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Rep. Rochelle Galindo Resigns Following Troubling Allegations

DENVER (CBS4) - State Rep. Rochelle Galindo announced her resignation on Sunday following sexual assault allegations made against her. Galindo says the allegations are not true.

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Rochelle Galindo (credit: CBS)

"The allegations against me are false. That said, they will make our fight against the pending recall effort untenable. I will not put my constituents through what will surely be a recall campaign based on political smear tactics and false allegations. Instead, I will resign my seat as the elected representative of House District 50, effective immediately," said Rep. Rochelle Galindo in a news release.

The lawmaker, who was elected in November, is a gay, Latina woman. In January, she told CBS4 she embodies the diversity at the Capitol.

Distict 50, in which she represented, is one of the poorest in the state.

"I come from a working class family. My dad works in oil and gas. My mom has worked in the meat industry for over 30 years and my regular job outside of the legislature is being a head custodian at an elementary school. I think its very important that we have regular people in these offices who understand what regular people are going through," said Galindo in January.

House Speaker KC Becker and House Majority Leader Alec Garnett issued a response to Galindo's resignation.

"Today Rep. Galindo submitted a letter of resignation. We agree with Rep. Galindo's decision to step down at this time and allow someone else to serve the people of House District 50."

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