Eric Massa's alleged tickling, groping and cruising hobbies have gained some FBI attention. The Feds have joined the investigation against the former Representative after the House Ethics Committee announced yesterday that they would look into how Nancy Pelosi's office handled complaints against Massa. The Committee said in a statement that they are investigating whether Massa was "offensive, inappropriate [and] created a hostile work environment," and whether "monies or other payments may have been misappropriated or otherwise fraudulently or improperly distributed or received."
The New York Congressman resigned amidst allegations that he sexually harassed male staffers, and since then a suit was filed against him by former aide Joe Racalto. The Committee can't formally investigate former representatives, but they can look into how the initial complaints were handled to see if any current House or staff member violated any laws in their handling of the allegations. Along with the sexual harassment suit, Racalto claims Massa gave him a check for $40,000 shortly before he resigned. The FBI is looking into the check to see if it may have been forged.
House Republicans are demanding the Committee shine light on any Democrats involved in a possible cover up. Representative John A. Boehner said, “We need answers to serious questions. What did Democratic leaders know about former Rep. Massa’s conduct? When did they know? What did they do to protect the staff and interns who were being subjected to harassment by their boss?" To deal with any future sexual harassment claims, Democrats have proposed instituting harassment handling training classes for senior employees every two years, replacing the current policy of "Find your buddy and tell an adult."
