A former top aide to D.C.'s mayor sexually harassed a city employee, an investigation released Saturday evening found.
Former Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio abruptly departed Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration in March. The investigation by the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel started a week before his resignation.
The legal counsel’s office investigated eight allegations and found two of the allegations were substantiated.
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According to the findings, Falcicchio engaged in unwanted physical sexual advances and sent inappropriate messages, including sexually explicit messages and graphic videos.
The report concluded that the behavior "more likely than not constituted sexual harassment" toward the female staffer.
The staffer's attorneys, Debra Katz and Kayla Morin, released a statement Sunday that said in part:
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“We are gratified that the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC) report substantiates our client’s serious allegations of sexual harassment by former Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio,” the statement reads. “The findings also serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and we encourage the District to implement immediate reforms that will prevent others from being treated in this reprehensible fashion – especially by those in positions of power.”
Sources familiar with the investigation told News4 that based on the findings there will not be a referral for a criminal investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate accusations by a second woman.
Falcicchio was considered Bowser’s right-hand man dating to before she was elected mayor in 2014.
Bowser released a statement following his departure in March.
“I know you have many questions, but please understand that as this is a sensitive matter that includes privacy concerns, we will not be able to discuss it any further," the statement reads in part. "However, I am able to say that the circumstances of his departure led me to initiate an investigation."
News4 reached out to Falcicchio for comment and he did not immediately respond.
This is a developing story. Now on News4 and in the app.
