SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - A Southwest Florida US Representative is accused of having an extra marital affair, then paying to keep it quiet. Congressman Tim Mahoney represents District 16, including parts of Charlotte County. ABC released a report Monday morning alleging Congressman Tim Mahoney had an affair with a staff member and paid her $121,000.

According to ABC, current and former Mahoney staff members say the congressman first began having an affair with 50-year-old Patricia Allen in 2006.

ABC reports Mahoney met Allen on the campaign trail. After his election Allen worked on Mahoney’s congressional staff making $36,000 a year. In the report, friends of Allen say she wanted to break off the affair after learning Mahoney was allegedly involved in other extra-marital relationships. Allen’s friends say that's when Mahoney fired Allen. She hired a lawyer and threatened to sue Mahoney for more than a million dollars. In March Mahoney allegedly agreed to pay the $121,000 in hush money.


Mahoney Statement
Stuart, Fla. - In response to ABC News' report, Congressman Mahoney released the following statement:

"I was notified this afternoon about a story that ran on ABC News' website reporting allegations about a former employee. While these allegations are based on hearsay, I believe that my constituents need a full accounting. As such, I have requested the House Ethics Committee to review these allegations. I am confident that when the facts are presented that I will be vindicated."