FBI joins in Massa probe of sexual harassment, hush money and coverups
BY Richard Sisk
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, April 22nd 2010, 4:00 AM
Miller, ElisaRep. Eric Massa speaks to the media on his reasoning for not seeking reelection, outside his office in the Longworth House Office Building at the US Capitol. Related NewsTantaros: New Yorkers need leaders they can be proud ofGOP pushes Massa probe, charges Pelosi ignored tipMassa mess spares Paterson on 'SNL'Massa hit on male bartender during funeral for Marine: reportMassa paid former chief of staff $40K before sexual harrassment complaint WASHINGTON - The FBI has joined the mushrooming investigations of sexual harassment, hush money and coverups allegedly involving former upstate Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) and his male staffers.
The bureau's entry into the case followed the announcement by the House Ethics Committee yesterday it is conducting its own investigation of how the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and others handled complaints against Massa.
Massa's alleged "tickling," groping and raucous behavior at a gay bar with young staffers was "offensive, inappropriate [and] created a hostile work environment," the Ethics Committee said in a statement.
In the chaos in Massa's office, "monies or other payments may have been misappropriated or otherwise fraudulently or improperly distributed or received," the committee said.
Massa resigned last month as the charges escalated. He maintained he was a "salty guy" whose gruff language and behavior may have been misjudged by his staff.
The case entered a new phase last week when Joe Racalto, Massa's former chief of staff, disclosed he has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Massa. Racalto also said he received a $40,000 check from Massa's campaign fund shortly before Massa resigned.
Through his lawyer, Massa said he did not authorize the $40,000 payment, alleging that forgery might be involved.
BY Richard Sisk
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, April 22nd 2010, 4:00 AM
Miller, ElisaRep. Eric Massa speaks to the media on his reasoning for not seeking reelection, outside his office in the Longworth House Office Building at the US Capitol. Related NewsTantaros: New Yorkers need leaders they can be proud ofGOP pushes Massa probe, charges Pelosi ignored tipMassa mess spares Paterson on 'SNL'Massa hit on male bartender during funeral for Marine: reportMassa paid former chief of staff $40K before sexual harrassment complaint WASHINGTON - The FBI has joined the mushrooming investigations of sexual harassment, hush money and coverups allegedly involving former upstate Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) and his male staffers.
The bureau's entry into the case followed the announcement by the House Ethics Committee yesterday it is conducting its own investigation of how the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and others handled complaints against Massa.
Massa's alleged "tickling," groping and raucous behavior at a gay bar with young staffers was "offensive, inappropriate [and] created a hostile work environment," the Ethics Committee said in a statement.
In the chaos in Massa's office, "monies or other payments may have been misappropriated or otherwise fraudulently or improperly distributed or received," the committee said.
Massa resigned last month as the charges escalated. He maintained he was a "salty guy" whose gruff language and behavior may have been misjudged by his staff.
The case entered a new phase last week when Joe Racalto, Massa's former chief of staff, disclosed he has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Massa. Racalto also said he received a $40,000 check from Massa's campaign fund shortly before Massa resigned.
Through his lawyer, Massa said he did not authorize the $40,000 payment, alleging that forgery might be involved.
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