The state House of Representatives says it’s in the best interest of the state if Representative Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg) resigns. The House passed a resolution Thursday.
Inman has been in a legal battle since May. He’s federally charged with attempted extortion, solicitation of a bribe, and lying to the FBI.
The resolution was introduced months ago. But lawmakers delayed voting on it because Inman was seeking treatment for opioid addiction.
"I’m still hopeful that Representative Inman gets the treatment that he’s seeking and does the right thing by resigning,” said Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R-Levering).
Inman is accused of trying to sell his vote on a controversial measure. The resolution does not require Inman to resign. He has been removed from his party’s caucus, though he still receives his annual salary.
Inman’s attorney says he is being punished before he’s had a “full opportunity to air his side of the story,” and that this vote could jeopardize his right to a fair trial, which is still pending.
“From day one we’ve taken this one step at a time," Chatfield said. "It’s been my opinion from day one that Representative Inman should resign in his official capacity as state Representative.”
