A North Carolina state lawmaker has resigned from his legislative seat after being charged with child sex crimes, according to multiple reports. Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford) announced his immediate resignation on Friday following mounting pressure from bipartisan leaders, including Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.

Brockman, 41, was arrested on Oct. 8 and faced two counts of statutory sexual offense with a child and taking indecent liberties in an incident involving a 15-year-old, court records show. In a letter to the House clerk’s office, Brockman stated he could no longer fulfill his duties to constituents due to the “grave allegations” against him.

The North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall confirmed plans for a bipartisan committee to investigate the charges and determine if expulsion from the chamber is necessary. Democratic officials in Brockman’s Guilford County district will now select a replacement to serve out the remainder of his two-year term through 2026. Under state law, Gov. Stein has one week to appoint the nominee.

Brockman, who had served in the House since 2015, cited the need to focus on his defense as the reason for his resignation. His departure avoids a potential expulsion process, according to Hall’s statement.