Farenthold harassment probe expands to potential use of House staff for campaigns

Rep. Blake Farenthold said he is open to everything “on the table” on immigration reform, but remains doubtful on citizenship. Rep. Blake Farenthold said he is open to everything “on the table” on immigration reform, but remains doubtful on citizenship. Photo: Handout Photo Photo: Handout Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Farenthold harassment probe expands to potential use of House staff for campaigns 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

WASHINGTON – The House Ethics Committee announced Thursday that it is expanding its probe into Corpus Christi Republican Blake Farenthold following revelations of an $84,000 taxpayer payout in a sexual harassment case.

Congressional leaders announced that the probe also will cover allegations that Farenthold may have used his congressional staff for his congressional campaigns and that he may have made "false statements or omissions" in his previous testimony to the committee.

A Farenthold spokeswoman said he welcomes the Ethics investigation. "He looks forward to this issue being resolved in his favor, once again, and will continue to cooperate fully with the Ethics Committee," she said.

The 56-year-old congressman acknowledged earlier this month that he had allowed his office to become "decidedly unprofessional" and that he will not seek reelection in 2018.

While denying any wrongdoing, he also said he would repay the $84,000 settlement he reached in 2015 with Lauren Greene, a former spokeswoman who had sued him for sexual harassment and retaliation.

The announcement comes after at least two former staffers, Elizabeth Peace and Michael Rekola, both former press aides, said they have contacted the Ethics Committee to complain about inappropriate comments and discriminatory conduct.

The independent Office of Congressional Ethics looked into Greene's allegations and unanimously concluded in 2015 that there was no "substantial reason to believe" he did anything wrong.

But the Ethics Committee announced earlier this month that it has formed an investigative panel to look into the matter further.