A longtime staffer of state Rep. Tim Hennessey, R-26th Dist., has been charged with possessing and conspiring to sell cocaine, according to Chester County law enforcement officials.

The West Chester Daily Local News reports that Lisa A. Johnson, 46, of Coatesville, turned herself in to authorities on Thursday. Johnson works as an administrative assistant in Hennessey's Coatesville office.

Hennessey told the newspaper he knows Johnson well and is surprised by the allegations against her.

From the article by reporters Danielle Lynch and Dan Kristie:

"She has been with me for 17 years, and I was totally surprised when I heard about it," Hennessey said. "I find it hard to believe she would be knowingly involved in anything like this."

Hennessey said he has informed the House Republican Caucus of the charges. Although Johnson works in Hennessey's office, the caucus is her employer and will decide what happens to her as a result of the charges, Hennessey said.

"She is presumed innocent right now," Hennessey said. "We'll let the system work. She'll be treated the same as anyone else."

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.