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State Rep. Reinstated After Investigation

O'Rourke Suspended During Investigation Of Woman's Death

POSTED: 4:41 pm EDT July 1, 2009

State Rep. James O’Rourke, D-Cromwell, has been reinstated to his position as deputy speaker in the House Democratic Caucus.

O’Rourke had been temporarily suspended from his position earlier in the year after an arrest warrant was issued for the legislator.

According to the warrant, O’Rourke had given a Cromwell woman a ride home from a bar when she became agitated. The state representative told police the woman had told him to pull over on a side street and that he thought that was where she lived. The woman was later found dead after she wandered away without shoes on in the middle of winter.

On June 17, the Office of the State's Attorney announced that no criminal misdemeanor charges would be brought against O'Rourke.

House Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, who had called for O’Rourke’s suspension, announced the deputy speaker’s reinstatement on Tuesday.

"The matter has been fully investigated," Donovan said. "Rep. O'Rourke has been a valuable member of the House Democratic leadership team and a strong advocate for the people of the 32nd District. I am pleased the matter has been resolved, and am confident that Jim can again devote his full attention to the additional responsibilities of deputy speaker."


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