Ousted Labor MP Will Fowles arrested
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Ousted Labor MP Will Fowles has been arrested and interviewed by the Victoria Police sexual crimes squad after a government employee made a serious allegation against him in August.
Fowles has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Victoria Police confirmed a 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested on October 12 and released without charge as part of their ongoing investigation.
Victorian MP Will Fowles.Credit: Joe Armao
“Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad executed a warrant at a Ringwood address on 12 October as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD,” a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
“A 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested at the property and interviewed by police. He was released without charge pending further enquiries.
“As the investigation is ongoing and given the sensitive nature of the matter, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Fowles, the member for Ringwood in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, was forced to resign from the parliamentary Labor Party in early August at then-premier Daniel Andrews’ request after his office was informed of the allegation. His office referred the matter to police.
Last month, Fowles advised the lower house Speaker that he would not attend parliamentary sitting days until the conclusion of any investigation.
“I have not been spoken to by anyone regarding this false allegation,” he said last month.
“I’ll continue to work in my electorate and make representations on behalf of my constituents, whose many messages of support I have gratefully received.”
Fowles has previously said he would co-operate with any process or inquiry.
Victoria Police in August confirmed officers opened a formal investigation into an alleged incident in Melbourne’s CBD.
Fowles has been contacted.
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