Florida Rep. Fabian Basabe, a Republican, has been cleared of sexual harassment allegations in a House investigation. This marks the second exoneration this year concerning accusations against Basabe. The lawmaker expressed his confidence in being absolved of what he termed “false and feigned allegations,” thanking the investigators for their thorough examination and constituents for their support during this challenging period.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
Former legislative aide Nicholas Frevola and ex-intern Jacob Cutbirth had accused Basabe of persistent sexual advances, including demands for sex. Although these allegations were internally investigated by the Florida House, the accusers have also pursued a lawsuit in Florida circuit court against Basabe. Cindy Myers, the attorney representing both men, criticized the internal investigation as insubstantial, while the lawsuit remains ongoing.
Details of the Internal Investigation
Marlene Quintana from the law firm GrayRobinson led the investigation, finding no verifiable evidence to support the accusers’ claims, except for some independently made comments about sex. Quintana reported that while there were allegations of Basabe showing inappropriate photos and engaging in uncomfortable physical contact, the evidence was inconclusive.
Previous Investigations and Ongoing Legal Battles
This is not the first time Basabe faced such allegations. A previous investigation by Allen Norton & Blue into an incident at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ inauguration party also concluded with inconclusive findings. The current lawsuit alleges further instances of inappropriate behavior, including an incident at a school event and another involving Cutbirth driving an intoxicated Basabe.
Basabe’s Response to the Report
Basabe has denied all accusations and expressed his belief that the accusers had ill intentions for personal gain. He hopes the outcome serves as a learning experience and has criticized the media for sensationalizing the story without equally highlighting his exoneration.
Attorney Myers’ Criticism of the Report
Myers pointed out that the report omitted crucial details, including a text message from Cutbirth expressing his reason for leaving the job due to alleged harassment. She believes that the House’s dismissal of these accusations is indicative of a broader pattern of neglecting such allegations, possibly influenced by the political significance of Basabe’s seat.
The clearing of Rep. Fabian Basabe in the House investigation brings a new dimension to the ongoing legal dispute. While Basabe views this as a vindication, the accusers and their attorney maintain that the inquiry lacked depth and omitted key evidence. The case continues to attract attention, reflecting the complexities and challenges in addressing allegations of sexual harassment in political settings.