On Friday night, David Wihby was arrested in Nashua, New Hampshire, as part of a police sting operation. He and nine other men were apprehended after responding to false advertisements placed online.
Charged with a misdemeanor count and released on a $2,000 bail, Wihby has resigned from his position as Ayotte’s state director.
"I am shocked and deeply saddened that David Wihby, my state director and a friend for many years, has been arrested under these circumstances," Senator Ayotte said in a statement. "David obviously cannot continue his duties, and I have accepted his resignation. This is a very difficult time and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved."
Wihby was hired by the Senator in March of 2014, and the 62-year-old also serves as vice chairman on the school board of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Ayotte has served in the Senate since 2011, and is considered a rising Republican. Last month, she was among the signers of the controversial letter sent to Iranian leadership over the nuclear negotiations.