House GOP leaders urge member accused of sex assault to resign

By MARK SCOLFORO
Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/WTXF) -- Republican leaders of the Pennsylvania House are urging a state representative to resign amid allegations he forced a woman to have sex after they broke up and threatened to kill another while driving at a high speed and brandishing a gun.

The seven highest-ranking GOP leaders in the House released a statement Thursday saying the claims should be properly investigated by police but Republican Rep. Nick Miccarelli should step down in the meantime.

The leaders say the integrity of the Legislature and the safety of members and employees are at stake.

A state official and a campaign consultant filed a complaint about Miccarelli with the House about three weeks ago. He's vigorously denied the allegations and is not charged with any crime.

A source close to the investigation tells FOX 29, Miccarelli must now enter the Capitol--as the public does--through a metal detector due to concerns he's carried a gun into the building.

A spokesperson for Rep. Miccarelli released the following statement:

"We welcome the Dauphin County D.A.'s investigation because Rep. Miccarelli has done absolutely nothing wrong. It is our hope that the investigation proceeds expeditiously so that Nick can put this matter behind him and continue his work to improve the lives of the good people of the 162nd Legislative District."