Man who sued Seattle mayor over sex abuse asks city for millions in damages

Earlier this year, a man named Delvonn Heckard filed a lawsuit claiming he was repeatedly raped by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray in the mid-1980s, when he was a teenager.

Heckard later withdrew the suit.

Now, he's filed a claim with the city that says Murray used his position of power as mayor to defame Heckard. He is asking for $1 million to $3 million in damages.

The claim contends that Murray falsely accused Heckard, a gay man, of participating in an anti-gay right wing conspiracy along with other victims.

Murray - a longtime gay rights advocate - has said in the past that Heckard's allegations, and other similar accusations, are untrue and politically motivated.

The claims says Murray fabricated these allegations to silence Heckard and other victims.

Murray's office has declined to comment in light of the new development. Previously he has denied sex abuse allegations made by Heckard and three other men.

City officials say they don't comment on open claims but that it will be investigated.

If the claim is denied, Heckard could file a lawsuit against the city.

This story was first reported by the Seattle Times.