Representative Under Fire for Alleged Misconduct and Ethics Issues

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito faces controversy as allegations surface of ethics violations regarding employment of personal acquaintances in his district office.

At a Glance

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito claims he has “upheld the highest ethical standards” amid allegations of hiring an alleged mistress.
D’Esposito reportedly paid his alleged mistress, Devin Fass, $2,000 a month for part-time work in his district office.
Congressional rules prohibit lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision.
D’Esposito’s fiancée’s daughter was also allegedly employed at taxpayer expense.
D’Esposito faces a contested re-election against Democrat Laura Gillen.

Allegations of Misconduct

According to a report by The New York Times, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) is under scrutiny for allegedly hiring his alleged mistress, Devin Fass, in his district office for $2,000 per month. The New York Times further reported that this arrangement ended in July 2023 after his fiancée became aware of the affair.

The alleged misconduct goes beyond hiring Fass. D’Esposito is also accused of employing his fiancée’s daughter, Tessa Lark, with a monthly salary of about $3,800. House ethics rules expressly forbid lawmakers from employing spouses or their family members.

NEW: Rep Anthony D'Esposito had an affair — and put his lover on his congressional payroll, according to three people familiar w/the relationship + the mistress's ex-husband.

It was one of a pair of hires that may violate House ethics rules. More here >>https://t.co/4YAVQJDLJi

— Nicholas Fandos (@npfandos) September 23, 2024

D’Esposito’s Response

Rep. D’Esposito has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated attacks. He stated that his personal life has never interfered with his professional duties and that he has maintained the highest ethical standards. “The latest political tabloid garbage being peddled by The New York Times is nothing more than a slimy, partisan ‘hit piece’ designed to distract Long Islanders from Democrats’ failing record on border security, the economy, and foreign policy,” D’Esposito said in a statement.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) maintained Monday that he has upheld the highest ethical standards after a report claimed the Long Island congressman hired an alleged mistress to work in his district office. House rules ban lawmakers from engaging “in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under the supervision of the member.” “The latest political tabloid garbage being peddled by The New York Times is nothing more than a slimy, partisan ‘hit piece’ designed to distract Long Islanders from Democrats’ failing record on border security, the economy, and foreign policy,” D’Esposito said in a statement to The Post.

Questions were raised when footage showed D’Esposito avoiding questions from reporters regarding these allegations. His fiancée, Cynthia Lark, called the affair a “family matter” and denied any ethical violations regarding her daughter’s employment.

TL;DR of this excellent reporting: D’Esposito put his fiancée’s daughter and his affair partner on payroll in his district office (the latter being a no-show job). The whole ruse fell apart because he also helped the fiancée’s son get a patronage job at the same place where the… https://t.co/TWU2OePIMg

— Grace Panetta (@grace_panetta) September 23, 2024

Opposition and Ethics Review

The scandal surfaces at a crucial time, as D’Esposito faces a tough re-election battle against Democrat Laura Gillen. Gillen questioned his ability to serve ethically and responsibly amidst these allegations. Meanwhile, ethical watchdogs and voters are keeping a close watch on the developments.

Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joseph Cairo stood in support of D’Esposito, dismissing the allegations as politically driven. Cairo emphasized D’Esposito’s track record in focusing on border security and tax relief for Long Islanders. “Nassau residents are too smart to fall for the New York Times’ politically motivated and baseless mud-slinging,” Cairo said.

The House Ethics Committee staff has been contacted for comment, but no official accusations have been made against D’Esposito. The committee’s response will be closely monitored by both his supporters and critics. This developing story certainly puts the spotlight on the ethical standards of public servants and the consequences of personal actions within political frameworks.

This case highlights the need for rigorous adherence to ethical guidelines by elected officials. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will affect D’Esposito’s political future and his re-election campaign.