Kentucky Ethics Commission Finds Rep. Daniel Grossberg Violated Ethics Code

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission found probable cause that State Rep. Daniel Grossberg, a Louisville Democrat, violated the state ethics code on three counts, including intimidating statements toward a private business, attempts to obtain contributions in exchange for state catering vendor business, and inappropriate interactions with an individual in his legislative office involving sexually intimate questions and offering alcohol. These findings stem from allegations first reported last year, including claims from a Louisville strip club manager that Grossberg was banned for inappropriate conduct and made threatening statements about using his legislative power against the business. The commission’s decision follows a lengthy investigation and a closed-door meeting, and it now plans to hold a public adjudicatory hearing, although Grossberg's attorneys have expressed surprise at the expanded scope of the charges. Grossberg has been expelled from the House Democratic Caucus and faces calls from within his party to resign. The commission’s membership, mostly appointed by Republican leadership, did not definitively conclude wrongdoing but found enough evidence to warrant further investigation.