The Arizona Senate is expected to release a report commissioned by its Ethics Committee into allegations of workplace harassment against freshman Republican Sen. Wendy Rogers on Monday.
Committee attorney Chris Kleminich announced at the conclusion of a committee hearing last week that he was finalizing his investigation and his report would be given to the committee and publicly released on Monday. Thursday’s lengthy hearing was mainly held behind closed doors as Kleminich briefed the committee’s three Republicans and two Democrats.
Rogers was accused by her former legislative assistant in January of berating him, making comments about his weight and other issues. Michael Polloni Jr. also accused the state senator of taking his belongings and breaking an Eagle Scout plaque.
Rogers made a written response to Ethics Committee and called the allegations “a complete fabrication by an outgoing, brand new employee who worked only one official day for the state of Arizona after the swearing in of senators.”
The committee voted to formally launch an investigation on Feb. 4.
Rogers was sworn in on Jan. 11, but Polloni was working for her on Jan. 3 when he tested positive for the virus. His complaint said he was fired on Jan. 13.
Rogers also said the complaint contains no allegations that she either broke the law or violated Senate ethics rules.
In his detailed, six-page ethics complaint against Rogers, Polloni said she repeatedly asked him to work while he was on sick leave, demanded that he illegally do campaign work for her on state time and removed and damaged some of his belongings from his office.
He also said Rogers doubted that he actually had the virus.
Polloni also alleged that Rogers almost hurt his hand when she slammed a door and that, during a tirade, she yelled at him so closely that he could feel spit hit his face.
Ethics complaints can lead to discipline or expulsion for a member found guilty of violations by the full Senate or House.