Humane Society sticks with CEO accused of sexual misconduct; 7 board members resign, WaPo reports

William Cummings | USA TODAY

The Humane Society decided to leave CEO Wayne Pacelle in place despite the allegations of sexual misconduct that have been made against him, prompting seven members of the animal charity's board to resign, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

The decision to stay with Pacelle followed an internal investigation by a private law firm. The probe found three sexual harassment complaints against Pacelle and said women in senior positions at the organization felt their warnings about misconduct were overlooked, according to the Post.

The investigation found "there was a perception within the Humane Society that certain women owed their career success to romantic relationships with the chief executive," the Post reported, citing a Humane Society memo describing the investigation.

According to the memo, one former intern said Pacelle gave her an unwanted kiss in 2005, while a former employee said Pacelle made sexual advances on a 2006 work trip. Another ex-employee said he came by her office one night in 2012 to try to get her to salsa dance with him.

Pacelle denied the allegations, telling the Post it was a "coordinated attempt to attack me and the organization."

More: Humane Society chief being investigated on sexual harassment charges