Virginia lawmaker to resign, then seek seat in special election

A Virginia Democratic state lawmaker is resigning from office after recently entering a plea in connection with accusations that he had an improper sexual relationship with a teenager.

But Del. Joseph D. Morrissey says he plans to run for his seat in a special election.

Morrissey sent a letter Thursday to the House speaker saying he will resign, effective Jan. 13.

Morrissey entered the Alford plea last week in Henrico County Circuit Court on a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In an Alford plea, a defendant acknowledges there is sufficient evidence for a conviction but doesn't admit guilt.

Prosecutors say the 57-year-old Morrissey and a 17-year-old girl who worked for him had sex multiple times at his law office in August 2013.