Accusations Against Legislative Inspector General

Last month, Illinois Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey issued a report confirming sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton. The report included statements from a female lobbyist who later accused McCuskey of misrepresenting her account of events.

McCuskey, a former state and federal judge, denied inaccuracies, asserting, “My judgments have never been attacked by an individual doubting my credibility!” The lobbyist, however, sent a four-page letter to Illinois’ top legislative leaders, criticizing McCuskey for breaching confidentiality and making inappropriate remarks during the investigation.

Details of the Complaint

In her letter to House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, and Senate Republican Leader John Curran, the lobbyist claimed McCuskey shared names and confidential information of other victims without prompting. She also highlighted his inappropriate comments made during her interview regarding Rep. Harry Benton.

The report from July 31 concluded that Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment affecting the lobbyist and two other women. Benton resigned on July 3, yet criticism persisted about Welch’s handling of the Benton case, as he did not discipline Benton in 2023 when another woman, a former Benton staffer, reported harassment.

Reaction and Statements

After reading the lobbyist’s letter, McCuskey stated that all allegations against him would be confidentially discussed with the Legislative Ethics Commission. Senate leaders acknowledged the concerns, emphasizing the need for an impartial investigative process that ensures confidentiality and respect for victims.

Spokespeople for Welch did not respond, and McCombie’s representative declined to comment. Earlier, McCuskey’s involvement in a radio interview without taking notes or recording an interview with the lobbyist raised additional concerns.

Further Allegations and Responses

The lobbyist further accused McCuskey of breaching confidentiality by contacting her business partner and mother. She claimed McCuskey shared information about another victim and disclosed names and locations omitted from his public report.

During her interview with McCuskey, the lobbyist noted inappropriate remarks about her appearance, which she found concerning. She also described feeling exposed when McCuskey failed to ensure her anonymity upon exiting his office, where a state representative might have seen her.

Republican state Rep. Jeff Keicher, who leads the Legislative Ethics Commission, confirmed they are addressing the issues seriously, though specific details remained confidential.