Katelynn Dunlap, who has accused Sussex County Council member Vance Phillips of sexual assault says her lawsuit against him was sparked by the police knocking of her door asking about an anonymous letter against the Delaware Republican.
She told the Wilmington News Journal that if it had not been for the authorities questioning her about it Dunlap said that she is not sure what would have happened.
The 20-year-old college student from Lincoln said in written responses to the paper that she was too afraid to approach police about the assault.
She said at the time she “did not think anyone would believe me because he was so powerful.”
She claims that the alleged assaults occurred between May and July of 2011.
Specifically, it accuses Phillips of among other charges, rape, sexual harassment and sexual extortion and offensive touching.
Phillips has forcefully denied the allegations and the state Attorney General’s office said, in looking into the claims, did not believe charges were warranted.
The News Journal reports that Phillips declined last week to discuss Dunlap’s comments or on the 17-page lawsuit but added that he and his attorney Joe Hurley will vigorously fight the charges.
Dunlap was a seen as a promising star within the party who along with Phillips helped the failed Republican congressional campaign of Glen Urquhart against Democrat John Carney.
