New Jersey Rep. Steve Rothman has fired his chief of staff. | Handout Photo Top Rothman aide fired after arrest

The chief of staff to Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.) has been fired after he was arrested and charged with soliciting sex from a minor.

Robert Decheine was arrested Nov. 17 in Gaithersburg, Md. His arrest was part of a sting operation by the Gaithersburg police to cut down on the sex solicitation of minors, according to a statement by the police department.


Decheine allegedly made contact by text or phone with an undercover officer after the department placed an advertisement on a popular website.

“During the communication, an exchange of services or expectations was made,” department spokesman Dan Lane said. Decheine was later apprehended by police and charged with one count of sexual solicitation of a minor, a felony offense that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a fine not exceeding $25,000, or both.

“Congressman Rothman immediately consulted appropriate House counsel and terminated Mr. Decheine’s employment, effective Nov. 19, 2010, due to the very serious nature of this charge,” Rothman spokesman Aaron Keyak told POLITICO in a statement.

“Congressman Rothman considers this alleged criminal act to be shocking, appalling and indefensible. As a parent, he understands the vital importance of protecting our children from predators.”

Rothman legislative director Marc Cevasco will serve as acting chief of staff.

Decheine was a senior adviser with Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. He had worked for Rothman since 2003 and previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Bill Luther (D-Minn.), according to disbursement records on the website Legistorm. He also helped run campaigns for senators in the Midwest, according to media reports.