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Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Regulator Under Investigation For Sexual Harassment

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Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing an employee.

Watt, a former Democratic congressman from North Carolina, has been accused of “repeatedly making inappropriate sexual advances” toward a female staffer who wanted to discuss career matters, reported Politico Friday.

The employee alleges that Watt made suggestive comments toward her in several instances. Watt discussed his “attraction” toward the woman despite his being married during a dinner meeting she thought was related work in April 2016. He also talked about a tattoo on the woman’s ankle and asked, “If I kissed that one would it lead to more?”

Watt, 72, maintained that the information that prompted the investigation is “obviously intended to embarrass or to lead to an unfounded or political conclusion,” he wrote in an email, according to Politico.

“I am confident that the investigation currently in progress will confirm that I have not done anything contrary to law,” Watt continued in the email. “I will have no further comment while the investigation is in progress.”

The employee, who is keeping her name private, filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint, reported Politico. She has worked for the Federal Housing Finance Agency since December 2014, reported Politico.

Watt was appointed to his post by former President Barack Obama in 2014 and has only a few months left in his term. The Federal Housing Finance Agency manages mortgage guarantors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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