Rep. Brenda Lawrence's top aide steps down amid sex harassment claims

(WJBK) - The chief of staff for Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence officially stepped down.

Duron Marshall's resignation came after several sexual harassment allegations by former staff members. Lawrence announced today she has accepted his resignation.

She had placed her top aide on administrative leave last week pending the results of an investigation after several former staff members came forward with troubling allegations claiming Marshall touched them inappropriately and made disrespectful comments.

Although he resigned, Duron Marshall maintains his innocence. Thursday he issued this statement

"After thoughtful consideration, I submitted my letter of resignation and retirement to Congresswoman Lawrence on November 13, 2017. Working with Mrs. Lawrence in her congressional office has been a highlight in my career that spans nearly three decades. 

I look forward to her continued success on behalf of her constituents and the American People. My future endeavors will continue in a new opportunity in the private sector. I thank Congresswoman Lawrence for the opportunity to serve her office."

The congresswoman also issued a statement. In it, Lawrence says:

"I will move forward with an investigation focused on the current and future climate of our workplace environment."

She continued with "No employee should ever be made to feel intimidated, harassed or otherwise discriminated against, in their place of work. Every employee should feel free to present their concerns with the expectation that those concerns will be quickly and directly addressed and resolved."

Lawrence recently introduced legislation that would make sexual harassment training a requirement on Capitol Hill. Reportedly, many of Lawrence's former staffers claim they went to the congresswoman with complaints of inappropriate sexual conduct.
    
Lawrence said she has dealt with every complaint brought to her attention but none were sexual in nature.