Rep. David Almond resigned Thursday from the state Legislature, one day after House Republicans said they were looking into allegations of "serious, improper behavior."
News 14 Carolina's David Kernodle has more on Almond from the resigned representative's district.
RALEIGH -- Just one day after former House Speaker Jim Black was sentenced to prison, another state lawmaker was forced to resign.
Republican Rep. David Almond faces a complaint alleging some sort of misconduct.
The doors of Almond's office were locked and the doors of his political career are effectively closed as he submitted his resignation to House Speaker Joe Hackney.
"He has chosen to reveal that a complainant was filed against him with the Speaker's Office," Speaker Hackney said.
Hackney says he received the complaint last week. Also late last week, his legislative aide abruptly left his office. Details of the complaint remain confidential.
Rep. David Almond
"The complaining person in very specific terms did not waive that confidentiality," Hackney added.
"I don't know the facts and I'm not going to characterize them," House Minority Leader Paul Stam said shortly after a Republican Caucus meeting. "If the people involved want to characterize them they can do that."
Rep. Stam did say Wednesday the complaint alleges serious improper behavior. Almond represented Stanly, parts of Montgomery and Union counties.
The State House wasted no time making changes. His name plate was removed from the voting board. All that remained on his desk was a bowl of Almond Joy candy bars.
In a statement, Almond says he intends to defend himself against any charges.
In the meantime, he wrote that he has concluded it's in the best interest of his family and the constituents of his district to resign from the General Assembly. He concluded by thanking the people of his district for the privilege of serving them and the state of North Carolina.
"It's disheartening but if the allegations by the complainant are correct, the resignation is certainly appropriate," Speaker Hackney said.
At this point it's unclear if the person who filed the complaint will ask for criminal charges. Republicans leaders from Almond's district will now pick his replacement. The governor must appoint who they choose to fulfill his term in office.