Sisters Of Disgraced Former Madigan Aide Start Online Fundraiser

CHICAGO, IL — Family members launched an online fundraiser Sunday for a former top political aide to Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan, who was fired last year following allegations of sexual harassment and found his house raided by federal agents this spring.

Kevin Quinn, 43, the younger brother of 13th Ward Chicago Ald. Marty Quinn, spent nearly 20 years working for Madigan's political committees. He was officially cut loose in February 2018, following an internal investigation that determined he "engaged in inappropriate conduct" — a day before former staffer Alaina Hampton went public with her federal lawsuit against the Illinois Democratic Party, the 13th Ward Democratic Organization and the Democratic Majority and Friends of Michael J. Madigan political committees.

Hampton's lawsuit included dozens of text messages from Kevin Quinn, who continued attempting to engage in a romantic relationship with the campaign staffer despite her repeated requests that he stop. She said Quinn's firing was a "cover-up" and also alleged Madigan's organization did nothing in response to multiple complaints of sexual harassment or assault by another staffer, Travis Hayes.

Two of Kevin Quinn's sisters, Katie and Meghan, launched a fundraiser on his behalf on the website GoFundMe. Donations would help him "reclaim his life and reputation," they said in an accompanying message.

"Being his little sisters, he's the older brother that has always been there for us whenever we need support, guidance or encouragement," they said.

"Over the last 17 months, we've watched our kind hearted brother remain stronger than you could ever imagine as he's been dragged through the mud by one false and misleading news story after the other. In the midst of a turbulent divorce and insurmountable negative media attention, legal bills have stacked up," said Katie and Meghan Quinn.

Kevin Quinn confirmed the online fundraiser was authentic to the Chicago Sun-Times, which first reported the effort.

"We have seen first hand the adversity Kevin has encountered and felt compelled to start this campaign because he needs our help to get the truth out there! The truth is Kevin is honest, sincere, and all around a great person," according to his sisters.

Following Hampton's lawsuit, Kevin Quinn issued a 14-page report that he said would counter "misinformation" and "conflicting public statements made or actions taken" by Hampton. He said his estranged wife had made "false and misleading public statements and allegations" to strengthen her position in a custody battle.

Last year, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct connected to a 2017 dispute with his wife. He later picked up a conviction for violating an active order of protection she had taken out against him, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Thinking about all of the former friends that abandoned me throughout last year and all of the people that said I was seeking attention or called me a liar. I wouldn’t want to be you today, or any day. https://t.co/RIhSKWalyJ
— Alaina Hampton (@alainaxhampton) July 24, 2019

Last month, the Tribune reported federal agents executed a search warrant at Quinn's house in May. Then last week, the Tribune reported the FBI has opened an investigation into $10,000 in checks from past and present ComEd lobbyists and Madigan allies to Kevin Quinn after he was fired by Madigan's political organization. He has argued in court that he is unable to get a job or make court-ordered child support payments, and the judge in his case has ordered him to keep records of his alleged job search.

The "Please Help Our Brother Kevin Rebuild His Life" online fundraiser, which accepts anonymous donations, raised more than $4,000 of its $15,000 goal in less than 48 hours.

Related:

• Madigan Sexual Harassment Investigation Could Cost $1.38 Million
• 2nd Senior Madigan Aide Out Over Alleged 'Inappropriate Behavior'
• Mike Madigan Fires Longtime Staffer Over 'Unwanted Advances'

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