House Republican leaders have called on state Rep. Brian Ellis to resign from office.

On Friday, the GOP leaders issued a statement recommending the 49-year-old Butler County Republican resign from office to take care of his family and address the sexual assault allegation that is the subject of a criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney. In their statement, House GOP leaders acknowledged a criminal investigation is taking place.

The GOP leaders stripped Ellis of his chairmanship of the House Commerce Committee as well as all of his committee assignments pending the outcome of the district attorney’s investigation.

Ellis is accused of sexually assaulting a woman, who works at the state Capitol, following an encounter with her at a Harrisburg bar in October 2015. Messages left for Ellis at his Capitol and district offices as well as on his cell phone have not been returned.

The state’s Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm, who is working with the woman, said on Friday that the woman was not voluntarily intoxicated the night of the alleged assault but rather incapacitated by a drug.

House GOP leaders indicated that they contacted Capitol Police and House security about instituting additional safety and security measures.

On Friday, a spokesman for Gov. Tom Wolf said the governor called for Ellis' resignation as well.

Here is the full statement from House Republican leaders:

“House Republican leaders are recommending Rep. Brian Ellis resign from office to take care of his family and address the allegations raised against him that are currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney.

“The House Republican Caucus has zero tolerance for any instance of sexual violence or harassment.

“In furtherance of this policy, the speaker has suspended Rep. Ellis’s chairmanship of the Consumer Affairs Committee pending the outcome of the criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office. Furthermore, Rep. Ellis will not be assigned to any other committees.

“Given the allegations, we have also been in contact with Capitol Police and House Security, and under direction of House leadership, are instituting additional safety and security measures.

“The complainant deserves to have her allegations of criminal activity thoroughly investigated by police and prosecutors.

“As elected leaders, we are focused on the integrity of the institution, the safety of capitol staff and members, and the best paths forward for the individuals involved – the accuser and the accused, as well as their respective families. It would be in the best interest of all involved if Rep. Ellis would resign.”

Ellis was first elected to his House seat in 2004. He last stood for re-election last November and easily beat his independent opponent by capturing 76 percent of the vote.

Before joining the state House, Ellis worked with his family to build a network of western Pennsylvania auto dealerships, Ellis Auto Group. According to his House biography, he is married and the father of two sons.