Rep. Anna Paulina Luna accused Sen. Ruben Gallego of sexual misconduct on Thursday, publicly identifying the Arizona Democrat as the target of what she described as "very disturbing" allegations.

Luna, a Republican from Florida, made the comments during an appearance on CBS News' "The Takeout with Major Garrett." She stated that she had forwarded the claims to the office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, which referred them to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. The Florida congresswoman described some allegations as "sexual in nature," noting that a woman is preparing to come forward with attorneys to detail an incident with Gallego. "I think any time that you are knowingly engaging in purchasing someone for sex, that that is something that should be taken seriously," Luna said. She also alleged campaign finance violations and referenced "people who were potentially trafficked."

Luna first hinted at the claims earlier this week in a social media post about an unnamed senator, saying the Senate had "trash to take out." She sent the information to Thune's office on Wednesday night. Thune confirmed receipt of the referral Thursday morning but said he could not assess its credibility.

A spokesperson for Gallego denied the accusations, calling them "right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress." The senator has not been contacted by the ethics committee, according to his office. Gallego previously stated, "I have never engaged in any sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior with staff or women outside of my marriage."

The allegations come amid a wave of congressional scandals. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned this week following accusations of sexual assault and sending unsolicited nude photos to multiple women. Gallego, a former close friend who chaired Swalwell's 2020 presidential campaign, held a news conference Tuesday where he expressed regret over trusting him, saying, "I messed up. I’m human." Other lawmakers, including Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, have also resigned over misconduct claims.

Luna has positioned herself as a proponent of accountability, criticizing colleagues for covering up such behavior. CBS News has not independently verified the allegations against Gallego.