Gov. Scott Calls On Latvala To Resign

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Gov. Rick Scott called on Sen. Jack Latvala to resign Wednesday after a Florida Senate investigation found that a complaint against Latvala that he inappropriately touched a woman on several occasions was likely true. The sexual misconduct allegations could go before a criminal prosecutor. The report will now be taken up by the Senate Rules Committee on Jan. 11 and Latvala could be sanctioned or removed from office.

Scott issued this statement: "Now that the special master report is complete and probable cause has been found, it is time for Senator Latvala to resign. Resigning is the best thing he can do now for his constituents, colleagues and the state.”

Gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam also tweeted Tuesday night that Latvala should resign following the release of the report.

A former federal judge who conducted the investigation found that the Clearwater Republican may have committed both sexual harassment and sexual assault against multiple women, including physical contact or sexual intimacy "in exchange for support of legislative initiatives," the Miami Herald reported. Several other witness accounts of sexual misconduct by Latvala are cited in the report released Tuesday. Latvala, a Republican, is running for governor.

The investigation began after a complaint was filed by Rachel Perrin Rogers, a top aide to Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson. She said Latvala inappropriately touched her in an elevator, at a private club and other occasions. Latvala has denied the allegations. The case was also referred to prosecutors for possible public corruption, the Herald reported.

Caption: State Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, a member of the committee of government oversight and accountability, asks a question about an amendment to a bill concerning police body cameras and the restrictions of access to that information on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)