Bryan asked attorney general to investigate allegations against Sen. Steven Payne

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on May 26, 2022, that he had asked Attorney General Denise George to open an investigation into sexual-abuse allegations made against at-large Sen. Steven Payne.

In a statement issued that day, Bryan said the allegations, reported in the media, were serious and disturbing. He said the law presumes Payne innocent until proven otherwise, but that the nature of the accusation warranted immediate action.

The statement said a young woman had alleged that Payne sexually assaulted her when she was a minor. Bryan also encouraged anyone who had been a victim of improper sexual behavior, harassment or abuse by an authority figure to come forward.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-calls-for-justice-department-investigation-into-sex-assault-allegations-made-against-senator-steven-payne/