A New York Post article published Monday revealed a Congressional candidate’s brother-in-law with a troubled past was part of a campaign plunge that took place after Christmas.

The Post reported Aaron Gies, who’s running as a Democrat against incumbent Nick Langworthy for District 23, was assisted by Christopher Nathan White. White is a former North Carolina teacher convicted on rape and sex offense charges involving two teen students – who allegedly shot video at a winter “Polar Plunge” event.

“He was there,” Gies said in The Post of the Dec. 26 event. “Chris is not part of my campaign,” he said but noted White “did his time” for his crime. He called the situation a “distraction” from his push for better health care and housing opportunities.

White is listed as a Level 2 Sex Offender in the state Division of Criminal Justice Services’ Sex Offender Registry.

Langworthy told The Post the incident showed “an alarming lack of judgment.”

Gies also announced several endorsements Monday from Republican and Unaffiliated Community leaders across the 23rd Congressional District. Leading the endorsement was former NY-23 Republican congressional candidate Jim King from Owego. “The Democrats have put forth a candidate of integrity whom you should seriously consider,” he said.

Gies said, “In this large, spread-out district, what truly divides us is not political party but those who play by the rules and those who rig them. Our coalition of ordinary people is united by the belief that a good life should be within reach for everyone and that our government must be transparent and answer to the people, not special interests.”