California #MeToo leader cleared of groping allegations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — An outside investigation has cleared a California assemblywoman of allegations that she groped a male staff member who worked for another lawmaker.

A Thursday letter from the Assembly Rules Committee to complainant Daniel Fierro says his allegation against Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia was not substantiated.

A spokesman for Garcia says she plans to return to work Monday.

The Los Angeles-area Democrat has been on voluntary leave since February when the claim went public. Fierro says he may appeal within the allowed 10-day window.

The investigation conducted by outside attorneys hired by the Assembly was not released.

A separate letter says investigators did find Garcia “commonly and pervasively” used vulgar language around staff, used staff to perform personal services and disparaged other elected officials.