The legislators filed articles of impeachment accusing Dann of malfeasance and misconduct in office, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.

Dann, elected as a Democrat in 2006, has been disowned by his party, including Gov. Ted Strickland. He became embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal that led to the firing of two senior managers in his office and the resignation of two other employees.

Dann has also admitted having an affair with a staffer.

While Democrats in the Legislature called for his resignation, Dann said he would step down only if the impending investigation is delayed. When he got no response, he refused to quit, the Dayton Daily News reported.

The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission has initiated an investigation into whether Dann had improper dealings with gambling interests, a Dann spokesman said.