GOP Sen. Bizon’s assault sentence continues pattern of inappropriate behavior by Republican officials
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – If not now, when?
On Wednesday, a judge handed down a sentence to Republican state Sen. John Bizon, who pleaded guilty to criminally touching a nurse practitioner during an exam. Now it’s time for GOP legislative leaders to discipline him.
Bizon was sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to pay more than $1,100 in fees and go through a mental health treatment program, according a report by Gongwer.
Bizon entered a guilty plea to the crime last month, but Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey has said he won’t discipline the Battle Creek Republican.
“Reading the brave survivor’s account of Senator Bizon’s coercive, intimidating and bullying conduct is heartbreaking, which is exactly why he should be disciplined by Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey,” said Lavora Barnes, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. “With several former Republican legislators facing accusations of sexual harassment and sexual abuse, it’s time GOP leaders in the House and Senate stop being quiet and start denouncing – and take action to stop – the persistent and abhorrent behavior from inside their ranks.”
Bizon’s sentencing comes as Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido is being investigated for sexual harassment by a county attorney after receiving a credible report from a woman working in his office, according to a report in MIRS this month. When Lucido was serving as a Republican state senator, three women reported he had repeatedly behaved inappropriately with them during his tenure. He was removed from one committee chairmanship, however GOP leadership allowed him to continue to lead another.
Bizon’s sentencing also comes as the Michigan Attorney General’s Office is assisting the Michigan State Police with its own investigation into former Republican state House speaker Lee Chatfield after his former sister-in-law accused him of sexually abusing her over years – including a period when she was a minor.
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