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Another Ohio Lawmaker Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

Republican Rep. Rick Perales
Ohio Legislature
Republican Rep. Rick Perales

Another state representative is being accused of inappropriate sexual behavior. 

Republican Rep. Rick Perales is being accused of an inappropriate relationship with constituent Jocelyn Smith, who says Perales choked and kissed her against her will three years ago. Smith is now running against Perales in the primary. Brad Miller, a spokesman for House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, says Rosenberger knew there had been some interaction between the two in the past but just learned about the allegation of physical abuse, and that the speaker takes these matters very seriously. But he says things are at an information gathering stage and that Rosenberger is not rushing to judgement.  Last year two Republican lawmakers resigned for inappropriate conduct, and two others apologized for remarks made at a party earlier this year.

Copyright 2018 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.