Charles Schwertner was accused of sending an explicit text message and a photo of his genitals to a University of Texas graduate student — telling her, “I just really want to f**k you.” He denied it. He alleged that a third party to whom he gave his log-in information used his Linked-In and Hushed account (a phone spoofing account) to send the message. He refused to name that person and refused to cooperate with the investigation. Nonetheless, the University said his explanation was plausible. Schwertner said that that closes the case.
The Univesity said it is clear the student received the text and was justified in believing Schwertner sent them. The report did not clear Schwertner, despite his claims otherwise.
“We recognize that it is plausible the Respondent sent the text messages and photograph from a device other than his personal cell phone and the third person claiming responsibility is being untruthful or does not exist, but we have no evidence to support these possibilities. It is also plausible that the third person who claims to have sent the text message and photograph does exist and in fact sent them. The forensic evidence shows that a third person had the means to do so. Respondent has access to information that could allow a more definitive conclusion to this matter, but the Respondent is unwilling to share that information, and the University lacks authority to compel him to cooperate more fully.”
Texas Tribune
Analysis: More questions after #MeToo investigation of Texas Sen. Charles Schwertner
- Texas Tribune: UT-Austin says evidence “does not support a finding” that Charles Schwertner violated Title IX by sending lewd texts
- Texas Tribune: Analysis: More questions after #MeToo investigation of Texas Sen. Charles Schwertner
30 Sep 2018