California Democratic Party chairman being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct

California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman is being investigated for sexual misconduct after complaints were filed against him.

The misconduct claims were first reported by The Sacramento Bee. Bauman denied the allegations in a statement to the newspaper.

The allegations have led Daraka Larimore-Hall, the second vice-chairman of the party, to file paperwork seeking Bauman’s removal as leader.

{mosads}“I take seriously any allegation brought forward by anyone who believes they have been caused pain,” Bauman said in a statement. “I look forward to putting these allegations behind us and moving forward as unified Democrats.”

Bauman also said an independent investigation into the claims against him has been launched.

Bauman did not immediately reply to a request for comment from The Hill.

Larimore-Hall had written a letter to the party saying he had been told about several incidents where Bauman “sexually harassed, and in some cases sexually assaulted, individuals during Party functions.”

“I believe the victims. Their stories illustrate a clear and escalating pattern of Chairman Bauman’s horrific and dehumanizing behavior,” Larimore-Hall wrote in a letter obtained by the Bee.

Larimore-Hall did not provide further details of the alleged harassment, but did say he had spoken to two alleged victims and a witness, according to the Bee.