One of the six women who has accused a powerful state senator and gubernatorial candidate of groping her is going public.
Rachel Perrin Rogers, 35, chief legislative assistant to Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, filed a confidential complaint but told "Politico" Jack Latvala violated it by alluding to her identity in the media.
Perrin Rogers accused Latvala of breaking the confidentiality restrictions required by the ongoing Senate investigation and said he was lying about her and her husband, Brian Hughes, who is a political consultant.
On Nov. 3, Senate President Joe Negron ordered an investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by Rogers and five other women who accused against Latvala.
Negron hired a special master to pursue Rogers' formal complaint.
Full statement by Rachel Perrin Rogers:
The confidentiality that I was promised under Florida law has been violated. I am fearful of the effect that this unethical action will have on other victims who desperately want to overcome their fear and speak out.
My motivation for filing the complaint was to stop Mr. Latvala's illegal and unethical actions, against myself and against other women who work in Florida's Capitol. Latvala has lied about what he did to me, and is now lying about my husband. Let's set the record straight: my husband does not control me or my career; and he has no affiliation with any gubernatorial campaign. These lies are being told in an attempt to intimidate me.
I take immense pride in my hard work and dedication to the Florida Senate. In my role as the Florida Senate Majority Leader's Chief Legislative Assistant, I've been given an amazing opportunity to serve the people of our state.
My complaint is not against a gubernatorial candidate. My complaint is against a man who collects a paycheck from the citizens of the State of Florida, just as I do. But unlike him, I do not have political campaign accounts with $5 million to use to pay my attorney and to purchase articles written by for-hire media outlets. I do not have any political power or influence over Florida's $83+ billion budget. I am not a millionaire.
These ongoing attempts to harass, retaliate against and threaten me and the other women who spoke out anonymously on this issue are despicable.
I am fearful for my family, myself, Senator Simpson, as well as the other honorable and good members of the Legislature who do the right thing for their constituents.
To the others who have been victimized by Latvala, or by other malevolent people in our Capitol who prey on those less powerful, I want you to know: I understand your fear. I hope that you can find a way to come forward amidst all of the threats being made.