Rep. Luke Simons (R-Dickinson)
BISMARCK (KFGO) – Several employees of the research division of the North Dakota Legislature have complained about the behavior of a Republican state representative.
Some of the claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior against Luke Simons go back to shortly after he was elected. They were obtained through an open records request by KFGO News.
In one case, a council employee described Simon’s behavior as “really creepy.” She said Simons talked at length about shopping for thong underwear and gave her a shoulder massage. A number of women asked that they no longer be required to work with the lawmaker.
State Rep. Brandy Pyle of Casselton, also a Republican, wrote that on Jan. 27 of this year, Simons made an intern feel uncomfortable when he made comments like “I would like to put my hands in your hair.” Pyle also said that over the years, some of her interactions with Simons were a bit uncomfortable and odd. Referring to the intern, Pyle said that he (Simons) isn’t self-aware of his words and that in my opinion it was like spending too much time with cows than people.
Simons, in a statement on his Facebook page, denied the women’s allegations. He said he respects women and would never touch a woman, other than his wife.
Simons joined the legislature in 2017.
(See documents below)
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