AG Curtis Hill Denies Allegations, Doesn’t Answer Questions
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill maintains his innocence in the face of sexual misconduct allegations and calls to resign.
Hill spoke to the media Monday for the first time since the allegations went public.
Three legislative staffers and a state lawmaker say Hill groped them at a party in March. Two other women corroborated the accusations. Since the accusations became public, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leaders called on Hill, also a Republican, to resign.
Hill has steadfastly denied the allegations and says he has no intention of stepping down.
“A week ago today, I had a name. I want my name back,” Hill says.
He says he hasn’t been afforded due process, and blames the media for what he what he calls “sensationalism.”
“These false allegations have irretrievably damaged my reputation,” Hill says.
Hill addressed the media for about seven minutes. He decried both the accusations and the inquiry into them initiated by legislative leaders.
“I stand before you a condemned man. Condemned without trial, condemned without notice, condemned without the benefit of any basic rights that ensure fairness,” Hill says.
Hill also sought to poke holes in his accusers’ stories. But he offered no explanation of his own and did not take questions.
In a statement, Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon (D-Munster) – one of his accusers – said Hill betrayed the public trust and lied about his “abhorrent behavior.”
“When we take the oath of office, to serve the citizens of Indiana, we agree to be held to a certain standard and honor the trust the public has placed in us,” Candelaria Reardon said in a statement. “Curtis Hill, through his actions has betrayed the public trust, and lied about his actions to the very citizens he serves. I will continue to cooperate with any and all investigations into this matter until such a time that Curtis Hill is held accountable for his abhorrent behavior. ”
READ MORE: Inspector General Will Investigate Curtis Hill Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Attorney General did not answer any questions.
Hill wants the Marion County Prosecutor to investigate the allegations. Curry’s spokesperson says his office hasn’t been presented with anything related to the allegations.
“I anticipate and welcome the opportunity to have my side heard through a proper investigation and therefore I won’t be taking questions today in anticipation of that opportunity in that investigation,” Hill says.
Neither House Speaker Brian Bosma nor Senate President Pro Tem David Long – who both called on Hill to resign – will say whether the legislature will seek to remove the Attorney General from office.
