The City of Monterey, California, has confirmed an investigation into sexual assault allegations involving Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. The investigation, which dates back to October 2017, did not result in any criminal charges.
According to a statement released Friday by the City of Monterey’s Public Information Officer, the incident occurred at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey between the night of October 7 and the morning of October 8, 2017. The investigation was officially reported to the Monterey Police Department on October 12, 2017.
While the identity of the alleged victim remains confidential, the statement confirms that the individual sustained contusions to their right thigh. No weapons or property were involved in the alleged assault.
The statement from City of Monterey, which is set forth below, states:
Date/Time of Occurrence: Between 10:59 PM on October 7 and 7:00 AM on October 8, 2017
Location: 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA (Hyatt Regency)
Incident Description: The Monterey Police Department investigated an alleged sexual assault with no involvement of weapons or property.
Injuries: Contusions to the right thigh
Victim: Confidential
The investigation, initially reported by Vanity Fair on Thursday, has raised new questions following the revelation that the Trump transition team held an emergency meeting regarding the allegations shortly after they came to light.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, responded to the report, stating that the Monterey Police Department had already conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The Trump transition team also issued a strong defense of Hegseth, with Communications Director Steven Cheung calling the allegations “false” and reaffirming that Hegseth “vigorously denied any and all accusations.”
“We look forward to Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense,” Cheung said in a statement. “He is a high-caliber and extremely qualified nominee, and no charges have been filed against him.”
The Monterey Police Department has not responded to inquiries from Mediaite about whether the investigation remains open or if any further legal action will be taken.
This development comes as Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense continues to move forward despite the renewed public scrutiny of past allegations.
