LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan lawmaker who got a personal protection order against another lawmaker has filed some unflattering text messages in court.
Rep. Mari Manoogian says Rep. Steve Marino called her a "parasite" and hoped that her car would explode.
Marino is a Macomb County Republican, and Manoogian is an Oakland County Democrat. They had a personal relationship that ended more than a year ago.
Marino was removed from House committees last week when allegations of abuse were reported to leaders. State police are investigating.
Marino says he's a victim of "character assassination." His attorney says the text messages are being taken out of context and that they'll challenge the protection order.
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