David E. Risley Appointed as Acting Legislative Inspector General Amid Controversy

David E. Risley, a former federal prosecutor, will temporarily assume the role of Illinois General Assembly’s top ethics watchdog. He steps in amid turmoil surrounding the handling of sexual harassment complaints against a former state legislator. Risley is appointed by the Legislative Ethics Commission to begin on October 1, succeeding Michael P. McCuskey, who retires on September 30 after facing scrutiny over his handling of allegations against ex-state Rep. Harry Benton.

Risley, a certified inspector general and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois, has over 30 years of investigative and prosecutorial experience, according to state Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Sycamore Republican and chair of the ethics commission. Risley has also worked with the U.S. Regime Crimes Liaison Office probing crimes against humanity in Iraq, as the ethics officer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, and as a legal adviser in the inspector general’s office.

“The public’s trust has been shaken by recent events, prompting quick action to fill the role and ensure a seamless transition,” said Keicher. “Risley’s investigative and prosecutorial background, alongside his knowledge of Illinois’ ethics laws, makes him an apt choice for the position.”

McCuskey, age 78, exits halfway through a five-year term. A report released on July 31 by McCuskey found that Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, had engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment against the lobbyist and two other women. Benton resigned from the Illinois House on July 3. However, the lobbyist questioned McCuskey’s handling of the investigation, accusing him of misrepresenting her account and breaking standard investigative norms.

Published investigations revealed that House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office learned of sexual harassment complaints against Benton three years prior, from a staffer in his district office. Welch did not act against Benton and later financially supported his reelection campaign with $1.4 million.

Prior to his new role, Risley worked under Carol Pope during her tenure as legislative inspector general. Pope resigned in 2021, citing inadequate authority to investigate legislators and criticizing new ethics provisions as too weak. During the process leading to McCuskey’s 2022 selection, legislative Democrats initially favored Risley, who also served as director of public safety policy for former Governor Bruce Rauner.

The Legislative Ethics Commission, composed of four Democratic and four Republican lawmakers, can appoint an acting legislative inspector general until a permanent replacement is confirmed by the General Assembly. An acting legislative inspector general holds the same authority as a permanent official and may serve until the term ends on June 30, 2028.

Once Risley assumes his duties on October 1, top legislative leaders will appoint representatives to a search committee. This committee will evaluate candidates interested in permanently succeeding McCuskey. The nominees will then be reviewed by the commission and forwarded to the legislature for confirmation.