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Jailed Virginia lawmaker who won seat back is sworn in

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2012 file photo, Del. Joe Morrissey, D-Henrico, left, holds papers during a debate on a bill that would end the state mandate for girls to receive the HPV vaccine during House session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. Jailed Virginia lawmaker Morrissey was able to win a special election because enough voters apparently weren't bothered by his sex-scandal conviction. But whether he'll find enough support among his colleagues to remain in the House of Delegates is another matter. Morrissey, who defeated two opponents Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2015, will return to a legislative body whose leaders have been researching the process for expelling him. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2012 file photo, Del. Joe Morrissey, D-Henrico, left, holds papers during a debate on a bill that would end the state mandate for girls to receive the HPV vaccine during House session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. Jailed Virginia lawmaker Morrissey was able to win a special election because enough voters apparently weren't bothered by his sex-scandal conviction. But whether he'll find enough support among his colleagues to remain in the House of Delegates is another matter. Morrissey, who defeated two opponents Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2015, will return to a legislative body whose leaders have been researching the process for expelling him. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

By Associated Press 1 min read

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – The jailed Virginia lawmaker who won a special election following his sex-scandal conviction has been sworn back into office.

Del. Joseph D. Morrissey was sworn in Wednesday in front of a group of reporters at his new legislative office on Capitol Square.

The 57-year-old Democrat resigned his seat after he was sentenced to six months in jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Prosecutors accused him of having sex with a 17-year-old employee. Morrissey and the teenager, now 18 and pregnant, denied it.

Morrissey then angered lawmakers by running as an independent to reclaim his seat. Legislative leaders have been researching the process for expelling him.

He said voters spoke clearly when they re-elected him Tuesday and indicated they’d likely support him again should he be expelled.