State Police, AG To Review Rep. Tanzi's Sex Harrassment Allegations

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI—Rep. Teresa Tanzi's comments about sexual harassment on Smith Hill sparked immediate action from the state's top lawyer. Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin contacted the Rhode Island State Police on Tuesday and asked for an investigation.

Tanzi, who represents Narragansett and South Kingstown, said she had experienced sexual harassment in Rhode Island politics. She did not identify the harasser, except to indicate the person was a "higher up," who'd cautioned her that she would have greater success as a legislator if she gave sexual favors. She spoke out on social media with the hashtag #Me Too, widely used in the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. She also posted on Facebook.

On Wednesday, Tanzi was quoted by the Providence Journal as saying she has not yet decided if she wants an investigation.

Kilmartin's office and state police issued a joint statement, saying they are reviewing the allegations and will not comment further. The statement is as follows:

Yesterday, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin contacted Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, regarding allegations of sexual harassment at the Rhode Island State House made by Representative Teresa Tanzi. The two agencies are working together to review the allegations. As is the policy of both the State Police and the Attorney General’s Office, the two agencies are not going to be making further comment with respect to the status of or direction of the inquiry.