No charges expected in US sex-tape scandal – Capitol Police — RT World News
The investigation into the former staffer who shared a video of himself performing lewd acts in the Senate hearing room has been closed
US Capitol Police declined to make any arrests after investigating a video posted late last year on social media showing a congressional staffer having a gay sex act in a Senate hearing room.
a “Comprehensive investigation” The investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the sex tape was closed after consultations with federal and local prosecutors. Capitol Police He said Thursday in a statement. “It has been determined that, despite the potential violation of congressional policy, there is currently no evidence that a crime has been committed.” The police added.
The video circulated online in December, apparently showing one of Sen. Ben Cardin's staffers performing lewd acts in Hart's Senate office building. The scene took place in a room that has hosted historical events such as the hearings for the US Supreme Court nominations and the 9/11 Commission.
The employee was fired or resigned under pressure amid the political fallout from the tape. Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland, said he was angry about the incident, which he called an accident “Dishonesty.” Professor of Law at Georgetown University Jonathan Turley It was suggested at the time that the men shown having sex in the video could face charges of trespassing, indecent exposure and misuse of public property.
Capitol Police said that although the hearing room was closed to the public at the time the video was filmed on December 13, a Senate staffer had access to it through his job. However, Turley noted that even if an employee has legal access, “The question is whether this casual use constitutes trespassing. He is also using an official area for personal purposes, although it is not clear whether there are any commercial benefits gained from the video found on various sites.
In response to the decision to file charges Thursday, Turley Sarcastically, “While many view Congress as an often obscene spectacle, the line between pornography and politics appears to be nonexistent in criminal law.”
Capitol Police said the men who appeared in the video refused to cooperate with investigators. The former employee invoked his constitutional right to remain silent. “Our investigators stand ready to review new evidence if any comes to light.” The police added.
