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Representative Accused Of Racism, Meets With NAACP

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 – updated: 7:43 am EDT August 22, 2007

A state representative accused of offering to pay to perform a lewd act on an undercover officer in a public park is being accused of racism. Tuesday night, Rep. Bob Allen faced the Brevard County NAACP.


POLICE INTERVIEW: Rep. Allen Interviewed After Arrest
RAW VIDEO: Press Conference Held By Allen After Arrest
ARREST AFFIDAVIT: Read Allen's Arrest Affidavit (PDF)

Civil rights groups weren't happy with comments Allen made after his arrest. Allen met at the Gibson Community Center in Titusville with the local chapter of the NAACP.

The controversy was over an audio recording taken by police after Allen was arrested. He told police he felt intimidated by the officer who was, in his words, a "stocky black man." The comment angered many people in the black community.

At the Titusville meeting with the NAACP, Allen intended to talk about the 2007 state legislature, but faced questions about his arrest for allegedly offering an undercover officer $20 to perform a sex act. When arrested, Allen told police he only offered the money because he was intimidated.

The Florida Civil Rights Association is calling for his resignation because of the comment. Allen said it was taken out of context.

"I don't consider that a racist description. The description was of the people outside the facility and inside the facility with me," Allen said. "They described me as an overweight, disheveled white man. I don't consider that a racist description. The description was of the people outside the facility and inside the facility with me."

Dwight Seigler was defeated by Bob Allen in an election in 2002. He was one of the people divided after Tuesday night's meeting.

"To describe the officer that way and make the comments he made, I don't think were necessary," Seigler said.

"For him to be here and apologize in the flesh, I think it's sincere," Theodis Ray, a Titusville NAACP member said.

Allen's next scheduled court appearance is August 23.

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