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The N.C. State Ethics Commission has launched an investigation into two lobbyists who had romantic relationships with top aides to House Speaker Thom Tillis, according to confidential documents obtained by The News & Observer.

The probe will examine whether lobbyists Jessica Hayes and Dean Plunkett violated the state's ban on gifts and failing to report expenses related to their relationships with legislative employees, according to letters the commission sent to the lobbyists in late May.

The commission is also investigating the N.C. Home Builders Association, which Hayes represented, and will contact Plunkett's numerous clients, which include the Association for Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina and the Coastal Conservation Association, the documents indicate.

The state legislative Democratic caucus today sent letters to the N.C. Ethics Commission and the Legislative Ethics Committee asking for a review of the scandal in House Speaker Thom Tillis’ office.

Tillis in the past week accepted resignations from his chief of staff and from a policy adviser after they admitted having had affairs with lobbyists.

The letters ask for a review of former chief of staff Charles Thomas’ romantic relationship with Jessica Hayes, who was a lobbyist for the N.C. Home Builders Association until she was forced to resign last week.