James McHaney, a 28-year-old staffer to Senator Maria Cantwell has been fired. McHaney was arrested in a sting during his lunch hour for trying to arrange for a sexual encounter with a 13 year-old boy.
Cantwell’s office released the following statement: “Late Friday afternoon the FBI informed our office that a Senate employee was arrested. The employee was immediately fired. Our office has and will continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing federal criminal investigation. Senator Cantwell has zero tolerance for crimes against children.”
The sting was arranged through a cooperating witness. Such witnesses are often people who are arrested for other crimes and given a chance for a lower sentence or no jail by incriminating others. In this case, McHaney is accused of arranging sex with a 13-year-old boy and the cooperating witness. He was previously the scheduler to Sen. Cantwell.
This could not come at a worst time for the Senate. This week, various men came forward to accuse Sen. Craig of having sex with them.
For the Craig story, click here
For the full story and charging sheet, click here