A freshman Democrat Kansas legislator must undergo mental evaluation after he was arrested for domestic violence. Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City, Kan. was charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home while past alleged sexual abuse of girls and women has been exposed.
Magistrate Judge James Phelan on Monday ordered Coleman freed on a personal recognizance bond.
Overland Park police arrested the 21-year-old Saturday evening on suspicion of domestic battery.
A first-year lawmaker with a full-size cutout of Bernie Sanders in his office, Coleman made headlines as a 21-year-old liberal candidate often retweeting Bernie Sanders and Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids.
He’s now being reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office.
Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City remained in custody Sunday afternoon, according to Johnson County Jail records. The 21-year-old was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Saturday by Overland Park police on a domestic battery charge.
“Given what little we know about the situation, I am concerned for everyone involved,” Speaker of the House, Ron Ryckman, said. “I know that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and assess the situation so that we can take appropriate action.”
House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said Coleman should resign.
“This is extremely disturbing news. We are watching closely to make sure we gather all the facts,” Sawyer said. “His constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs. However, I want to reiterate again that the House Democratic Caucus does not condone this behavior in any way, shape, or form.”
After he was elected last year, Coleman received a written reprimand from a legislative committee about his conduct before taking office.
The House committee’s investigation of Coleman followed accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women. He acknowledged some of the behavior on social media and said he had been a troubled teenager.
Earlier this month, Coleman was also banned from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices because the agency’s director said Coleman had tried to improperly gain entry to the department’s main office through a secured employee entry and berated a security officer.
At that time, Coleman said he was trying to help constituents deal with the state’s unemployment system.
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice