“I am deeply disturbed at the criminal allegations levied against Assemblywoman Harris. She allegedly stole from the very people she vowed to protect and selfishly turned her back on those who trusted her most.

“What is more disturbing is that her local political committee did not thoroughly vet her enough to expose these acts before she was nominated to run for the Assembly.

“Her name is now infamously cast among the over 30 public officials who have been indicted on corruption charges during the 16 years I’ve been in office, and her actions reflect terribly on the numerous noble legislators trying to do right by their constituents.

“As chair of an Assembly Task Force on Public Safety, I am calling for Assemblywoman Harris to step down immediately and our chamber to take up a comprehensive ethics reform package this year.

“How many more elected officials are going to steal from taxpayers before the legislature starts policing itself?”