Gov. Baker says U.S. Attorney controls info on investigation of son

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday it's not his call to release information on the status of an investigation into groping allegations against his son.

In June, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling's office began reviewing allegations that A.J. Baker had groped a woman on an airplane. At the time, Baker said he expected "a thorough review to take place" and that his son needed to cooperate with the authorities.

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Since then, authorities have offered no public update on the status of the investigation.

"When this issue came up in the first place, I supported the independent investigation and said that the allegations were serious, but the decisions with respect to sort of public release on this stuff, those belong to the U.S. attorney, and he doesn't work for me," Baker told MassLive and The Republican of Springfield in an editorial board meeting. "And beyond that, it's a family member, and that's really who you should be directing your questions at."

MORE: TRANSCRIPT | Gov. Baker addresses allegations against son

As Baker runs for reelection against challenger Jay Gonzalez, Democrats on Monday called on the governor to update the public on the allegations.

The Boston Globe last week reported federal officials would not likely disclose the investigation outcome unless it resulted in charges against the younger Baker. Massachusetts Democratic Party executive director Veronica Martinez called for the governor to "be transparent."

"Through recent media reports, it's become unclear as to whether or not an investigation ever took place. Governor Baker should be transparent with the public," Martinez said in a statement. "Did the investigation that he referenced three months ago happen? If so, what was the outcome? If no investigation took place, why? The public deserves full transparency."

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State House News Service