RICHMOND, Va. — Amid the political upheaval over Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page featuring a racist photograph, a woman who accused the state's lieutenant governor of sexual assault is consulting with a law firm.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax strongly denied the allegations Monday. They were initially circulated on a conservative website.
A person close to the legal team who's not authorized to speak publicly says the woman accusing Fairfax has retained Washington law firm Katz Marshall & Banks and is consulting about next steps. The person insisted on anonymity.
A firm founding partner, Debra Katz, represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her decades ago when they were teenagers. He denied the allegation and was confirmed to the court.
The Associated Press is not reporting the Fairfax allegation because the organization hasn't confirmed it.
On Tuesday, the Virginia House and Senate Democratic Caucuses issued this statement regarding the accusations against Fairfax:
The facts here are still being determined. Every individual deserves the opportunity to be heard, and we respect anyone who comes forward to share their story.