Rhode Island State Police and Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office say they are reviewing claims of sexual harassment by state Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-South Kingstown).
“Yesterday, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin contacted Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, regarding allegations of sexual harassment at the Rhode Island State House made by Representative Teresa Tanzi,” the two agencies said in a statement Wednesday.
“The two agencies are working together to review the allegations,” the statement continued. “As is the policy of both the State Police and the Attorney General’s Office, the two agencies are not going to be making further comment with respect to the status of or direction of the inquiry.”
Tanzi has said she was told by a higher-ranking lawmaker that her legislation would go further if she provided sexual favors. She has declined to identify the legislator who she said made that remark.
The General Assembly has responded with plans for new sexual harassment training for lawmakers and staffers. Tanzi hopes to create a legislative commission to study how to reduce harassment.
