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EXCLUSIVE REPORT: A Democratic candidate for the House in one of the nation’s most scrutinized electoral contests is facing an ethics complaint that claims she neglected to address allegations of sexual harassment and assault involving a male staff member from her campaign.
Fox News Digital has acquired a formal complaint submitted to the state’s Legislative Equality Office against Janelle Bynum, who is campaigning for Congress in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. The complaint asserts that Bynum failed to fulfill her responsibilities as a mandatory reporter regarding accusations against an individual associated with the PAC that supported her State Representative campaign in 2022.
The allegations further claim that when approached about these serious matters, Bynum was dismissive and even issued threats towards the whistleblower who contacted her.
“During the primary election cycle of 2024, I received information from a source regarding Rep. Bynum’s deliberate cover-up of a sexual assault involving a minor volunteer who worked on her campaign during 2022,” states the complaint.
The complainant alleges having “personally spoken” with two former staff members who reported inappropriate sexual conduct by a field organizer directly to Bynum and others involved in her campaign, only to see no action taken.
“The core issue here is that all legislators are required by law to report such incidents,” reads part of the complaint. “Bynum was made aware of credible allegations concerning one of her staff members sexually harassing and assaulting young volunteers but chose not only to ignore it but also threatened those who brought it forward.”
A spokesperson for Bynum’s campaign responded by stating, “This smear attempt against Rep. Bynum lacks any basis in truth. As a mother and legislator dedicated to advocacy, she takes these issues seriously — which is why she promptly reported these accusations directly to Future PAC after learning about them post-election.”
“She has also cooperated fully with the Legislative Equity Office’s investigation into this matter,” they added, emphasizing their expectation for Future PAC to handle such claims responsibly and ensure employee safety.
The campaign provided evidence showing an email exchange between Bynum and officials at the Legislative Equity Office dated September 20, indicating she was “not under investigation.”
However, sources familiar with ongoing developments informed Fox News Digital that state police have recently conducted interviews related to this case after receiving it within recent weeks; details surrounding this inquiry remain unclear at present.
Text messages obtained by Fox News Digital reveal exchanges between Bynum and her former campaign manager where she appeared disinterested in addressing alleged misconduct involving one of their staffers.
“I asked you not to send me anything on this topic; I meant what I said,” read one text from November 17th where she responded dismissively about warnings concerning harassment incidents linked with women connected to their efforts. “I genuinely cannot take on more right now.”
The former manager persisted days later regarding concerns over potential repercussions if no action were taken against someone accused of abusive behavior toward young women involved with their team.
Former Campaign Manager: “While unfortunate as this may be for you or [redacted], I will NOT sit idly while someone like him escapes accountability for treating young women poorly,” sent via text on November 21st.
Bynum: “Are you threatening me?”
Former Campaign Manager: “Whoa there! I’m promising you I’m not okay with anyone mistreating young women.”
Bynum: “I’ll consider reporting your actions.”
A Complicated Situation Unfolds
In another conversation dated November 14th, discussions among FuturePAC personnel indicated intentions around how best they should inform Janelle about ongoing concerns while assuring they would certainly bring up flagged issues.
It remains uncertain when exactly these concerns were escalated through proper channels; however sources indicate that despite being implicated previously during campaigns leading up until now—this individual continues ties within FuturePAC as well as holding roles within Oregon’s legislative framework since then.
Fox News Digital reviewed additional communications exchanged between both parties spanning late November where attempts were made by representatives seeking clarity over unspecified matters.
Sources close revealed multiple individuals affiliated had knowledge surrounding complaints raised throughout various stages yet opted instead waiting until after elections concluded before addressing them formally—a claim denied outright by spokespeople representing FuturePAC.
Accordingly:
“Our understanding indicates no formal complaints triggering investigations occurred during cycles relevant here,” stated representatives affirmatively asserting responsibility lies solely upon themselves rather than candidates individually managing inquiries into workplace conduct.”
Oregon State Legislature Rule #27 mandates all assembly members maintain professional decorums free from harassment while actively discouraging any form thereof across workplaces or events tied back legislative duties performed therein.
Several existing laws govern requirements placed upon state legislators mandating reports filed concerning instances relating specifically towards minors subjected abuse—commonly understood obligations exist categorizing them under mandatory reporters accordingly defined legally speaking too!
In light recent criticisms faced back dating earlier years stemming voting patterns opposing legislation extending timelines allowing survivors pursue legal recourse following assaults committed—the backlash remains palpable still today amongst advocates pushing reformative measures forward continuously advocating change needed urgently!
A representative confirmed receipt initial complaints lodged pertaining July filings directed towards Ms.Byunm without elaborating further specifics nor commenting status current investigations underway presently either way whatsoever!
“Janelle stands alone championing causes often overlooked ensuring voices heard loud clear amidst political landscapes shifting rapidly,” remarked DCCC spokesperson Dan Gottlieb confidently asserting commitment unwavering support behind candidacy moving ahead regardless challenges faced along journey ahead!”
Chris Taylor Senior Advisor Congressional Black Caucus PAC echoed sentiments reinforcing accountability rests elsewhere entirely away from Ms.Byunm herself highlighting systemic failures needing addressed properly instead shifting blame politically convenient ways targeting individuals unfairly based solely race gender identity backgrounds respectively speaking out strongly defending integrity character proven track record delivering results consistently throughout tenure serving constituents faithfully always prioritizing needs community above else!”
An EMILY’s List spokesperson reiterated support emphasizing dedication shown throughout career advocating tirelessly Oregonians’ interests despite relentless attacks aimed undermining credibility attempting distract public focus away extremist agendas pushed forth rival factions competing fiercely vying control power dynamics shaping future outcomes pivotal moments unfolding soon thereafter leading elections approaching swiftly now looming large ahead indeed!
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