Robert Decheine, chief of staff to Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.), has been fired following his arrest last week for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor, the lawmaker’s office announced Tuesday.
“Congressman Rothman immediately consulted appropriate House counsel and terminated Mr. Decheine’s employment, effective November 19, 2010, due to the very serious nature of this charge,” Rothman spokesman Aaron Keyak said in a statement. “Congressman Rothman considers this alleged criminal act to be shocking, appalling and indefensible. As a parent, he understands the vital importance of protecting our children from predators.”
According to the statement, Decheine was arrested in Gaithersburg, Md. at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
New Jersey’s The Record reports that Decheine was arrested in a “sting” that “involved placing ads on a ‘known website’ and then communicating via phone or text message between an undercover officer and a ‘John.'”
