Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill dismisses calls for resignation, citing "rush to judgment"

A provocative Attorney General of Indiana Curtis Hill said Monday that he would resist calls to resign, citing a "rush to judgment" over allegations that he had tested four women, including a state legislator.

"A week ago today, I had a name. I want to get my name back, "said Hill at a press conference during which he introduced himself as" a convict without a trial. "

" These past few days have seen my name and my reputation hanging out in the gutter. in a way that I would never have imagined, "he said, accusing the media of" appetite for scandal ".

Hill, who took office last year, was the subject of an investigation by a private cabinet. The law firm alleges that he had fumbled the women at a March 15 party marking the end of Indiana's legislative session.

The details of the investigation were leaked to local media last week, although none of the accusers was named. On Friday, two women became public with allegations of misconduct on the part of Hill, including state representative Mara Candelaria Reardon (D). Gabrielle McLemore, who is director of communications for the Indiana Senate Democrats, also said that she had been inappropriately affected at the party.

The Indianapolis Star reported last week that according to a memo prepared by the investigative cabinet, four women had Accused Hill to grop them. In addition to Candelaria Reardon and McLemore, two legislative staff said they were targeted by him. Women were not named in the memo or in the report.

Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) is among those who called Hill to resign

"I wish he spoke to me about this accusation before rushing to a judgment," Hill said Monday.

The Indiana Black Legislative Hill Caucus asked Hill to apologize and resign, stating in a statement that "there is only one clear course of action right here". Hill is an African-American.

Several state democrats also urged Hill to resign

a statement, Candelaria Reardon said that she would cooperate with the investigation process and called Hill to be held accountable for his "heinous" behavior.

"When we take the oath, to serve the citizens of Indiana, we agree to be held to a certain standard and to honor the trust that the public has placed in us," she said. "Curtis Hill, through his actions, betrayed public trust, and lied about his actions towards the citizens he serves."