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Mayor Hancock says he'd cooperate in an investigation into his flirty texts to detective

9NEWS asked Hancock about the texts that's caused the controversy during a photo op about Denver Public Works' kickoff for its street paving season on Wednesday.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said on Wednesday that he would cooperate with an investigation into the years-old flirtatious texts sent to a detective who once served on his security detail.

"We've always said that we are -- we have revealed everything that we have -- transparent, been open," Hancock told 9NEWS. "If city council wants an investigation, we will cooperate. We've always said that from day one," Hancock said.

9NEWS asked Hancock about the texts that have caused controversy during a photo op about Denver Public Works' kickoff for its street paving season.

Detective Leslie Branch-Wise, who served on Hancock’s security detail six years ago, recently came forward and revealed she received a series of flirtatious text messages from the mayor in 2012.

The push for an investigation into Branch-Wise's departure was spearheaded earlier this month when Denver Councilman Rafael Espinoza sent a letter to the mayor requesting an independent investigation.

At the time, Espinoza questioned whether the city paid hush money to conceal the mayor's harassing behavior.

Soon after that letter, Denver City Council President Albus Brooks said the council did not wish to further investigate in an effort to not re-victimize Branch-Wise.

Days after Brooks' decision, Branch-Wise communicated through her attorney that she is prepared to participate in an investigation.

“She wishes to advise the Denver City Council that she is fully prepared to cooperate with an investigation of the events regarding the reported behavior of Mayor Hancock while she served on his protective detail,” attorney Sean Lane wrote.

Later that same evening, Brooks changed his tune, saying he and "other councilmembers have directed our legal counsel to develop a proposal for a potential investigation."

A formal vote by the council would be necessary before any investigation could begin, his statement continued.

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