South Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings facing ethics probe

According to the Wall Street Journal a congressional ethics panel is investigating allegations that Florida Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings sexually harassed a woman.

The Journal says the investigation is in a preliminary stage.

Hastings represents parts of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

The Journal says the investigation began after conservative group Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit as the legal counsel for Winsome Packer.

She worked on a commission Mr. Hastings headed. She alleged that she had been sexually harassed by the congressman and that he retaliated when she tried to report it, the Journal said.

According to Politico.com the woman alleges that she was the victim of  “unwelcome sexual advances” and “unwelcome touching” by the congressman.

An attorney for Hastings has released a statement which said: "He (Hastings) is confident that he will be fully exonerated. Mr. Hastings has stated unequivocally that the record will show that the plaintiff's claims are untruthful and without merit."