Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California, already under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over sexual relations with a congressional aide, is now facing an accusation of sexual assault. Lawyers for one of the women interviewed as part of the ethics probe say her experience contradicts Gomez's public description of the relationship as "consensual", instead alleging sexual harassment and assault. The case adds a serious new dimension to an already damaging scandal for a sitting member of Congress.

According to the woman's legal representatives, she was one of those interviewed by the House Committee on Ethics as part of its inquiry into Gomez's conduct, and they describe his characterisation of events as a "brazen" example of misconduct. The article, drawn from a Fox News report, does not detail the full findings of the Ethics Committee or Gomez's complete response, but confirms the probe remains ongoing amid the fresh allegation.