Katelynn Dunlap who has accused Sussex County Council member Vance Phillips of sexual assault has issued her first public statement since filing suit against him.
She said that she went public only after she “diligently sought justice through the criminal legal system.”
The State Attorney General’s office decided against filing charges against Phillips last year finding that there was not enough evidence to move forward with a prosecution.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that her complaint describes in graphic allegations that Phillips raped and assaulted her under threat of pain and humiliation.
She claimed that he blindfolded her and whipped her during One sexual assault in a hotel room.
In addition, it says that Phillips threatened her career in public-service if she told anyone.
Back in 2010 Dunlap saw Phillips as someone who encouraged her as she rose up the Republican ranks delivering a nominating speech for Glen Urgquhart in his bid for Delaware’s lone congressional seat.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that records show Dunlap is a member of the party’s executive committee, one of dozens of key volunteers who work to get out the vote.
Her mother is also a member of the committee.
Phillips’ attorney Joe Hurley defended his client’s integrity noting that there was an anonymous letter last year claiming Phillips was a relationship with an underage girl.
Hurley blamed an unidentified “Georgetown Bin Laden” for spreading the rumor.
And…he believes the lawsuit is connected to that letter adding that his client is ready to fight the charges.
As for Phillips’ political future the Sussex County Republican says it is still too early to talk about re-election next year but had no intention of resigning.
