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Richmond's Leading Mayoral Candidate Faces Fresh Scandal

Steve Helber
/
AP

 

Joe Morrissey was once a Virginia lawmaker. He resigned, though, after a sex scandal involving his then 17-year-old intern -- now his wife. Now, Morrissey is leading the race for mayor of Richmond.

But this weekend, news came of another scandal. 

 

Morrissey is a lawyer. Last week, one of his former clients told the Richmond Times Dispatch that Morrissey had pressured her for sex -- asking for nude photos, and on one occasion exposing himself. She claims after she refused, her case -- a felony charge for not returning a rental car -- was handed off to another lawyer who convinced her to plead guilty. 

Related: Virginia Lawmaker Jailed for Sex Scandal is Front-Runner in Richmond's Mayoral Race

Since the newspaper released the information Friday, Morrissey has denied ever exposing himself, although he did admit to sending "flirtatious" messages. 

Morrissey is one of seven people running for mayor of Virginia’s capital city. He’s been the front-runner in every poll conducted so far.

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