Minnesota Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Misconduct

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ A Minnesota lawmaker is apologizing after a woman accused him of touching her without her consent.

State Rep. Rod Hamilton, a Republican from Mountain Lake, was accused by 23-year-old Emily Schlecht of unwanted advances. Schlecht is an advocate for a sexual violence center who has talked publicly about her own sexual assault and had been meeting with Hamilton on the issue.

Schlecht filed a report with St. Paul police. Sgt. Mike Ernster says there wasn't enough evidence for criminal charges.

Schlecht told the Star Tribune that Hamilton stroked her head and hands and
kissed her.

Hamilton released a statement saying he categorically denies any accusation of sexual abuse. But he says he understands that his intent ``to offer comfort and compassion'' to Schlecht may have caused additional pain.