NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (WCBS 880) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday spoke about a new report that found his administration didn't properly handle a rape allegation against an administration official.
The 73-page report by former state Attorney General Peter Verniero, ordered by Murphy, found that members of his inner circle made some mistakes but acted in good faith.
It was the system, says the report, which failed Katie Brennan, who said she made multiple attempts to contact the governor after a member of his transitional team allegedly assaulted her.
“I’ve taken responsibility for what happened. More importantly, I’m taking responsibility for fixing it,” Murphy said of the incident.
Though, the investigation didn't answer the question of who exactly hired Al Alvarez, the man accused of attacking Brennan.
Alvarez was head of Latino outreach for Murphy's campaign before he was hired as chief of staff to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority. He resigned shortly after Brennan’s allegations were made public by the Wall Street Journal.
Murphy says he understands people are frustrated by the lack of information.
“I am as well, and so, I can't correct history. I've gotta pick up the pieces and go forward and the buck stops with me,” the governor said.
Alvarez has denied the allegation, saying the sexual encounter was consensual. Prosecutors in two New Jersey counties have declined to charge him.