Houston state senator targeted in harassment allegations

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - For the second time in exactly a month, Houston State Senator Borris Miles has been hammered with allegations of egregious sexual harassment.

 Among the latest charges appearing in the Daily Beast, the account of a former capital intern who says she was profanely propositioned by the Senator in 2013.

Miles, who was then a member of the Texas House, reportedly asked the young woman, "B**** you want to f*** with me tonight?".

In the wake of previous allegations that Miles groped, kissed and propositioned other women at the capital, reaction from fellow lawmakers has been measured, but severe.

"This is something you can't look the other way on. You have to get the facts, find out what's happening and, if necessary, you have to say people need to resign," said State Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican.

State Senator Sylvia Garcia, who like Miles is a Democrat, reacted to the latest allegations with a call for investigation and public hearings.

"We must be diligent, deliberative and effective in our effort to combat systemic failings... which contribute to abhorrent, reprehensible conduct."

State Representative Garnet Coleman, also a Democrat and longtime friend of Senator Miles, told Fox 26, "If it happened, people should be held accountable."

In response to the latest revelation the Harris County Democratic Party said, "We have a broken system. It's sad to see people in power take advantage and abuse such great responsibility the people have entrusted them with."

"It's what society not only expects, but demands at this point," said Bettencourt.

For his part, Miles indicated he has no plans to resign.

"I have made powerful enemies who will go to any length to destroy and disrupt my service. I will not continue to address anonymous accusations that attack my personal and professional character," said Miles in a statement.

But State Representative Senfronia Thompson, who served with Miles in the House, says the reckoning here in Texas and across the nation is long overdue.

"I think the allegations (against Miles) are true. I believe the women," said Thompson.

"No one should feel like they work in an environment where they have to be trampled on because they happen to be a female and they can't say anything about it and no one should feel as if they are in a superior position and the law does not apply to them," said Thompson who has served in the Texas House since 1972.