GOP leaders hire firm to investigate harassment

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky’s House Republican leaders say they have hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation of sexual harassment allegations against state lawmakers.

Lawmakers would not identify the law firm or say how much they would be paid. A spokesman said more information would be released later in the week.

GOP House Speaker Jeff Hoover resigned his leadership position Sunday after admitting he settled a sexual harassment claim with a member of his staff.

Republican leaders say one staff member resigned Monday morning, but they did not identify that person. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported the person who accused Hoover of sexual harassment planned to resign. An attorney representing that person declined to comment.