Murphy’s counsel says he didn't tell governor about sex assault allegation

Gov. Phil Murphy's top attorney says he didn't relay to him a state official's allegations of sexual assault against another administration employee when he first found out about them.

News 12 Staff

Jan 18, 2019, 8:30 PM

Updated 1,939 days ago

Share:

Gov. Phil Murphy's top attorney says he didn't relay to him a state official's allegations of sexual assault against another administration employee when he first found out about them.
Chief Counsel Matt Platkin testified Friday that in hindsight perhaps he should have told the governor. He says he informed the state ethics officer when he learned of the allegations.
The allegations became public six months later in a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Albert Alvarez resigned as Schools Development Authority aide in October when the article detailing Katie Brennan's allegations came out. Brennan says Alvarez assaulted her while they were both working on Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign. Brennan was a volunteer at the time.
Alvarez has denied the allegation. Prosecutors investigated the claim, but no charges were filed.
A legislative oversight committee is investigating how Murphy's administration handled the allegation.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
0:20
Authorities: Pennsylvania woman receives 2 consecutive life sentences for Ocean County murders

Authorities: Pennsylvania woman receives 2 consecutive life sentences for Ocean County murders

2:19
Some clouds in New Jersey Saturday; Rainy conditions early on Mother’s Day

Some clouds in New Jersey Saturday; Rainy conditions early on Mother’s Day

0:17
Police: Motorcyclist killed in Barnegat crash

Police: Motorcyclist killed in Barnegat crash

0:24
Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

2:03
Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

1:35
Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting

Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting

0:18
Authorities identify person killed in crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township

Authorities identify person killed in crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township

2:36
Piscataway fire chief accused of throwing mud and rocks on business owner's rare sports car

Piscataway fire chief accused of throwing mud and rocks on business owner's rare sports car

0:17
Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times

Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times

0:37
‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun

‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun

2:25
Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University

Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University

2:20
Toms River School District works to finalize next year’s budget amid $26.5 million shortfall

Toms River School District works to finalize next year’s budget amid $26.5 million shortfall

0:14
Police: Man assaults owner of Maywood dry cleaner, steals $400

Police: Man assaults owner of Maywood dry cleaner, steals $400

0:27
13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

2:17
‘I knew I was meant to be a mom.’ Woman shares her journey of becoming a mother at age 46

‘I knew I was meant to be a mom.’ Woman shares her journey of becoming a mother at age 46

Prosecutor: 3 men accused in deadly 2023 shooting in Elizabeth

Prosecutor: 3 men accused in deadly 2023 shooting in Elizabeth

1:45
Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

0:22
Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

0:28
Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

1:23
Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’

Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’