A former employee of a US senator who allegedly filmed himself having sex in the US Congress risks prosecution, according to an expert questioned by the New York Post.
Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a 24-year-old legislative councilor, was accused of posting a video of himself in flagrante delicto with another man on a public account X (formerly Twitter). His face would also have been visible in the video, according to The Spectator who reported the news on Friday. The video was first shared on a private group.
Some time after hearing the news, Democratic Senator Ben Cardin confirmed to New York Post that the advisor was no longer in office.
Attorney and George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley assessed in a blog post the possible charges Ben Cardin’s 24-year-old former legislative aide could face for his misconduct.
“Staff have access to these premises, but the question is whether this unofficial use would constitute an intrusion,” he said. He also uses official space for personal purposes, although it is unclear whether there were any commercial benefits.”
Another key consideration for potential charges would be whether the explicit acts committed in the locked Senate chamber are considered “in public,” according to Jonathan Turley.
Possible charges
The lawyer ruled on whether charges could be brought.
“The Capitol Police could argue that this constitutes theft or use of government property for personal gain,” Jonathan Turley said.
“The key factor is the fact that this videotape was made with the apparent intention of publishing it or showing it to others,” he added. Sex in congressional offices — by both members and staff — has long been known to occur on Capitol Hill. Yet it was a public courtroom.”
