BLM-supporting former DC Deputy Mayor accused of sexually harassing employee: report

Legal Counsel for the Mayor of Washington DC announced on Saturday that found that former Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development and Chief of Staff John Falcicchio "more likely than not committed sexual harassment" against a female staffer. 

A summary of findings from Mayor Muriel Bowser's legal counsel substantiated claims of physical sexual advances and inappropriate messages. These were two of eight allegations made against Falcicchio. 

It found the woman was "the subject of unwelcome touching of a sexual nature by the deputy mayor" in two separate instances. In one instance, he was said to expose his male organs.  

The report also found that the deputy mayor sent the woman "thousands of messages via the instant messaging application, Snapchat, on her personal cell phone." It said the messages were "unwanted and sexually charged, including demands for sex and a graphic video." 

Attorneys for the staffer Debra S. Katz and Kayla Morin said in a statement issued Sunday, "We are gratified that the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC) report substantiates our client’s serious allegations of sexual harassment by former Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio.” 

"The findings also serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and we encourage the District to implement immediate reforms that will prevent others from being treated in this reprehensible fashion – especially by those in positions of power,” they concluded. 

According to NBC 4, Falcicchio resigned from his position in March, a week after the Mayors Legal Council began investigating the allegations against him. 

“I know you have many questions, but please understand that as this is a sensitive matter that includes privacy concerns, we will not be able to discuss it any further," Falcicchio said in a statement following his departure. "However, I am able to say that the circumstances of his departure led me to initiate an investigation."

In 2020, Falicicchio was heavily involved when the Mayor's office painted 16th Street with the words "Black Lives Matter," and renamed the surrounding area to 'Black Lives Matter Plaza.' 

Falcicchio has not released a statement since the results of the sexual harassment investigation were announced.