Lawmaker wins seat back despite scandal

RICHMOND, Va. – A Virginia lawmaker who resigned his seat following a sex scandal involving a teenager has won it back in a special election.

Joe Morrissey defeated two opponents in the Richmond-area House of Delegates race Tuesday – a feat he accomplished while serving six months in jail on a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The Democrat resigned under pressure after his December conviction, then angered legislators from both parties by running as an independent for the seat. Legislative leaders have been researching the process for expelling a member. The General Assembly convenes today.

The 57-year-old Morrissey denies allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl who worked as a receptionist in his law office. He entered a plea deal to avoid a felony trial.