Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann Admits to Affair with Staff Member

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann admitted that he had an affair with a subordinate on Friday at a press conference held in response to an internal investigation of sexual harrassment claims against Director of General Services Anthony Gutierrez. Results of the internal investigation were released on approximately 9:30am Friday morning. Dann opened the news conference by first complimenting Assistant Attorney General Ben Epsy on a fair, complete, and thorough investigation. Dann also said that he is "heartbroken by my failure" to recognize and stop problems in his office. Then he admitted to the affair, and apologized to his wife and children. "I have not conducted my self in a way that is consistent with my values..." said Dann. Ben Espy, the assistant Attorney General for the state of Ohio, led the investigation. He indicated that he does not have the authority to recommend suspending or reprimanding Dann for his behavior, but did recommend that he receive additional training on proper office procedure. Espy also cited a hostile work environment created by Gutierrez, one that was rampant with rumor and inappropriate fraternization and "poor judgment" on Dann's behalf. While the agency itself is not able to reprimand Dann, a federal Equal Employment Opportunity investigation could. Four individuals have since left the office. Communications Director Leo Jennings III and Director of General Services Anthony Guiterrez were fired, Chief of Policy and Administration Edgar Simpson and Dann's scheduler/office travel director Jessica Utovich resigned on Thursday. When asked whether Utovich was the staff member with whom he had an affair, Dann declined to comment.