An investigation confirmed sexual harassment claims against ex-deputy mayor John Falcicchio

In a new summary of findings, DC’s Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC) substantiated claims of physical advances and inappropriate messages that a city employee alleged were committed by former Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) John Falcicchio.

A quick recap: On March 8, a city employee filed a sexual misconduct complaint against Falcicchio, and an investigation was launched on March 10. The deputy mayor resigned on March 17, and a few days later, attorneys involved in the case said that a second employee filed a sexual harassment complaint.

According to the report, Falcicchio declined to participate in the investigation. But the MOLC was able to interview 21 people close to the matter and reviewed emails, documents, texts and photographs related to it as well.

In the complaint, the staffer accused the former deputy mayor of physical sexual advances, inappropriate messages, sexual or attraction-based favoritism, bullying by DMPED senior staff, a transfer/demotion related to the matter, retaliatory interactions at events and in the workplace and threatening behavior. She also said that there was retaliatory behavior from DMPED senior staffers following her complaint.

In the MOLC filing, the office found that the physical sexual advances and inappropriate messages claims were substantiated but said that everything else was unsubstantiated (to clarify, this doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen, just that there’s a lack of physical evidence).

“Based on the foregoing, the Complainant’s substantiated allegations against [the Deputy Mayor] more likely than not constituted sexual harassment as defined and prohibited by Mayor’s Order 2017-313,” the report conclusion reads.

Mayor Muriel Bowser released a short statement on the probe and said that the Falcicchio issue is an ongoing, sensitive personal matter.

“We take sexual harassment allegations and findings seriously and will continue to work urgently to ensure our workplaces reflect our policies and our values,” the statement reads.

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker noted the timing of the report’s release over a long holiday weekend was potentially a downplay of its findings.

“This can only be read as a pedestrian attempt at a news dump, at the eleventh hour, on a holiday weekend to downplay the findings of a damning report about long-standing sexual harassment, bullying, and a culture that allowed it,” a tweet from the councilmember readers.

This can only be read as a pedestrian attempt at a news dump, at the eleventh hour, on a holiday weekend to downplay the findings of a damning report about long-standing sexual harassment, bullying, and a culture that allowed it. https://t.co/1tRrU7DrbE

— Zachary Parker (@ZacharyforWard5) June 18, 2023

Attorneys Debra Katz and Kayla Morin, who represent the accusers, said that they were gratified that the report substantiated the allegations.

“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,” Katz and Morin wrote.

They also noted the difficulty of coming forward about such a high-powered individual.

“We also commend our client’s unwavering courage in coming forward with her complaint and seeking justice for herself and other survivors,” they added. “It takes immense strength to speak out against such injustices and we encourage all survivors of sexual harassment to seek the support they need. They are not alone, and their voices deserve to be heard.”

Read the full summary