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• Complaints allege Gutierrez harassment, drunkenness
• Dann's office releases documents
• Video: Dann talks about investigation

COLUMBUS — The "court of public opinion" will decide whether the internal investigation into sexual harassment charges against a top aide to Attorney General Marc Dann is "an investigation that the people can have confidence in," Gov. Ted Strickland said today, April 16.

"...I just believe at this point it would be highly inappropriate for me to say that I think it is or is not a sufficient investigation," Strickland told reporters after the annual awards luncheon for the Ohio Arts Council.

Strickland, in his first extended public comments on the controversy, said Dann was elected by a vote of the people and that it would be "hugely inappropriate for me to say he should resign.

"I know of no reason for him to resign, so of course I would not say that he should resign."

Speaking to reporters about a block away, Dann said he hasn't considered resigning.

"That's just ridiculous. I'm doing a great job for the people of the state of Ohio. I'm extraordinarily proud of the work the Attorney General's office is doing. We are holding people who hurt consumers accountable, we're taking on predatory lenders. We've changed the way that business is done in the office in a way that I promised to do when I ran for office," Dann said. "Absolutely, it never crossed my mind."

Dann noted that in addition to his internal investigation a complaint was filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which will trigger a separate investigation.

Strickland called Ben Espy, the executive assistant attorney general conducting the investigation, a "good and honorable man." He said that he had not talked with Dann about the investigation.

Some outside observers, including former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman James Ruvolo, have said that the public would have more confidence in the probe if someone who didn't owe his or her appointment to Dann conducted it.

Dann appointed Espy to investigate sexual harassment charges against Anthony Guitierrez, who is on paid leave from his $87,484-year-job as Dann's director of general services. Two 26-year-old women employees in Dann's office filed the charges.

Leo Jennings III, Dann's communications director, also has been placed on paid administrative leave because of information Dann's office received related to the investigation.

One alleged incident of sexual harassment occurred at a suburban Columbus apartment that Dann, Guitierrez and Jennings were sharing. Dann since has moved out.

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or whershey@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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