Republican Rep. Tom Reed is facing an investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations he groped a lobbyist, the panel on Friday announced.  

The committee in a statement said it is "aware of public allegations" that Reed "may have engaged in sexual misconduct" which would violate House rules. 

Reed last month was accused of sexual harassment by former lobbyist Nicolette Davis in an incident that occurred at a bar in 2017. 

Reed initially indicated the report was false, but later apologized to Davis and announced he would not seek re-election in 2022 or run for governor. He also acknowledged he struggles with alcohol and had entered treatment later that year. 

"This is in no way an excuse for anything I’ve done," Reed said in a statement at the time. "Consistent with my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this amends and humbly apologize again to Ms. Davis, my wife and kids, loved ones, and to all of you."