MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle Mayor has blunt response to latest abuse accusations

May 3, 2017, 3:03 PM

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)...

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray didn’t sugarcoat his response when confronted about the latest abuse accusations made against him.

RELATED: Fourth person accuses Mayor Ed Murray of sex abuse

When asked if he knew of Maurice Jones, Murray put it bluntly:

“Never heard of him … never heard of him.”

When he was asked if he has had sex with Jones:

“No. Never have.

“Either you’re looking at a serial pedophile or this is a big political take down.”

Jones alleges that he was introduced to Murray by Delvonn Heckard, the man who said he was abused by the mayor when he was a teenager. Jones, like Heckard, alleged he went to Murray’s apartment in Capitol Hill in the past.

Murray’s spokesperson Jeff Reading vehemently denied the most recent claim as false with the following statement:

“As we’ve seen repeatedly from opposing counsel, this filing fits firmly into the category of a sensational media stunt. Mayor Murray does not know this person. This is an ambush copycat false accusation that is being made without any details, evidence, timeline or anything at all to substantiate its veracity. Mayor Murray has never had inappropriate relations with any minor, and Mayor Murray has never paid for sex.”

Murray has held onto the belief that the sex abuse allegations made against him are politically motivated. In April he wrote an op-ed for The Stranger stating, “Not only does this evidence show that the accusers have fabricated their claims against me, but I believe it shows they have coordinated with each other.”

He’s also called out the Faith & Freedom Network:

“Since 2008, the virulently bigoted Faith & Freedom Network has actively opposed my work to champion LGBTQ rights, and has openly resented my successful effort to pass the civil rights bill in 2008 and marriage equality in 2012.”

MyNorthwest News

ICE facility Tacoma hunger strike...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

US representatives investigate hunger strike at Tacoma ICE facility

A hunger strike is underway at the ICE facility in Tacoma, according to the activist group La Resistencia.

18 hours ago

video bloody pilot yakima...

Brittany Perry, KIRO 7 News

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

1 day ago

5-year-old dead large animal attack aggressive dog...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

5-year-old dead after “large animal attack” in Graham; aggressive dog shot and killed

A five-year-old girl is dead following a large animal attack in Graham. Deputies shot and killed an aggressive dog that was found near her body.

2 days ago

construction roadways weekend...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Prepare for another weekend of major construction on three roadways

Travelers in the Puget Sound region should prepare for delays and road closures this weekend as construction takes place across I-405, SR 99, and I-5.

2 days ago

Costco (2)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Costco semi-sweet treat returns to shoppers’ excitement

To the joy of bakers, home cooks, and late-night snackers, a Costco favorite is back.

2 days ago

Fife...

Julia Dallas

Construction material wholesaler closing Fife facility, laying off 54 employees

Construction material wholesaler Norwesco is closing its facility in Fife, effectively laying off more than 50 employees.

2 days ago

Seattle Mayor has blunt response to latest abuse accusations