Mar 31, 2019

Justin Fairfax says polygraph tests support his sexual assault denial

Khorri Atkinson

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) said Sunday that he voluntarily took polygraph exams that support his defense that he did not sexually assault two women who leveled accusations against him earlier this year.

"When asked: 'Did you engage in any non-consensual sexual activity with Vanessa Tyson?,' Lt. Governor Fairfax answered 'no.' The polygraph examination showed that this was a truthful answer.

"When asked: 'Did you engage in any non-consensual sexual activity with Meredith Watson?,' Lt. Governor Fairfax answered 'no.' The polygraph examination showed that this was a truthful answer."

The big picture: Fairfax has faced significant pressure to resign since the allegations were made in February. Both Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson, whose interviews will air on CBS "This Morning" on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, have said they would be willing to testify before the Virginia Assembly.

Fairfax said retired FBI polygraph expert Jeremiah Hanafin administered the polygraph test. Hanafin is the same person who performed a test on Christine Blasey Ford, one of the women who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his confirmation process last year.
In a statement, Fairfax's attorney Barry Pollack said his client will fully cooperate with any law enforcement investigation into the allegations: "A meaningful, professional factual investigation would exonerate the Lt. Governor and clear his well-earned good name and reputation."

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Justin Fairfax says polygraph tests support his sexual assault denial

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