Italy’s prime minister is facing yet another scandal involving sex. This time, Silvio Berlusconi is alleged to have paid an underage teen girl for sex. Government officials say an investigation is underway into the alleged incident by the prosecutor and his staff based in Milan. They’re also checking into whether Berlusconi used any of his power as prime minister to try to keep the situation quiet. Attorneys for the embattled prime minister say Berlusconi is innocent and the allegations against him are not true.

The prosecutor’s office began looking into the allegations December 21, 2010. It appears Berlusconi isn’t the only one facing scrutiny in this instance. Government investigators are seeing whether the regional councilor of Lombardy, Nicole Minetti, was involved in helping the prime minister cover up this incident, which supposedly involved a minor from Morocco. The woman who is the alleged victim was a stage performer and dancer. Police have gone through the home and office of Minetti, looking for evidence. Searches of other places have been conducted as well but police have not yet released the names of other people who are possibly involved.

Besides being accused of paying a minor for sex, investigators are checking out claims that Berlusconi tried to help the same Moroccan teen avoid jail time for theft. There are accusations that Berlusconi’s staff told law enforcement officers to release the girl because she was a close relative of the president of Egypt.

This is not the first time that Italy’s prime minister has come under suspicion over sex scandals and possible abuse of power. He has dealt with investigations over bribes, sexual encounters, and problems with his taxes.  Just last year, an important supporter of Berlusconi on the right abandoned the prime minister and urged him to resign because of the ongoing scandals.