driving along Interstate 75 with her in the passenger seat. Maher said the lawmaker was “trying to feel me up” and tickle her on her neck, causing him to drive erratically and get pulled over by the police.

Maher said her age — she was 57 when Conyers allegedly harassed her — kept her from coming forward. Maher was fearful she would not be able to find new employment if she lost her job with Conyers.

“I didn’t report the harassment because it was clear nobody wanted to take it seriously,” she said. “John Conyers is a powerful man in Washington, and nobody wanted to cross him.”

Maher also said she reported an alleged sexual assault by a male Conyers' staffer in 2001 to the Ethics Committee and the Justice Department. It is unclear if Conyers was aware of this incident."


https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/28/john-conyers-new-accuser-sexual-harassment-261524