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Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Ellis, Accused of Sex Assault, Resigns From State House

Brian Ellis denies allegations that he assaulted a woman while she was incapacitated.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Ellis has resigned six days after a woman accusing him of sexual assault filed a formal complaint with the state’s House Republican leadership. Ellis, whose district is in Butler County near Pittsburgh, denies allegations that he had sex with a woman in late 2015 while she was incapacitated and without her consent. The investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing. In an announcement Monday, Ellis said he would resign effective immediately. “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,” said Ellis, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. In a statement last week, Ellis’ law firm described the accusations as “just plain false” and an effort to “generate sensational press coverage.” Jennifer Storm, an advocate who has acted as a spokesperson for the woman, called Ellis’ decision to resign a sign that there is “a new day in Harrisburg.”