Government & Politics

Under investigation for sexual assault, Butler County GOP Rep. Brian Ellis resigns from state House

By: Stephen Caruso - March 18, 2019 5:13 pm

The Capitol building in Harrisburg (Capital-Star photo)

Republican state Rep. Brian Ellis, R-Butler, has resigned from the state House effective immediately.

In a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, Ellis said that he has “concluded for the best interests of my family, the residents of the 11th House district and my own health” that he leave office.

Text of Rep. Brian Ellis’, R-Butler, resignation letter.

Ellis is under investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2015. The alleged incident was first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

READ MORE: Sexual assault complaint against Butler County lawmaker filed with House GOP

Soon after the allegations came to light, House Republican leadership called for Ellis to step down, and stripped him of his chairmanship of the House Consumer Affairs committee.

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Stephen Caruso

Stephen Caruso is a former senior reporter with Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Before working with the Capital-Star he covered Pennsylvania state government for The PLS Reporter.