Cambridge councilor named in brothel case refuses to resign

Driving the news: At Monday's City Council meeting, Toner apologized, but insisted on his right to a fair trial and said he does not plan to resign.

• Toner, 60, is in his second term on the Cambridge City Council. He previously worked as president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

What they're saying: "All Americans, including elected officials, are entitled to the right to due process, but some have already judged and convicted me," Toner said.

State of play: Toner's phone exchanged over 400 communications with a phone involved in the brothel operation over a seven-month period, per police records.

• Prosecutors allege he paid for sex at least 13 times between February and September 2023.
• He paid $340 for a "girlfriend experience" at the boutique cathouse, authorities say.

Zoom in: Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler has called for Toner's resignation, while Mayor Denise Simmons said Toner is entitled to due process.