Female Lawmakers Want Assemblyman Devon Mathis Investigated

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – The top members of the California Legislature’s Women’s Caucus say legislative leaders have failed to enforce the body’s zero-tolerance policies for sexual harassment.
Their statement was issued Friday after Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra apologized for harassing a woman in 2009, when both were legislative aides.
The Los Angeles-area Democrat is the first sitting lawmaker named since a letter was circulated last week by a female lobbyist claiming sexual harassment is rampant at the Capitol. Bocanegra was told not to talk to the woman anymore but wasn’t otherwise punished. He is now serving his second term in the Legislature.
Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia and Sen. Connie Leyva say they condemn Bocanegra’s behavior and want the chambers’ male leaders to review it.
They’re also asking leadership to look into Assemblyman Devon Mathis. The Sacramento Police Department says they are investigating allegations against Mathis but have not disclosed details.
A Mathis spokeswoman says the allegations against the Visalia Republican are made up and will be proven false.

photo: DevonMathis.com