Top Ayotte staffer resigns in prostitution sting

A top staffer for Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) resigned Saturday evening after allegations emerged that he had solicited a prostitute.

The Boston Globe reported on Sunday that David Wihby, 61, stepped down after a year as Ayotte’s state director in New Hampshire. He was arrested Friday night in Nashua on suspicion of attempting to hire a prostitute.

{mosads}“I am shocked and deeply saddened that David Wihby, my state director and a friend for many years, has been arrested under these circumstances,” Ayotte, who is up for reelection next year, said in a statement.

“David obviously cannot continue his duties, and I accepted his resignation,” she continued. “This is a very difficult time and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”

Wihby’s role made him Ayotte’s No. 2 aide behind her chief of staff. He is also an elected member of the Manchester school board.

He was a Manchester city alderman and employee at the state Department of Labor before joining Ayotte’s staff.

Local affiliate WMUR reported that Wihby was one of 10 men arrested in a prostitution sting at two hotels last week. The suspects were responding to advertisements from women online.

Nashua police told WMUR that those arrested were between 24 and 64 years old. Wihby was released on $2,000 personal recognizance after getting charged with a misdemeanor offense.

WMUR added that Wihby and all the other arrested suspects will be arraigned for prostitution and related offenses at the start of May.

Ayotte, a top Democratic target in 2016, has four New Hampshire offices. The Granite State lawmaker has staff located in Berlin, Manchester, Nashua and Portsmouth.