California lawmaker denies allegations of sex misconduct

A Republican assemblyman is the latest California lawmaker to be accused of inappropriate behavior toward women, prompting GOP leaders to call for an investigation into the allegations.

The Los Angeles Times reported Republican Bill Brough from Dana Point has denied claims he made unwanted advances toward four women, calling the allegations a politically motivated, coordinated effort. Two of the allegations have been previously investigated and unsubstantiated, one by Dana Point's city attorney and the other by an Assembly panel. The other two weren’t previously reported.

The California Legislature opened a Workplace Conduct Unit earlier this year to handle all investigations of harassment and discrimination after the #MeToo movement roiled the Legislature and prompted a handful of lawmakers to resign. Brough previously served on the Dana Point city council and was elected to the Legislature in 2014.