From Trish Todd to John Moorlach – An Open Letter to John Moorlach: Why Did You Smear a Member of Your Team Who Was a Sexual Assault Victim?

Trish Todd is the likeness in this meme

Blogger’s Note: I have been clear from the outset that beyond political connections, I have a personal relationship with Trish Todd, the rape victim of Bill Brough. As such, She forwarded me a copy of a letter she sent to Senator John Moorlach for whom she worked when she was raped and the subesquent cover up. This letter has not been edited and is reposted in its’ entirety. Trish Todd deserves justice, not being smeared out of political convenience.

Dear Senator Moorlach,

I proudly worked for you as a member of your small team in your capitol office from 2015 – 2016.  I was honored that you called me your “de facto Chief of Staff.” I respected you, worked hard, and was loyal.

As you have also heard reported, I was the victim of a brutal sexual assault by Assemblymember Bill Brough, while on your staff. Both you and Tim Clark, your Chief of Staff, admit I told Tim about the rape shortly thereafter.  Instead of reporting it, Tim Clark covered it up.

You told the press that you did not know about the rape or the coverup until November 3, 2020 (conveniently Election Day). You wrote profusely and claimed that you cared passionately about sexual assault and would fight against it in any way you could.

When Senator Ackerman stepped forward and said he had discussed it with you months earlier, you were forced to admit after referring to your “notes” what you had said was untrue and instead said you “forgot” a State Senator had told you I had been raped by another legislator.

Really? You forgot that someone of Senator Ackerman’s stature had told you a member of your team had been raped by Bill Brough? When you first heard about this, why didn’t you help or protect me? If you cared so much, why in the months since didn’t you ever even pick up the phone and ask me what happened?

Upon my departure you never said goodbye or called to ask why I was leaving.  A little compassion and humanity from the person I respected would have helped in my long recovery journey.

What did you do? Instead of helping or reaching out to me, you claimed that you blindly believed Tim Clark, despite his being at the time not just your Chief of Staff, but also on Bill Brough’s campaign payroll.

Far more deplorably, you did what many politicians do when a cover up of a sexual assault is exposed; you began to smear me behind the scenes.

During a December 2020 interview with the Orange County Register Editorial Board, who wanted to re-interview you about their endorsement when this matter came to light, you spoke to them on the record and with their reporters present.

Rather than focusing on what happened and what you could do now to bring the perpetrators to justice, you tried to victim shame me.  For example:

• You told them that you had not been supportive of hiring me
• You stated I was a disgruntled former employee that wanted to be your Chief of Staff
• You claimed there were problems with my performance when I worked for you

Finally, you falsely told the Editorial Board and reporter proof of all this was in my confidential state senate personnel file.

We both know none of what you said was true. You did not fear contradiction because you knew the Orange County Register could not get a copy of my personnel file under state law and you also knew it was illegal for you to even tell the Orange County Register what was in it without my permission. A line you crossed because you did not think you would get caught.

In order to clear up any legal or ethical restraints you may claim about finally telling the truth, I hereby release you from all privacy protections I have regarding my personnel file.

I am happy to sign anything reasonable confirming you are so released.  Of course, I expect you to now tell the world by Thursday, January 14, 2021 the truth about what you claim is in my file. We both know every single thing in my file from you is complimentary and positive. There is nothing there from you or anyone in your office that is negative in any way. In fact, there are also the numerous thank you letters and cards from constituents.

This is the least you can do for one of your team members who served you loyally and was so let down by you and your office.

Sincerely yours,

Trish Todd

(formerly Lenkiewicz)