Virginia state Senate candidate Joe Morrissey, 57, confirmed to reporters Thursday that he was the father of 19-year-old Myrna Pride’s newborn son.
Morrissey also said the pair were “really happy” and wanted to get married and have more children.
“You become friends first, and then intimate,” Morrissey said, according to NBC 12. “And that’s what happened with us.”
Morissey was convicted for contributing to the delinquency of a minor when he was accused of having sex with Pride while she was still underage and working as his receptionist.
Watch a full report on the controversial relationship below:
NBC12 – WWBT – Richmond, VA News On Your Side
The couple has continually denied accusations that they were sexually involved before Pride was a legal adult. Previously, Morrissey would only acknowledge he was “present” when Pride’s son Chase was born nine weeks ago in Atlanta.
Pride’s family has since released a statement on the matter:
It’s disgusting that these two continue to lie and defame our family. The plea agreement clearly states that he had a sexual relationship with Myrna prior to her turning 18. He continues to deny, disrespect, and make a mockery of the justice system, our family and our little sister. All the while our mother is currently facing jail time for defending his behavior yet he has not been held accountable for his actions and at this point we will be suing Joseph Dee Morrissey for the turmoil he has created for our family!