Pete Hegseth involved in investigation into alleged sexual assault

Fox News host Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, was involved in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in 2017, the city of Monterey, California, has confirmed. The alleged assault took place in the early morning hours of Oct. 8, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, and was reported four days later, according to the city of Monterey's statement. The complainant was not identified but the statement said she had “bruising to her right thigh.”

Questioned Friday by CNN about this affair revealed Thursday evening by the magazine Vanity Fairan attorney for Hegseth said the city of Monterey's statement “confirms that while an allegation was made, it was thoroughly investigated and no charges were filed.” .

Hegseth, a National Guard veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was at the Hyatt Regency Monterey to deliver remarks to the California Federation of Republican Women. According to two anonymous sources cited by Vanity Fairhe was asked about the episode by the Trump transition team, including incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. He said the investigation was related to a consensual sexual relationship.

If this is the truth, Hegseth is not the most faithful man in his romantic or marital relationships. According to a timeline compiled by an NBC reporter, he divorced his second wife and mother of three of his children in August 2017. During the same month, his producer at Fox News, who was to become his third wife, gave birth to 'another of his children.

The alleged sexual assault occurred two months later. Towards the end of October 2017, Trump welcomed Hegseth and his future third wife to the White House.

(Photo Getty Images)