SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Spokane police said they're investigating an alleged extortion attempt against Rep. Richard Curtis, who was in that town for meetings last week.

Police said the La Center Republican was the victim of a reported extortion attempt by a gay man at a Spokane hotel.

Responding to news reports about the alleged incident, Curtis told The Columbian newspaper that he did not solicit sex from the man.

"I was trying to help somebody out," he said. He later told the paper: "I am not gay. I have not had sex with a guy."

KATU repeatedly tried to reach Curtis for comment Monday but was unsuccessful. 

Police gave few details on the investigation. Police said they were called to the Davenport Tower hotel in Spokane late last week. Search warrants were issued in the case, although they have not yet been made public.

Police said the investigation should be concluded and the evidence turned over to the county prosecutor by Tuesday or Wednesday. The prosecutor will then decide if charges are filed.

Police declined to identify the suspect in the case, other than as a male.

There have been no arrests.

State GOP lawmakers were in Spokane last Wednesday through Friday for a retreat to discuss the upcoming legislative session.

Curtis was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004, representing a portion of southwestern Washington. 

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)