Pennsylvania lawmaker facing sex assault claim quits House

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A western Pennsylvania state lawmaker has resigned two months after being stripped of a chairmanship following allegations that he had sex with an incapacitated woman against her will.

Republican state Rep. Brian Ellis, who has not been charged with any crime, wrote in a letter to the House speaker Monday that he was resigning immediately.

He's citing the best interests of his family, district residents and his own health.

The woman's lawyer has said her client believes she was drugged while having a drink with a friend and sexually assaulted.

Ellis was in his eighth term representing a Butler County district.

A message couldn't be left at his phone Monday.