The Latest: Oklahoma lawmaker in harassment case resigns

The Latest: Oklahoma lawmaker in harassment case resigns
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma lawmaker who’s been the subject of a sexual harassment complaint and subsequent quietly arranged settlement has resigned.
Republican Rep. Dan Kirby of Tulsa has sent a resignation letter to incoming Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, saying remaining in office would be a distraction to his constituents and that his departure would be in the best interest of his district, the Oklahoma House and the state.
Kirby says in the brief letter released Friday night that it’s “now best for all concerned” that he steps aside.
House attorneys have said the $44,500 settlement to a former Kirby legislative assistant and her lawyers was made without the lawmaker’s knowledge. The woman contended she was fired without explanation in retaliation for reporting the alleged harassment.
11: 45 a.m.
Attorneys for the Oklahoma House of Representatives say the settlement of a sexual harassment complaint against a Republican lawmaker was made without his knowledge.
Attorney Courtney Warmington issued a statement on Friday indicating Rep. Dan Kirby of Tulsa wasn’t aware of settlement negotiations over the complaint by his former legislative assistant. Warmington says the settlement was made under the authority of previous House Speaker Jeff Hickman and was less costly than litigation.
The woman and her attorneys were paid $44,500 to settle her complaint that she was fired without an explanation in retaliation for reporting the alleged harassment.
House Democratic leader Rep. Scott Inman on Friday demanded a full investigation into the