Several developments today in the ongoing scandal involving one of the Legislature’s most outspoken members.

Republican State Senator Mike Groene, who has resigned, is accused of taking secret photographs of a female staffer—photos with zoom close-ups of provocative body parts.

There are also accusations that Groene emailed the photos, along with explicit subject lines, to other lawmakers.

In addition, it’s been widely speculated that other lawmakers tried to stop the woman from going public.

While noting that a special legislative investigation is now underway, State Senator Dan Hughes,
head of the Legislature’s self-policing Executive Committee, tried today to put both those items to rest.

[View Hughes' comments above]

“I am aware of no evidence that any senator, whether on the Executive Board or otherwise, or any staff discouraged the complainant from exercising her rights under the policy," said Hughes addressing lawmakers from the floor.

"Second, I'm aware of no evidence that any senator or staff were involved in sharing or receiving pictures from Senator Groene...IT staff searched Senator Groene’s laptop and his personal cell phone including his emails and hard drives. They discovered no evidence that Senator Groene sent pictures to any third party and not to any senator or staff. If the special panel or the outside investigator find any evidence suggesting that pictures were shared and that anyone attempted to discourage the complainant then we will take appropriate additional action.”

Along with the special legislative probe, there is also the possibility of an investigation by the Attorney General, a move sought by State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha.

At last report three people from the North Platte area have applied for Groene’s seat.

That appointment will be made by the governor