DENVER -- State Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, resigned his seat Friday amid allegations that he flashed a lobbyist Jan. 7.

The lobbyist, who spoke to the political Web site FacetheState.com on condition of anonymity, told a reporter that Garcia, the assistant House majority leader, exposed himself to her and said, "Wouldn't this be real nice inside of you?"

In a letter e-mailed to 7NEWS by his attorney, Garcia said, "Initial press reports are highly inaccurate regarding my alleged conduct. The other party and I engaged in consensual conduct that was inappropriate given my position in the Legislature and the fact that the other party is a lobbyist.

"The interests of the state are greater than my own. As a result, I have made the difficult decision to resign. I apologize for any hardship this has caused my constituents, friends, family and colleagues," he said.

According to FacetheState.com, the lobbyist claimed that she, Garcia and several other lobbyists were at a Denver lounge playing pool and drinking after a fundraiser. She said after the other lobbyists left, Garcia flashed her.

The lobbyist filed a formal complaint with House Speaker Andrew Romanoff after she learned of four similar incidents involving the Aurora representative.

"He is a very sick man. Is he a sexual predator? I don't know but we should be concerned. This could be a precursor to a worse-case scenario," the woman told FacetheState.com, which broke the story Thursday.

"If they (the allegations) are true, of course it is a sad day in Colorado, and certainly must be looked into," said House Minority Whip Cory Gardner, R-Yuma.

Former legislator now lobbyist Steve Durham said, "The allegations constitute the kind of behavior that simply can't be tolerated. There's a lot of pressure on legislators, there's a lot of pressure on lobbyists and when you cross those lines, working here simply becomes intolerable."

It is unclear if a criminal complaint will be filed by the woman, who has not been identified.

Garcia was first elected to the House in 2000 and planned to run for the state Senate this year. Term limits prevented him from running again for the House.

The House speaker announced the resignation and later admonished his fellow lawmakers to watch their behavior, saying they must uphold the integrity and reputation of the House.

"Our constituents expect us to do so, both within this building and without," Romanoff said.

Clerks later read a brief statement from Garcia: "I hereby submit my resignation from the Colorado House of Representatives."

Officials quickly removed his nameplate from his desk and put black tape over his name on the voting board.

"I was very sad, for the House and for Michael," said Rep. Alice Borodkin, D-Denver. "I don't know the details, but it's sad."

Garcia is an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder and the third-ranking Democrat in the Colorado House. He is single and engaged to be married.

House Minority Leader Mike May, a Republican from Parker, called Garcia's resignation "a sad ending for a great legislative career." May said the action was proper if the allegations are true.

Democrats said they would elect a new assistant majority leader next week.

A vacancy committee made up of Democratic Party officials will convene in Aurora to select a new representative, but no timetable has been set. When a lawmaker resigns, members of his or her party get to chose a replacement under state law.