A series of text messages exchanged between a woman and her friend revealed growing concerns about Pete Hegseth's behavior hours before an alleged sexual assault at a California hotel in 2017.

According to a Daily Mail report, newly obtained text messages show the accuser, identified only as Jane Doe, expressing discomfort about Hegseth's presence at a Republican women's convention, describing him as someone who "creeps me out."

The messages were sent during the California Federation of Republican Women's 40th Biennial convention, where Hegseth, now President Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, served as keynote speaker. These communications, which took place on October 7, 2017, paint a picture of mounting tension before the alleged incident occurred in the early hours of October 8.

Text Messages Detail Growing Apprehension During Convention

The exchange began with Doe asking her male friend if he knew Pete Hegseth, then a Fox News contributor. When her friend expressed limited familiarity, Doe noted how other women at the convention were "freaking drooling" over him. She specifically mentioned being disturbed by Hegseth wearing a ring on his pointer finger.

The conversation continued into the late hours, with Doe describing Hegseth as a "tooooool" around 2 AM. When her friend inquired about this characterization, she promised to provide more details upon her return.

These messages now form part of a 23-page Monterey Police Department report, initiated after Doe sought a sexual assault examination at Kaiser Permanente Hospital following the alleged incident.

Detailed Account of Convention Night Events

The police report outlines a sequence of events beginning with a banquet that ran longer than scheduled, followed by an afterparty in the Presidential Suite where champagne was served. Doe and other attendees later moved to Knuckles Sports Bar, attached to the hotel.

According to the report, Doe admitted to consuming "much more than normal alcoholic beverages throughout the day." Her memories of the evening became increasingly unclear after arriving at the bar.

One witness described attempting to act as a "crotch blocker" - a term used to prevent unwanted sexual advances - after Hegseth allegedly made multiple attempts to proposition her.

Police Investigation and Witness Statements

Hotel staff members provided statements to law enforcement, describing an argument by the pool where Hegseth allegedly cursed at an employee who tried to intervene. Doe reportedly apologized for his behavior and escorted him away from the area.

Multiple witnesses came forward with accounts of Hegseth's behavior that evening. One woman detailed repeatedly rejecting his advances, including removing his hand from her knee and declining invitations to his hotel room.

The investigation revealed that at the time of the incident, Hegseth had recently divorced his second wife and had a two-month-old daughter with Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox & Friends executive producer.

Legal Aftermath and Current Implications

The Monterey County Attorney's Office received the case for review on October 26, 2017. While no criminal charges were filed, Hegseth later admitted to making a payment to the accuser to prevent potential legal action.

Timothy Parlatore, Hegseth's attorney, has characterized the situation differently, describing Doe as the "aggressor" and suggesting the payment represented "successful extortion" rather than an admission of wrongdoing.

The revelations about this incident have emerged at a crucial time, as Hegseth faces scrutiny during his nomination process for the position of Defense Secretary in Trump's cabinet.

Defense Secretary Nomination Faces New Scrutiny

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, confronts mounting pressure as details emerge about a 2017 incident at a California Republican convention. Text messages sent by his accuser reveal prior concerns about his behavior, culminating in allegations of sexual assault at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey.

The case, though not resulting in criminal charges, led to a financial settlement between Hegseth and the accuser, casting a shadow over his cabinet nomination process. The incident's resurfacing poses significant challenges for both Hegseth and the Trump administration as they navigate the confirmation proceedings.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the complex interplay between public trust, accountability in high office, and the pursuit of justice in sensitive cases. It raises significant concerns about the impact of such allegations on political nominations and the broader implications for institutional trust and integrity.

In closing, the allegations against Pete Hegseth, although uncharged, contest his suitability for a role demanding integrity and have ignited a discourse on accountability and moral conduct in public service. The outcome of this controversy remains pivotal in shaping perceptions of justice and leadership in the political realm.