Watch CBS News

Rep. Brian Ellis Resigns From State House Seat

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA/AP) -- Rep. Brian Ellis has resigned, effective immediately.

Ellis sent a resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Turzai on Monday.

"It is with immense gratitude to the sacrifices made by my family, the support of my constituents, and the friendship of my colleagues that I have concluded that it is in the best interests of my family, the residents of the 11th House district, and my own health that I resign from the General Assembly," Ellis wrote.

Ellis is a Republican from Butler County.

Pennsylvania state House Republicans stripped Ellis of his Consumer Affairs Commitee chairmanship in January after allegations that he sexually assaulted an incapacitated woman.

The woman's lawyer, Christine Wechsler, says her client believes she was drugged while having a drink and was sexually assaulted at Ellis's home near the Capitol in Harrisburg more than three years ago.

House Republicans said in January that prosecutors were looking into the allegations.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

(TM and © Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.