SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch announced Friday that Rep. Harry Benton has resigned following the results of an ethics investigation into sexual harassment allegations. 

“The House is in receipt of Representative Harry Benton’s letter of resignation, effective [Friday] at 4:59 p.m. I am grateful to those who came forward and trusted our office to listen, support them and ensure their concerns were handled appropriately," Welch said in a statement. 

Welch called on Benton's "immediate resignation" earlier this week and had planned to expel him from the House if he refused. 

Benton was previously removed from the House Democratic Caucus and has also lost his committee roles. 

"This matter has placed tremendous strain on my family since it began in late February. As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, I respectfully ask that our privacy be honored," Benton said in his resignation later.

Benton added that he intends to remove his name from the November General Election ballot. 

Rep. Harry Benton letter of resignation

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