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On
Nov. 20 the Los Angeles Times published a report in which the
women accused Bocanegra of groping or harassing them.
Previously, the newspaper reported that Bocanegra had been
disciplined by the state for inappropriate behavior in 2009.
Reuters has not independently confirmed the allegations.
Bocanegra's staff did not immediately reply to Reuters requests
for comment.
Bocanegra, a Democrat, wrote on Facebook on Nov. 20, "News
stories were reported a few weeks ago about a regrettable
encounter when I was a legislative staffer in 2009. It was a
moment that I truly regret, that I am very sorry for, and for
which I have accepted responsibility for my actions."
Bocanegra said in the post that he planned to resign from the
legislature at the end of the session in September 2018.
In a statement posted on Monday on that Facebook page, Bocanegra
wrote that he was resigning from the State Assembly effective
immediately. "While I am not guilty of any such crimes, I am
admittedly not perfect," he wrote.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon confirmed in an emailed
statement that Bocanegra had resigned.
Legislatures in several states are grappling with claims of
sexual harassment and abuse. Bocanegra's resignation came a day
before the California statehouse is scheduled to begin hearings
on sexual harassment.
(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein)
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