Mike Madigan Fires Longtime Staffer Over 'Unwanted Advances'

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan announced Monday that a high-ranking longtime staffer had been fired after an investigation into complaints he made "unwanted advances" and sent "inappropriate text messages" to a woman.

Kevin Quinn, the younger brother of 13th Ward Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn, is no longer employed by any of Madigan's political committees, the speaker said in a statement. Madigan said Quinn has worked for his organization for nearly two decades, and campaign records indicate that Madigan-backed committees have paid Quinn more than $500,000 in that period.

Madigan said he received a letter in November, while lawmakers were considering legislation to strengthen protections against sexual harassment in state government. He said he immediately asked his lawyer to carry out a complete investigation into the allegations.

After interviewing witnesses and reviewing the evidence, the investigation determined Quinn "engaged in inappropriate conduct and failed to exercise the professional judgment I expect of those affiliated with my political organizations and the Office of the Speaker," Madigan said in a statement.

The statement also notes that Quinn recently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. He had previously worked for Madigan's state office as well as his political committees.

Heather Wier Vaught, Madigan's attorney, told the AP that Quinn texted the woman, a political consultant who wasn't employed by Madigan, asking for a date in 2016. He continued to send messages after she said she was not interested. She told the Tribune the disorderly conduct charge was connected to a dispute related to Quinn's divorce.

Quinn, who is listed as a "program specialist" in Madigan's state office, made more than $100,000 last year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The paper also noted a previous investigation suggested Quinn had lobbied on behalf of his older brother to reverse a decision to reject a nearly $25,000 aldermanic expense.

Madigan's statement said his political committees have begun implementing some of his attorney's recommendations for "improving methods for reporting and responding" inappropriate behavior.