DA closes sex assault investigation of ex-Delco lawmaker

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The county prosecutor in Harrisburg said Friday he was closing a sexual assault investigation into a now-former state representative at the request of the political consultant who had filed a complaint against him.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said the woman and Republican former Rep. Nick Miccarelli both cooperated with the investigation.

Chardo posted a statement online that said continuing the investigation was not in the public interest, so he was closing it without filing charges.

Through a lawyer, the political consultant said she was dreading the possibility of criminal proceedings and wanted to move on with her life.

"This period has been painful and difficult for me both personally and professionally, and the prospect of a long and drawn out criminal proceeding promises even more trauma for me in the future," her statement read.

Miccarelli did not seek re-election this year in a Delaware County district.

His spokesman, Frank Keel, said Miccarelli is innocent and added there should be no tolerance for false accusations.

"He always knew today's positive outcome would come to pass," Keel said in a statement. "The legal process matters, as this case amply proves."

The woman has claimed Miccarelli came to her house after they broke up in 2014 and forced her to have sex. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, and the woman's lawyer, Terry Mutchler, says she has not identified herself publicly.

A second woman, Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne, claims Miccarelli hit her and threatened to kill her during a relationship that ended in 2012. She obtained a protection-from-abuse order against Miccarelli earlier this year.

Miccarelli also denied Toohil's allegations.