LA Senator To Take Leave Of Absence Following Allegations

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- Following allegations of inappropriate behavior, Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) announced late Wednesday that he will take a leave of absence. Mendoza is one of three California lawmakers representing Los Angeles County who have been accused of wrongdoing in recent months.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Mendoza said he will take a break from the state Legislature through Jan. 26.

"I am deeply disappointed that I was forced into this action without any due process, which is counter to the very essence of two significant pillars of our American society.... fairness and justice. It was my hope that the Senate and Senate Rules Committee would have afforded me the opportunity to clear my name and, until that opportunity arose, treated me with the same standards applied to other Senators similarly accused," Mendoza said.

Late last year, a former staffer said Mendoza treated her inappropriately and invited her to his Sacramento home. Three other former staffers said they were fired when they reported Mendoza's behavior.

A second woman, who was an intern for Mendoza, also accused him of wrongdoing.

Mendoza has served in the senate since 2014 after serving in the state Assembly for six years. He also served as a councilman in the city of Artesia.

Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) has also been accused of wrongdoing with a lobbyist claiming he sexually assaulted her. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) was accused of sexual harassment and resigned following the allegations.

--Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press