Uncooperative Witnesses Delay Harassment Inquiry

Some state workers are refusing to cooperate with an investigation of a secret sexual harassment settlement involving four Republican lawmakers.
 
House Republican leaders have hired a Louisville law firm to investigate the settlement. The firm was supposed to present its initial report Wednesday. But acting House Speaker David Osborne agreed to extend the deadline to Dec. 1 because lawyers said they could not complete the report without the employees' cooperation.

Osborne said, "I understand that procedural hurdles and a lack of cooperation by at least two people have hindered progress. I am very disappointed in the procedural delays the investigators experienced and will be addressing these issues in the days ahead."
 
Former House Speaker Jeff Hoover resigned his leadership position earlier this month after acknowledging the settlement paid to a member of his staff. The settlement involves three other Republican lawmakers. GOP leaders have removed all three from leadership positions, and Governor Bevin has said all four should resign.
 
Osborne says he is considering turning the investigation over to an outside agency that would have the power to subpoena witnesses.