(WWJ) Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido is responding to an allegation of sexual harassment by a female judge.
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Lisa McCormick alleged in a report published Monday that Lucido inappropriately held her in a tight "bear hug" in early 2019, making her feel uncomfortable.
In a statement Wednesday, Lucido denies the claim, calling the allegation "completely false," "baseless" and "politically motivated."
The prosecutor, who was serving in the Michigan Senate at the time of the alleged incident, said he never had an interaction with McCormick that was even remotely close to what she claims took place two years ago.
He says the allegation is a smear campaign and an attempt to divert attention from his investigation into Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's handling of COVID-19 patients in nursing homes. (Read his full statement HERE.)
This is not the first such complaint against Lucido, who in 2020 was the subject of an internal investigation that found he engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior while serving in the Michigan Legislature. The investigation came after three women complained of sexist remarks or touching by Lucido that made them feel uncomfortable.
Lucido, who has denied he ever sexually harassed anyone, was removed from a comittee and ordered to participate in additional workplace training as a result.
