Harry Benton Investigation Will Be Published: Legislative Ethics Commission

PLAINFIELD, IL — Members of the Illinois General Assembly's bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission unanimously voted Thursday morning to release a report on the misconduct allegations against former 97th District State Rep. Harry Benton.

"We voted to publish the report pursuant to our statutory obligations," Commission Chair State Representative Jeff Keicher said in a statement. "To protect the privacy of those involved in this case, the respondent and complainant will be given the opportunity to review the report for potential redactions, which the Commission will review."

The commission plans to complete the redaction decision process by July 31. The report will be published online.

RELATED: Pritzker Urges IL House Speaker To Be 'Completely Transparent' About Harry Benton Investigation: Report

Gov. JB Pritzker called on Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch to be "completely transparent" about the allegations against Benton and how his office handled the investigation that led Benton to resign on July 3, Patch reported.

An independent investigation conducted by the Tribune detailed harassment allegations against Benton, many sexual in nature, that arose in 2023. At least one other person came forward with other harassment allegations against him this year, according to the report.

RELATED: Rep. Harry Benton Resigns After Pressure From House Speaker