Listen to this articleIndiana Rep. Phillip Hinkle is the latest GOP member to get embroiled in a gay sex scandal, and this one’s a doozie.
Hinkle allegedly responded to an ad on Craigslist that was titled, “I need a sugga daddy.” The emails sent from his personal email address indicated he was willing to pay $80 upfront with a large tip of about $50 or $60. According to the Indiana Star, Hinkle said the following: “I am an in shape married professional, 5’8″, fit 170 lbs, and love getting and staying naked.”
The 18-year-old man, Kameryn Gibson, who posted the ad said they exchanged phone numbers and arranged a late-night rendezvous. After arriving at the prearranged hotel, Hinkle told Gibson that he was a lawmaker, so he tried to leave, Gibson said. After threats and bribes, including in his personal cell phone, Gibson called his sister, Megan Gibson, to pick him up and the pair left with Hinkle’s cell phone and iPad, Kameryn Gibson said. When Hinkle’s wife called the cell, Megan Gibson told her that her husband is gay. She offered $10,000 not to contact the press, Megan Gibson said. When Hinkle called the cell again, Megan Gibson told him she had outed him to his wife, and according to the Indiana Star, his response was simply, “You’ve ruined me.”
Hinkle’s camp issued a statement saying an investigation was pending and that there is a possibility of a shakedown and an attempt to trap him. However, Gibson denies any entrapment or shakedown.
The official statement asks for privacy and says: “Representative Hinkle is aware of the inquiries by The Indianapolis Star and we are investigating the matter at this time. We request that everyone respect the privacy of the family at this time.”
Megan Gibson denies any shakedown and told The Star that she contacted the press because of Hinkle’s bizarre behavior. The original Craigslist ad in the ‘Casual Encounters’ section under the men searching for men showed Kameryn Gibson shirtless. The text of the ad simply said, “Email me and I’ll tell you everything you need to know!” The emails turned over to The Star show a response from Hinkle about 45 minutes after the ad was posted.
Hinkle has spoken out against gay rights and voted for an amendment banning gay marriage. He was also the co-sponsor of a bill that had, “In God We Trust” printed on state license plates.
Hinkle has not indicated whether or not he will resign, however, GOP party leaders are calling for his resignation. Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma called the situation a, “personal family tragedy.” He also told The Star, “if the circumstances are as reported, it is an extremely sad and disappointing situation for all of us, especially the families involved.”
House Republicans are looking to maintain a super majority with 66 GOP members and Hinkle’s district is traditionally very conservative.
To read the full exchange of the emails, go here.
