Brindisi staffer charged with patronizing a prostitute
A district staffer to U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi was charged today with patronizing an underage prostitute in Utica, authorities said.
New York State Police said John Stemen, 57, of Utica, a field representative for the first-term congressman, met a 17-year-old girl over the internet and allegedly paid $200 for sex.
Brindisi’s office said Stemen has been fired from the Utica office.
“As soon as we were made aware of the charges, John Stemen was immediately terminated from his position,” Brindisi said in a statement.
Stemen, who previously worked for Brindisi when he was a member of the Assembly, is scheduled to appear in Utica City Court on May 20.
State Police said Stemen was charged with patronizing a prostitute in the 3rd degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine