The Committee on Ethical Conduct (CEC) of the 36th Legislature has officially concluded its formal inquiry into a complaint filed against Senator At-large Angel Bolques, Jr., following a stipulated settlement agreement reached between both parties.
Under the terms of the agreement, Senator Bolques entered a No Contest (Nolo Contendere) plea to one remaining charge: Violation of Oath of Office. While the plea does not constitute an admission of guilt, it signifies the senator’s decision not to contest the specific charge that falls within the Legislature’s allowable time frame for reporting ethical violations, according to a recently issued release from the ethics committee.
The CEC has formally accepted the plea and will now submit its findings and recommendations to the full Senate, which is required to vote within 15 business days. This vote must occur by August 14, 2025, and a legislative session will be convened for that purpose.
The committee stressed that this proceeding is strictly administrative and does not preclude the complainant from pursuing judicial remedies outside of the Legislature, should they choose to do so.
Moreover, the CEC made clear that, in order to protect the privacy of the complainant and witnesses, no further public updates will be issued at this time.
The inquiry stemmed from a complaint submitted by a legislative employee on March 26, 2025. Senate President Milton E. Potter established the committee on March 28, 2025, and the CEC formally accepted the complaint after confirming it met procedural requirements.
The investigation began on April 1, 2025, and included interviews, subpoenas, document reviews, and the deliberation of multiple procedural motions. On June 17, 2025, the committee issued a Statement of Alleged Charges to Senator Bolques and his representative. In response on July 7, the senator’s counsel raised procedural objections, citing Rule 810(e) of the Legislature’s rules, which bars complaints filed more than 60 days after the alleged violation.
Upon review, the CEC agreed that many of the incidents cited fell outside the 60-day filing window and could not be considered. However, one charge remained within the allowable timeframe and was included in the settlement.
The formal hearing took place on July 24, 2025, on St. Croix, during which Senator Bolques entered his No Contest plea on the record.
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