State Rep. Steve Marino of Macomb County still has not spoken publicly about allegations that he engaged in domestic abuse and threats against a female legislator with whom he had a “volatile” personal relationship.
Marino, a 31-year-old Republican Harrison Township Republican who also represents portions of Macomb and Clinton townships, was stripped of his committee assignments and a committee chairmanship by GOP Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth after Wentworth learned of a complaint filed against Marino with the state police by Rep. Mari Manoogian, D-Birmingham. On Wednesday, Wentworth had declined to reveal why Marino was hit with such substantial discipline.
In a statement released by Manoogian, 29, she said:
“The unfortunate reality is that many people in our society have experienced domestic abuse, which often comes from someone we would never expect. “None of us are immune to a volatile relationship, regardless of our career. It can happen right here in our legislature, where abuse of power and threats to ruin a colleague’s reputation, as well as threats of public shaming, can be used to intimidate fellow members of the legislature. I am asking for privacy as I take steps to ensure my safety while I continue to represent my district and do the work of the people.”
According to the Associated Press, Manoogian did not specify what Marino allegedly did, nor whether the alleged abuse and threats were physical, verbal or written.
Wentworth also issued a statement late Wednesday:
“I will always prioritize the safety of state legislators and those who are serving their community at the state Capitol. Once I learned of this situation, I took immediate action. Going forward, the House is honoring Rep. Manoogian’s request for privacy while others look into the allegations.
“The House will continue to assist with the Michigan State Police investigation, take every precaution to ensure Rep. Manoogian’s safety and ultimately allow the legal process to play out. We will be able to provide further updates at the appropriate time.”
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UPDATE: Marino has issued a statement denying the allegations and predicting that the investigation, which he said was politically motivated, will go nowhere.
Here is what he said: “I had a relationship that ended well over a year ago with Representative Amara Manoogian. She served on a committee that I chaired. I regret the fact that I went along with her request to not disclose the prior relationship to the speaker. However, I will be clear: the insinuations made are nothing more than politically motivated character assassination that I am confident will conclude as a waste of the public’s time. I look forward to fulfilling my duties and maintaining the trust I’ve worked so hard to build during my seven years in public office.”
