Pennsylvania state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, who has been dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct, has sued The Philadelphia Inquirer and one of its reporters, contending that the publication defamed him with its coverage of the controversy around him and that the reporter was “colluding” with an accuser.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by Lamb McErlane attorney Joseph Podraza. The lawsuit raises one count of defamation.