A complaint was filed after an incident in which anti-groomer Republican Texas Rep. Bryan Slaton and his staffer allegedly met up at his Austin apartment last weekend. Slaton is accused of having an "inappropriate relationship" with an intern. The Texas legislator has led the charge to ban all-ages drag shows over concern of "the sexualization of our children."
And a separate staffer told The Texas Tribune that the Texas lawmaker drank alcohol with an intern under 21 years old. The drinking age is 21 in Texas. Slaton and his wife have two children together. Slaton is also a youth pastor and graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Via The Texas Tribune:
Slaton allegedly called the intern after 10 p.m. March 31, inviting her to his Austin condo, the complaint said.
A source with direct knowledge of the incident told the Tribune that Slaton drank alcohol with the intern, who was under 21.
After the incident, Slaton allegedly showed the intern fake emails that purported to have information about the incident in what appeared to be something of a loyalty test, according to the complaint and a person with direct knowledge. After presenting her the email, Slaton allegedly told her to not speak with anyone about the incident.
Slaton, who was in the Capitol on Monday, declined to answer questions and referred to a statement put out earlier in the day by a criminal defense attorney he has retained.
A representative for the intern said she has been advised by the House committee not to comment.
Slaton's attorney denied the allegations in the most Trumpian way possible.
"We are aware of outrageous claims circulating online by second-tier media that make false claims against Representative Slaton," Slaton attorney Patrick Short said in a statement to the outlet. "As a result, he has been advised to forward all inquiries in this matter—including any that may relate to a possible complaint—to his legal counsel."
Republican Reps. Briscoe Cain and Steve Toth, who usually share Slaton's views, said the lawmaker needs to step down.
