Pa. House GOP: Probe finds Miccarelli 'retaliated'

Pennsylvania House Republican leadership says it's seeking to have Rep. Nick Miccarelli removed from committees after an investigation found him in violation of a policy prohibiting retaliation.

Miccarelli (R-162nd, Delaware County) faces allegations of sexual harassment by his fellow House member, Rep. Tarah Toohill. She claims he pulled a gun and threatened to kill her when they dated several years ago. He denies it.

But a House investigation found that the "allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse were credible."

Information was turned over to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office for its review and possible action, House leadership says.

GOP leadership called for Miccarelli's resignation.

Instead, Miccarelli announced in March that he would not seek reelection, leaving office when his term ends later this year.

According to a memo Republican leadership issued Thursday to all House members, a follow-up investigation resulting from a subsequent complaint was just completed.

The follow-up probe found Miccarelli "has continued to maintain for months a statement on Facebook that was specifically identified by the House as a retaliation."

The memo adds, "Furthermore, he retaliated through the dissemination of sexually explicit emails and images without a valid purpose."

As a result, GOP leadership is asking for Miccarelli to be removed from all standing committees "due to a continuing breach of House Republican Caucus policy."

They're also moving his seat on the floor of the House, the memo states.

Frank Keel, a spokesman for Miccarelli, issued the following statement on the representative's behalf: