Washington State GOP Representative Richard
Curtis submitted his resignation Wednesday following a gay sex scandal
involving a male hustler in which Curtis claims he was the victim of an
extortion attempt.
Curtis reportedly met 26-year-old Cody Castagna, a waiter from Spokane,
at an adult video store. The two men then traveled to the Davenport
Towers Hotel where they had sex, according to details in a police search
warrant.
Curtis
says he is the victim of an extortion attempt by a male prostitute who
was seeking to take advantage of his kindness and generosity. "I
committed no crime," Curtis said Monday afternoon. "I did not solicit
sex. I was trying to help somebody out. I am not gay. I have not had sex
with a guy. It's been a rough week. Look, the rest of this will all come
out. I can't say anything more until I have talked to my attorney. I
have never been in this situation before."
Washington House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt issued the following
statement after Curtis' resignation Wednesday:
"I am very disappointed by the news reports of the conduct by Rep.
Curtis last week in Spokane. After discussing this matter with House
Republican leaders, he has submitted his resignation, which we feel is
best for everyone involved. The troubling details continue to emerge,
however, it has become clear that he can no longer effectively represent
the constituents who elected him. We pray that Richard and his family
have the strength and support they need to meet the personal challenges
they face."