Indiana state Rep. Justin Moed apologized Tuesday following an online report that he sent nude pictures of himself to the same woman at the center of the 2013 Anthony Weiner sexting scandal.
“I am truly sorry I have hurt the ones I love most with my poor judgment,” the Democrat, who is engaged to be married this year, said in a written statement sent to The Indianapolis Star. “I am committed to rebuilding trust with my family and my community. This is a private matter and I ask for it to be treated as such. I apologize to my constituents and to everyone I have let down.”
Mr. Moed did not directly address the sexting allegations, but his apology followed a report by TheDirty.com that identified him as the sexting partner of Sydney Leathers, a former Evansville resident who exchanged explicit text messages with former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, which ultimately led to his resignation in 2013, The Star reported.
TheDirty.com, the same website that broke the Weiner story, reported Tuesday that Mr. Moed and Ms. Leathers allegedly started talking after he responded to an online advertisement she had posted seeking a “submissive.”
Mr. Moed had remained anonymous in his communications with Ms. Leathers until his name was accidentally included on a pink leash and collar he bought for her on Amazon.com, The Dirty reported.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, briefed by staff on the reports Tuesday, called the matter “an unfortunate situation,” according to a House spokeswoman, The Star reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.