Boston DA To Investigate If Va. Lt. Gov. Accuser Files Complaint

Boston's top prosecutor has offered to investigate allegations that Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax sexually assaulted a woman in 2004, if the woman files a criminal complaint.

A spokesman for Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said Wednesday that the prosecutor has sent a letter to a law firm representing Vanessa Tyson, pledging to provide a safe and supportive environment if she wants to discuss the matter with law enforcement.

Tyson publicly accused Fairfax this month of forcing her to perform oral sex in his hotel room at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Fairfax denied assaulting Tyson, describing their encounter as consensual.

Rollins spokesman Jake Wark would not say whether the prosecutor has received a response to her offer.

In a statement obtained by WBUR, a spokeswoman for Fairfax said he would "cooperate fully" with an investigation by Rollins.

"The Lt. Governor has stated repeatedly that he has never sexually assaulted anyone ever. He has called publicly for a fair, impartial investigation," the statement said. "He has nothing to hide."

The statement added that Fairfax is looking into his options to file a criminal complaint "in response to the filing of a false criminal complaint against him."

With additional reporting from WBUR's Jon Cain