An Indiana legislator issued an apology Tuesday for what he calls "poor judgment" following an online report that he sent nude photographs of himself and gifts to a woman tied to a 2013 sexting scandal involving a former New York congressman.
Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis, issued a statement to the media Tuesday saying he was "truly sorry I have hurt the ones I love most with my poor judgment. I am committed to rebuilding trust with my family and my community. … I apologize to my constituents and to everyone I have let down."
Moed did not directly address the sexting allegations. However, his apology followed a report on thedirty.com that identified Moed as the "sexting" partner of a woman named Sydney Leathers, a former Evansville-area resident who also was the recipient of multiple sexual messages from former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner in 2013.
Weiner, who resigned from Congress after a previous sexting scandal, lost his bid for New York mayor after more pictures and sexts were released between him and Leathers.
The website reported Tuesday that Moed began communicating with Leathers after he responded to an online advertisement. It said he remained anonymous until his name appeared on a gift he sent Leathers. The New York Post reported last week that Leathers had been 'sexting' with an unnamed Democratic state lawmaker from the Midwest.
Moed has been active in legislation designed to increase access to locally grown produce, to increase tax deductions for redeveloping abandoned properties and to provide tax breaks to teachers who must buy their own supplies.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma was briefed by staff on the reports Tuesday. He called the matter "an unfortunate situation," according to a House spokeswoman.
Moed is serving his second term in the Indiana House and is a former House staffer. He is engaged to be married later this year.
The lawmaker could not be reached for comment beyond what was in his statement. A spokesman for House Democrats declined to comment.
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