DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and apologized to his wife for that relationship.

In a press conference timed within hours of the release of an internal investigation of sexual harassment claims by two staffers, Dann said the investigation of his close friend and now-fired colleague Anthony Gutierrez has been "horrible" and "painful," and said he had wanted to speak out about that and other accusations of misdeeds by his office.

He said he realized Gutierrez and other staffers "didn't have conventional qualifications for the jobs we gave them."

"Frankly, it reflects my naivete coming into this office," he said.

However, Dann said he would not step down.

In his comments on Friday, May 2, Dann did not identify 28-year-old Jessica Utovich personally, but did admit to having an affair with a member of his staff.

"The fact is this has been a painful, personal process," he said. "I have had to take responsibility with my family, and by the way, I have not identified anybody. I know a relationship involves two people but I am only speaking for myself....at this point it's clear the questions related to my conduct are impeding the great work being done in this office."

Utovich resigned her position before the report was released.

Dann acknowledged mistakes in his handling of the office .

"I was not as well prepared for this office as I should have been," he said.

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