A former staffer of Gov. Phil Murphy says that he respectfully declines an invitation to appear before a special legislative panel following accusations he raped another staffer.

The panel is investigating the Murphy administration’s handling of the rape allegations made against Albert Alvarez by Katie Brennan, a Murphy administration official, while both were working on Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign.

Brennan says that her pleas to the administration about the incident went unanswered.

Brennan testified before the committee earlier this week.

Murphy praised Brennan for her strength and courage, but says that claims that his administration did not cooperate with the case are false.

Alvarez has denied the allegations. He resigned from his position in the Murphy administration in October.

Administration officials are set to give testimony to the committee Dec. 18.