Current DC employee brings sexual harassment allegations against former deputy mayor

A current Washington, D.C., employee has claimed that John Falcicchio, the former chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning and economic development, sexually harassed her. Mayor Muriel Bowser has initiated an investigation into Falcicchio’s abrupt departure last week.

In a press release, Debra Katz and Kayla Morin, the employee’s attorneys, disclosed their client’s allegations of “longstanding” harassment by Falcicchio.

“Our client is courageous. She came forward to ensure accountability and protect other women. Given the gravity of our client’s allegations—which involve unwelcome advances and sexual contact—we ask the media to respect her privacy,” the attorneys stated.

Falcicchio had been Mayor Bowser’s right-hand man since before her election in 2014, according to an official close to Bowser.

His departure was announced in a release on Friday, and Bowser issued a statement regarding the investigation on Monday.

“I know you have many questions, but please understand that as this is a sensitive matter that includes privacy concerns, we will not be able to discuss it any further,” the statement read. “However, I am able to say that the circumstances of his departure led me to initiate an investigation.”

“This investigation does not involve any allegations of improprieties related to business transactions,” the statement continued.

According to the statement, “There is no reason for our important work on behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia to slow down. I have every confidence in my new Chief of Staff, Lindsey Parker, and in our Interim Deputy Mayor, Keith Anderson, and in the 37,000 employees of D.C. Government to keep us moving ahead.”

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