SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A report from Illinois' Legislative Inspector General says former State Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) violated state law by engaging in acts of sexual harassment.
The findings are detailed in a summary report dated June 30 and sent to House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. The investigation in allegations against Benton began after the Legislative Inspector General’s Office received a complaint on March 4.
The report found two allegations of sexual harassment were supported by the investigation. Benton resigned in early July.
In one incident, the report states Benton approached a district director at a Springfield bar following Latino Unity Day events, leaned over her and placed his hand on her back. The woman told investigators the interaction made her uncomfortable and caused her to back away. The inspector general found her account credible.
The second allegation involved a registered lobbyist who said Benton made a sexually explicit comment and proposition to her during a conversation at a bar earlier this year. The lobbyist said she was shocked and disgusted by the remark.
A state representative who was nearby confirmed the lobbyist appeared upset immediately afterward, according to the report.
Benton denied the allegations during an interview with investigators, according to the report.
The inspector general also described allegations involving a former district office employee in 2023. Those allegations were not investigated as separate violations because the one-year statute of limitations had expired, but the report said they were included as alleged evidence of a broader pattern of conduct.
The report dismissed several other allegations as unfounded, including claims stemming from a political argument at a December 2025 event and claims that Benton showed inappropriate photos on his cellphone.
The inspector general recommended making permanent several interim restrictions already imposed by Speaker Welch.
Those restrictions include removing Benton from committee assignments, excluding him from House Democratic caucus meetings and barring him from access to the Speaker’s Office and staff.
The report does not recommend a House disciplinary proceeding, saying the process would be lengthy and require a special session.
Under state law, Welch must respond in writing within 20 days and describe any corrective action he plans to take.
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