Ohio House Speaker Removes Rep over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Ohio State Representative Rodney Creech has been asked to resign and removed from all his committee assignments by House Speaker Matt Huffman following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor family member in 2023. Although Creech was not criminally charged, the Clark County prosecutor described his behavior as "concerning and suspicious," while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation detailed accusations of Creech climbing into bed with the minor inappropriately. Creech denies the allegations, calling them politically motivated and has announced legal action against those he says are spreading falsehoods. Huffman stated that Creech could not effectively fulfill his duties amidst the public scrutiny and urged him to consider resignation, though Creech has so far refused. The investigation was complicated by a conflict of interest involving local sheriffs, which delayed proper law enforcement response. House Minority Leader Allison Russo supported the removal, emphasizing the importance of holding public officials to high standards.