Report details explosive sexual harassment findings against former Illinois lawmaker Harry Benton

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- A newly released legislative ethics report outlines extensive allegations of sexual harassment by former Illinois state Rep. Harry Benton, describing what investigators called a "pattern and practice" of misconduct involving three women over a two-year period.

The report, issued by the legislative inspector general, says Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, engaged in repeated harassment beginning in 2023. The first complaint surfaced that year, when a staffer reported concerns to House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. According to the report, Welch held a Zoom call with Benton after the staffer quit, but because she declined to file a formal complaint, the matter did not advance.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The inspector general's findings include graphic and salacious accounts from three women, though some allegations were deemed unfounded. The bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to keep all accounts in the report.

"We agreed that the totality of those unfounded items add to the narcissistic approach and careless regard for office shown by former Representative Benton," said Illinois state Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Republican and chair of the commission.

Benton denied the allegations but resigned under pressure and withdrew from the November ballot.

Welch said the report supports how his office handled the initial complaint. "The report reaffirms confidence that our office acted responsibly-following legal guidance, respecting the wishes of those who came forward, and taking decisive action as additional information established a pattern of misconduct," he said in a statement.

Welch learned of two additional complaints in February and referred them to the inspector general. But some lawmakers say his leadership should be scrutinized, noting that after the first complaint surfaced, Welch's political operation spent $1.4 million to support Benton's 2024 reelection bid.

"There was certainly more that could have been done. As we look through the very clear rearview mirror, spending that money to save that seat really sent a message that winning was more important than protecting people," said Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat and ethics commission member.

"You have knowledge that somebody was wronged, you have to take aggressive, proactive steps to limit sexual harassment," Keicher added.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said, "Had the speaker acted appropriately in 2023, we would not be here today, there would not have been additional allegations." Some Republicans are calling for Welch to resign.

Gov. JB Pritzker declined to weigh in on Welch's future.

"Well, it's not up to me to make the decision about who the Speaker of the House is. I didn't opine about it when he ran for it in the first place. I'm not going to opine about it now," Pritzker said.

Pritzker, Welch and Republican leaders are now urging additional reforms to strengthen accountability and prevent harassment in state government. But Cassidy cautioned that policy changes have limits, saying, "there's no training that's going to make somebody not an idiot."