In a stunning revelation, three high-ranking staff members of State Rep. Jolanda Jones have resigned, citing an “abusive and hostile” work environment. Kory Haywood, Catherine Mouer, and Yesenia Wences submitted a letter to Jones outlining their grievances, which included allegations of inappropriate task delegation, forcing employees to work outside of business hours, and threats of termination.

Moreover, the letter also accused Jones of turning a blind eye to an inappropriate relationship between her son, Jio, and an intern in the office. The former staff members also claimed that Jones instructed them to arrange health care for a relative, which they deemed inappropriate.

Jones, who was elected to the Legislature last year after serving as a Houston City Council member and a Houston Independent School District trustee, issued a statement saying that working in the Legislature is stressful and demanding. She also wished the resigning staff members good luck and success in their next endeavors.

Cassi Pollock, spokesperson for House Speaker Dade Phelan, stated that the Speaker’s office learned of the allegations against Jones on Wednesday and that the matter would be reviewed to evaluate whether the lawmaker broke any House rules.

This is not the first time Jones has been accused of being confrontational. In 2018, during a retreat for Houston ISD board members, Jones got into a shouting match with a fellow trustee, and she has been described as “vocally hostile” with state education officials. In 2011, Houston firefighters accused then-Council Member Jones of making obscene remarks during a station visit and suggesting firefighters were lazy.

Jones’ spokesperson denied the allegations, but with these new allegations coming to light, it remains to be seen how Jones will respond and whether she will be held accountable for creating a toxic work environment.