A state assemblyman from Brooklyn is declining to testify in an investigation by a state ethics committee that found he violated the chamber�s harassment policy.

His lawyer says Assemblyman Vito Lopez also doesn�t plan to testify in an inquiry into the matter by a special prosecutor.

Gerald Lefcourt told The New York Times he�s advised Lopez not to testify in either inquiry because of the criminal investigation.

Until he knows specifically what the district attorney is looking, Lefcourt�s advice is to provide all the information he can short of having Lopez testify.

The committee has issued a subpoena for Lopez�s testimony. It has declined to comment.

The prosecutor�s office couldn�t immediately be reached for comment. It hasn�t asked Lopez to testify.

The Democrat maintains the allegations are untrue.

(AP)