Ethics Panel Finds Probable Cause in Arnold Case

The Legislative Ethics Commission has found probable cause to believe former Democratic state Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis may have sexually harassed legislative staffers.

The panel on Tuesday scheduled a hearing for December 12 to determine if Arnold should be reprimanded or fined. Arnold resigned from the Legislature last month after the allegations were made against him.

Legislative Research Commission staffers Yolanda Costner and Cassaundra Cooper alleged that Arnold had touched them inappropriately and made vulgar comments. Both women said Tuesday they were pleased with the ethics commission's decision to move ahead with the case.

Arnold said in his letter of resignation that he had been ``destroyed politically'' and could no longer be an effective voice for his constituents. A retired chiropractor, he had served in the House since 1995.