Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), through a lawyer, denied the allegations to CNN. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo Conyers accuser says he ‘covered the whole thing up’

A former staffer for Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), who has accused the longest serving member of the House of making multiple unwanted sexual advances toward her said on Wednesday that she could find no one to help her after her alleged assault.

"I couldn't get any help, I got no protection afterwards, because Congressman Conyers covered that whole thing up," Deanna Maher, who was then Conyers' deputy chief of staff, said during an interview on Fox News. "He has been a powerful member of Judiciary Committee as ranking member, and at times he has been chairman, and the Judiciary Committee has oversight and also they allow the funding for the entire Justice Department."


She added, "So, all he has to do is pick up a phone call and destroy someone's life."

Maher, who came forward with her allegations on Tuesday, alleges that Conyers assaulted her in separate incidents over a period of three years beginning in 1997. Through a lawyer, Conyers denied the allegations to CNN.

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Maher, who was in her 50s at the time of alleged assaults, said part of the reason she is coming forward is to protect younger congressional aides whose age and inexperience can leave them vulnerable.

"They come into Capitol Hill with their eyes just fresh as interns and fellows, hiring on to staff and it is very exciting and glamorous to be part of Capitol Hill and the congressional hearings and this is where they are just [sitting] ducks," she said.

She also praised Democratic Reps. Jackie Speier of California and Kathleen Rice of New York for their activism on the topic. Rice has slammed House Minority Nancy Pelosi for her lackluster response to the allegations.