Another Los Angeles Lawmaker Accused Of Sexual Assault

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- A California lawmaker representing Los Angeles County has been accused of sexual assault, making him the third legislator from the region to be accused of wrongdoing in recent months.

Assemblyman Matt Dababneh, D-Woodland Hills, on Monday was accused by a lobbyist of following her into a restroom then masturbating in front of her.

Speaking publicly at a news conference, lobbyist Pamela Lopez said Dababneh then told her to touch him. Lopez filed a complaint regarding the 2016 incident on Monday.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Dababneh, who has served in the state Assembly since 2014, denied the allegation.

Dababneh, 36, is the third lawmaker who represents Los Angeles County to be accused of inappropriate sexual behavior in recent months.

State Sen. Tony Medoza, D- Artesia, was removed from his committee assignments after being accused of sexual harassment, while Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, D-Pacoima, resigned from his position after being accused by several women of wrongdoing.

--Photo: Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, left, administers the oath of office to Assemblymen Matt Dababneh, D-Van Nuys, second from left, Sebastian Ridlley-Thomas, D- Los Angeles, third from left, and Freddie Rodriquez, D-Chino Hills, right, during ceremonies at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Jan. 6 2014. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)