California Assemblyman Resigning Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

SACRAMENTO (CBS13/AP) — An Assemblyman accused of masturbating in front of a lobbyist in a Las Vegas bathroom has announced his resignation.

Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Van Nuys) says he's stepping aside to fight to clear his name and not be a distraction for the legislature.

Despite Dababneh's continued denial, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon hailed the resignation as a step in the right direction.

Dababneh was identified by a female lobbyist earlier this week.

Pamela Lopez accused him of following her into a single-stall bathroom during a January 2016 Las Vegas hotel party for mutual friends, slamming the door and masturbating in front of her while asking him to touch her. She also outlined the alleged incident in a letter to the Assembly committee tasked with handling misconduct complaints.

Lopez said on Friday the resignation means little because Dababneh continues to deny the allegation. She says his refusal to apologize makes her worry he will victimize other women and "he will abuse his power again."

Dababneh resisted calls for resignation, with his lawyers sending a strongly worded warning not to go public with the allegations on Monday.

Dababneh says he wasn't feeling pressured to step aside, but felt it was best for him and his family to get a fresh start in the current environment.

Despite Dababneh's continued denial, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon hailed the resignation as a step in the right direction.