TX DPS Says 'Not Enough Evidence' In Capitol Staffer's Allegation

Austin TX

29 April, 2021

6:52 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Travis County District Attorney's Office have dismissed a Capitol staffer's allegations of being drugged by a lobbyist due to a lack of evidence, officials said Thursday. The joint statement was released after DPS conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations of a state lobbyist drugging a legislative aide with a date rape drug. The female staffer reported the incident took place during a meeting in downtown Austin, according to the Austin American-Statesman, which broke the story on Saturday. "Together, we have concluded that there is not enough evidence to support these allegations and that criminal charges are not appropriate. No crime occurred in this instance," authorities said. Officials said both agencies take the allegation of drugging women "very seriously" and continue to work hard to ensure that "potential victims are always treated with respect and dignity." "Recent events have amplified the conversation in our community that women should have the right to feel safe at all times. We are committed to continuing this conversation with the firm belief that women should be safe at home, at the workplace, and anywhere else they choose to be," officials said. "This conversation is long overdue and we are encouraged by the Texas Legislature's attention to these important issues." The allegation is reminiscent of 2017 media reports of sexual misconduct in the Capitol that went back years and led to lawmakers overhauling procedures for sexual harassment reporting in 2019. The rules, which do not apply to lobbyists, require House members and staffers to take training on identifying and responding to such misconduct, and made the chamber's general investigating committee the main body to vet allegations. The House's revised sexual harassment policy also explains the multiple ways to report a complaint internally or externally, protections against retaliation, how to seek counseling for victims and confidentiality requirements. The Senate's updated policy also requires training for lawmakers and staffers, and it states that the rules apply to all senators, staffers and the lieutenant governor's office. The policy also explains that sexual harassment is illegal and outlines the consequences of it and a path for victims to report their harassers.