Former Conyers staffer details sexual harassment claims

Calls for Michigan Rep. John Conyers to resign are growing after a former staffer said the longest-serving member of the House made unwanted sexual advances, including partially undressing in front of her and inappropriate touching.

Deanna Maher said the congressman harassed and touched her on three occasions while she ran the congressman’s Michigan office between 1997 and 2005, the Detroit News reported. Maher identified herself to the paper as a former deputy chief of staff in the congressman’s office, although records indicate Maher worked as a staff assistant.

“I didn’t report the harassment because it was clear nobody wanted to take it seriously,” Maher told the paper. “John Conyers Jr. is a powerful man in Washington, and nobody wanted to cross him.”