An ex-Senate staffer has come forward with allegations that she was sexually assaulted by a former aide to onetime House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
A police report obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle details Zahra Hajee’s accusations against Kevin Ortiz.
Hajee, a former aide to San Francisco City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, has also worked for Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA). She claims Ortiz sexually assaulted her in March and April 2021.
Ortiz denies the allegations, saying through his lawyers that the encounters were consensual. Ortiz is the co-president of the Latinx Democratic Club and was working for Pelosi when he met Hajee in early 2021. While he continues to serve as president of the political club, Ortiz left the Democratic leader’s office in 2022. In an attempt to verify his claims that the relationship was mutual, the former Pelosi aide provided screenshots of text messages that show Hajee repeatedly requesting to meet up with Ortiz.
This isn’t the first time Ortiz has been accused of inappropriate behavior. The outlet reported that a second woman alleged that Ortiz sexually assaulted her in 2019. She has declined to reveal her identity or file a police report.
Ortiz has rejected her accusations as well, saying the encounter was consensual and sending her a cease and desist letter, something he also did to Hajee.
In response to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment, a spokesman for Pelosi said the former House speaker’s office does not comment on confidential personnel matters.
Ortiz is one of several San Francisco Democrats who have been accused of inappropriate behavior in recent months.
Jon Jacobo, reported to run in the same political circles as Ortiz, faces allegations that he raped Sasha Perigo. Ortiz has defended Jacobo against the Bay Area affordable housing advocate’s accusations by sending Perigo a cease and desist letter.
The Democratic County Central Committee, which governs the city’s local Democratic Party, has become embroiled in a series of scandals. Members, such as Michela Alioto-Pier, have been criticized for supporting those accused of sexual abuse.
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As accusations rock San Francisco Democrats, the DCCC has announced an initiative to create new standards of conduct for party clubs and members.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the DCCC for comment.
