Police dismissed sexual assault allegations against Dem Senate candidate Mike Franken as 'unfounded'

Police dismissed sexual assault allegations against Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Mike Franken from a former staffer as "unfounded," local reports have revealed.

Former staffer Kimberley Strope-Boggus alleged in April that Franken "grabbed the collar of the vest she was wearing and kissed her on the mouth" when the pair met for drinks in March, according to the Des Moines Register. Strope-Boggus said she "pulled away" from him and that Franken "stopped the contact and walked away without saying anything further."

Strope-Boggus initially served on Franken's 2020 senatorial campaign, though he lost the Democratic primary to Theresa Greenfield, who in turn, lost to Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst. She rejoined his current campaign but was fired in February 2022, prior to the alleged incident.

Police explored the allegations, but never filed charges, saying "it was determined that there was insufficient information and evidence to pursue a criminal investigation," per the outlet.

Franken has denied the allegations and accused Republicans of smearing him with the story. "I'm surprised that they would come after a person like myself," he said, according to the Register. "But that's fine, you know. That's expected, I guess. And you know, I'm not at all surprised in many respects."

Franken seeks to unseat Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley in November.