Mayor takes leave amid sex allegations

SPOKANE, Wash., May 10 (UPI) -- The mayor of Spokane, Wash., is taking leave of office to prepare a defense against a newspaper's allegations he abused two boys 25 years ago.

Mayor Jim West made the announcement Monday at the city's regular briefing session, four days after the Seattle Spokesman-Review published results of an investigation into allegations West sexually abused two boys more than 25 years ago, and in recent months, used his office to offer gifts, favors and an internship to contacts he made online in a gay chat room.

"The current news media hysteria is distracting to the business of the city and is occupying a great deal of my time," the 54-year-old West said.

He announced his deputy mayor would continue in his role as chief operating officer overseeing the daily operations of the city.

"Finally, I hope that you and the people will reserve judgment on me until the newspaper is done persecuting me and allow me to have the fair opportunity to respond to each of the allegations in due time," he said.