Police Probe Allegations Against McHenry County Board Chairman

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks is being investigated by Illinois State Police in connection with sexual misconduct and stalking claims, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. State police conducted a search warrant Wednesday at Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's Capitol office, the Sun-Times reported, adding that Franks, D-Marengo, said he was unaware of the warrant, and that he has done nothing wrong. According to the speaker's office, the Sun-Times reported that the allegations date back to 2016, the last year he held a state representative role before he became chairman in McHenry County.

The speaker’s office said a complaint was first received on Nov. 19, 2018 regarding sexual harassment involving an employee of the speaker’s office and a former state representative, and an investigation soon began, according to the news report. The speaker's office also reported that several staff members claimed they witnessed Franks and the alleged victim speaking privately, and she was shaken "to the core" as a result.

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