Former top Oregon state lawmaker charged with solicitation in sting

A former top Oregon state lawmaker was charged with commercial sexual solicitation after he was arrested in a sex trafficking sting last month.

Fifty-three-year-old David Hunt, who previously served as the Democratic Speaker of Oregon’s House of Representatives, was among seven other men who were arrested in April by Portland police for allegedly arranging to pay for sexual acts, according to NBC News. The officers posted decoy ads online and Hunt allegedly responded.

The charge is considered a misdemeanor in the state.

According to Hunt’s attorney, Michael de Muniz, the former Oregon lawmaker reportedly denies the allegations against him.

“[Hunt] denies the allegations, but respects the criminal justice process and will refrain from saying more until he has his opportunity in court,” de Muniz told NBC News.

Hunt also previously served on Clackamas Community College’s board of education, but the school announced on Monday that he will be “taking a leave from the board.”

Today we learned CCC Board of Education member Dave Hunt has been cited by Portland police in a sex trafficking sting. We will take appropriate actions that serve the interest of our students and our community. Effective immediately, Dave Hunt is taking a leave from the board.

— Clackamas College (@ClackCollege) May 3, 2021

“Today we learned CCC Board of Education member Dave Hunt has been cited by Portland police in a sex trafficking sting,” the college wrote in a tweet. “We will take appropriate actions that serve the interest of our students and our community. Effective immediately, Dave Hunt is taking a leave from the board.”

He is currently a registered lobbyist in Salem, according to NBC News. He served as Speaker of the state House from 2009 to 2011.