A complaint has been filed against Nebraska State Senator Mike Groene that he shared inappropriate photos of a female staff member with others that were found on a state laptop computer.
A staffer connected to Nebraska State Senator Mike Groene confirmed to KLIN Drive Time Lincoln Host Jack Riggins that Groene has resigned.
On Drive Time Lincoln, Brandon Benson with Nebraska Sunrise News stated he responded to a tip regarding the photos of one of the staffers. He reached out to several staffers, including one who had been working in Groene’s office for several years. She filed a complaint with the Executive Board of the Legislature. Benson spoke with the staffer who stated she was given a state issued laptop for work. She then found a folder on the computer that contained about 20 photos of her. Several were full body shots while others were close-up photos that she considered inappropriate in nature.
Benson stated the staffer found the photos before the start of this legislative session. She eventually came to a conclusion as to how to handle this and filed the complaint.
Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement:
“I spoke with Senator Mike Groene earlier this afternoon, and we both agreed it was best for him to resign.”
Groene represented Nebraska District 42 that includes North Platte. This was his second and last term to serve in the Legislature. Groene announced earlier this week that he intended to run for the Nebraska Board of Regents. There are reports that he is withdrawing.