Senator Removed From Task Force After Complaints

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Republican Sen. Pam Roach has been kicked off of a legislative task force following complaints that she verbally abused sex trafficking victims.

The Seattle Times reported that Democratic Lt. Gov. Brad Owen sent Roach a letter Monday removing her from the Human Trafficking Task Force after he heard about her alleged conduct at a Dec. 14 meeting of the panel.

Owen said that those who attended the meeting said that Roach made the victims feel "vilified and mocked."

Roach denied the allegations Monday and said that Owen was politically motivated and biased against her. Roach was banned from the Senate Republican Caucus in 2010 after leaders said she repeatedly mistreated staff and should get counseling to manage her anger. She was later allowed to back into caucus.