Monroe County Legislator Ernest Flagler-Mitchell says a new complaint of sexual harassment leveled against him is not true.
A group of county legislature Democrats say a complaint has been filed with the state's Division of Human Rights.
This makes a total of 13 women leveling allegations now against the legislator.
In the complaint, a constituent claims last August, while seeking Flagler-Mitchell's help with a Child Protective Services situation, he allegedly turned a phone conversation sexual and later when meeting with him, the woman says the legislator cornered her in his office and demanded sexual favors for his help.
"But this is unacceptable,” Yversha Roman, Monroe County legislator, said. “Legislators in our community hold the responsibility. They should uphold their office and their community, at bare minimum, trust that when they call a legislator, that legislator will not take advantage of that role."
Flagler-Mitchell says these new allegations are not true, saying the accuser is making up the story because he claims the situation did not end favorably for her.
"These allegations against me are not true," the statement read. "I have always been one to help people who call on me and I attempted to do so in this instance. Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve this individual’s situation favorably and now she has launched false allegations against me. I have always been one to admit my shortcomings and today will be no different. As in any marriage, I have experienced ups and downs. Regretfully, I have had moments of infidelity. These are personal matters that my wife and I continue to work through. I have never promised anything in return for favors nor used my position for anything other than serving the people of my district and that’s what I will continue to do. I request that you respect my family’s privacy during this difficult time."
Dr. Joe Carbone, president of the Legislature, Steve Brew, Republican Majority Leader, and the Republican members of the Monroe County Legislature, Thursday joined calls for the resignation of Flagler-Mitchell.
"We worked behind the scenes to encourage Legislator Flagler-Mitchell to resign in an effort to not further politicize the accounts of the brave individuals who came forward in this matter. After being unsuccessful in our attempts, we are today publicly calling for his resignation. Sexual harassment of any form should not be tolerated. These most recent allegations involving misconduct on county property are especially troubling and warrant resignation."