Sexual harassment inquiry delayed by unco-operative witnesses

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Some state workers are refusing to co-operate 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’ co-operation.

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.

Osborne says he is considering turning the investigation over to an outside agency that would have the power to subpoena witnesses.