Zepnick Removed From Committees Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Assembly leaders have removed Rep. Josh Zepnick, D-Milwaukee, from his committees at the state Capitol after two women accused him of sexual misconduct.

The move was initiated by Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, on Monday.

“We take the allegations made against Rep. Zepnick very seriously,” said Hintz in a statement. “Yesterday I took one of the few disciplinary actions available to me as Minority Leader and removed Representative Zepnick from his assigned committees. Moving forward, I will consult with members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, as well as the majority party, to ensure this issue is addressed in an appropriate manner.”

After Hintz asked Zepnick to be removed from his committees, the decision was finalized by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, said Vos’ spokeswoman Kit Beyer.

The Cap Times reported Friday that two women said Zepnick had kissed them without their consent, one in 2011, the other in 2015.

Zepnick told the paper he had no recollection of the alleged incidents but apologized for his actions.

Zepnick, who was arrested in 2015 for driving under the influence, also told the paper he’s been sober for two years, his life was back on track, and he would remain in office.

But several Democrats pushed for him to resign, including Hintz and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Martha Laning.

Hintz’s office said Monday it was considering “all options” for punishing Zepnick if he did not step aside.

By removing Zepnick from his committees, Hintz followed through with one of those options with the assistance of Vos, R-Rochester.

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 3:47 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.