Fake sexual harassment claim targets Senate leader Schumer

Former staffer says she did not file complaint and that her signature on document was forged

By JTA 13 December 2017, 7:07 pm

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Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) talks to reporters following his party's weekly policy luncheon at the US Capitol May 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images via JTA)

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said he was the victim of a fake report regarding sexual harassment.

The news website Axios first reported that Schumer, a New York Democrat, has turned over to Capitol Police a document that alleges in detail sexual harassment accusations by a former staffer.

The former Schumer staffer told Axios in a phone interview that she did not write the document, that none of the charges are true and that her signature was a forgery.

“I have contacted law enforcement to determine who is responsible,” she said in a statement to Axios. “I parted with Senator Schumer’s office on good terms and have nothing but the fondest memories of my time there.”

The 13-page document was prepared to look like a lawsuit that was filed in US District Court, but lacked information that normally would have been included in such a document, including the name and contact information for the attorney of the alleged accuser.

The woman worked for Schumer from 2009 to 2012 but now works elsewhere in the federal government, according to The Hill. She told reporters that she also has contacted police over the fake lawsuit.