Broome Democratic Leader: Senator Akshar “Should Resign”

The chairman of the Broome County Democratic Committee is calling for the resignation of Republican state Senator Fred Akshar.

Local Democratic Party leader Timothy Grippen issued a statement Saturday describing accusations against the senator who represents the 52nd District as "disturbing."

The mother of a man who was killed in a town of Binghamton homicide case investigated by Akshar when he was a captain with the Broome County Sheriff's Office had called for the senator's resignation in a video she posted on Facebook.

Mirella Masciarelli said she had not been capable of consenting to a sexual encounter with Akshar at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Gannett reported Akshar acknowledged a "brief" relationship with Masciarelli but maintained it was consensual.

Masciarelli also alleged Akshar had sent her "inappropriate photos." She did not describe the images.

In his statement, Grippen said he believes the "inappropriate behavior that the Senator has himself admitted to demonstrates that he lacks the judgment, maturity, and integrity" to hold public office "and he should resign."

Grippen wrote: "At an absolute minimum, State Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan should immediately remove him as the Ranking Minority Member of the Crime Victims Committee."

Gannett reporter Jon Campbell asked Flanagan Tuesday whether he stands by Akshar following the news story about his conduct involving Masciarelli. Flanagan replied: "I stand by Senator Akshar."

Akshar and his representatives have made no public statements on questions about his conduct or the calls for his resignation.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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