Legislative Inspector General McCuskey Will Resign After Questions Over Harassment Probes
His planned Sept. 30 departure triggers a formal vacancy posting by the bipartisan ethics commission, raising new demands to re-examine disputed investigations.
Overview
- McCuskey notified the Legislative Ethics Commission that he will step down effective Sept. 30, and the commission posted the LIG vacancy on Sept. 8 with an application deadline of Oct. 31, 2026.
- The resignation follows public complaints that McCuskey mishandled sexual harassment investigations by sharing other victims’ details and often not recording or taking contemporaneous notes during interviews.
- Lawmakers from both parties have urged the Legislative Ethics Commission to reopen or review contested cases and to ensure proper handling of survivors and confidentiality.
- McCuskey has defended his work and investigative style, saying he prefers direct, note-free interviews and that he stands by his report finding former Rep. Harry Benton violated the law.
- The episode has renewed calls to strengthen the LIG’s rules and authority, put a transparent vetting process in place for a successor, and address broader concerns about harassment and leadership decisions in Springfield.