A Republican lawmaker likely violated House ethics rules by hiring his mistress to work in his office.
Freshman GOP Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (N.Y) hired Devin Faas, a woman he was reportedly sleeping with, to work part time in his district office on a $2,000 per month salary, the New York Times reported citing four people with knowledge of the relationship.
D’Esposito also reportedly hired his fiancée’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office on a $3,800 salary shortly after he was sworn into office.
Records obtained by the Times, show that payments to both women stopped in July 2023 around the same time D’Esposito’s fiancée found out about Faas and briefly broke up with him.
The Times noted that both appointments could be a violation of House ethics rules that prohibits members of Congress from employing romantic partners or relatives, including stepchildren.
“There are lots of shades of gray in ethics stuff. This is something that is obvious,” Donald Sherman, a former lawyer for the House Ethics Committee told The Times. “The House is trying to prevent members from using government funds to enrich their family or close associates.”
A spokesperson for D’Esposito decline to comment on the lawmaker’s relationship with Faas or the employment of the women.
“We do not comment on personnel matters,” the spokesperson said. “Congressman D’Esposito remains focused on fighting for real issues that impact Long Islanders, like securing our borders and ending the affordability crisis.”
