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Latvala resigns from Florida Senate amid sexual misconduct allegations

Posted at 3:26 PM, Dec 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-20 21:42:27-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala is resigning the day after an investigation found credible evidence of sexual misconduct.

Latvala submitted his resignation Wednesday.

He continues to deny doing anything wrong.

The resignation came hours after Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi said he should resign.

Latvala criticized calls for his resignation and said he no longer wants to serve with party leaders who didn't allow him a chance to defend himself.

Senate President Joe Negron said he made the right decision.

On Tuesday, a Senate investigation found it's likely Latvala inappropriately touched a top Senate aide.

The report detailed accounts from a former lobbyist who said Latvala offered to support legislation in exchange for sex acts.

The Senate handed over the report to law enforcement.