Frye-Mueller accuser told Senate committee she ‘felt violated’
Transcript of emotional testimony released
A redacted transcript has been released of testimony that led to the censure and discipline of a South Dakota senator.
In a closed-door session, a legislative staffer told the Senate Select Committee on Discipline and Expulsion this week that she “felt violated” and was “in shock” after Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller made inappropriate comments to her about breastfeeding and childhood vaccinations, according to the transcript of her nearly hour-long testimony.
The unnamed staffer’s testimony came during an executive session of the Select Committee Tuesday, a day before the Rapid City senator received a formal reprimand in the Senate.
Until now, the only account of what happened that’s been released publicly has been a formal workplace harassment complaint filed last week by an employee of the Legislative Research Council. A complaint that preceded a week-long suspension and the eventual censure and discipline of the Rapid City lawmaker.
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