The sheriff of Sussex County sheriff, who is up for re-election, is accused of having inappropriate contact with a female firefighter.

News 12 New Jersey obtained a video that appears to show Sheriff Michael Strada groping the woman.

The video was taken during a ceremony at the Stillwater Volunteer Fire Department in February 2018. The video appears to show Strada touching a woman’s buttocks during the ceremony.

That woman has not filed a complaint, but those who witnessed the act say that they have given a statement to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. The state attorney general’s office has not yet confirmed the investigation.

Strada tells News 12 New Jersey that the allegations against were fabricated and falsified for the sole purpose of defaming him.

“There are laws against this type of despicable behavior, even when invoked in political campaigns, and I have referred the matter to my attorney,” Strada said in a statement.

Strada says that he believes this to be the work of supporters of his opponent in the sheriff’s race.

Strada says that he cannot comment further since this is a legal matter.