California congressman says sexual abuse lawsuit dropped

US Rep. Tony Cardenas and his attorney said Wednesday that a young woman who accused the congressman of sexually assaulting her when she was 16 has dropped her lawsuit.

Cardenas, a Democrat who represents part of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, has always strenuously denied the claim of the young woman, who alleged the incident took place in 2007 during a time when he was an LA City Council member — and a person who was one of her mentors.

In a statement Wednesday evening, Cardenas said all “false allegations have been dismissed and these claims can never be filed again.”

“There is no place in our society for such untruths,” Cardenas added. “In this case the truth prevailed and I humbly thank my family, community and constituents who know that I am a person of integrity.”