A lawsuit has been filed Monday against Dan Rutherford- Illinois’ Treasurer and a Republican candidate for governor. A warning to sensitive listeners - the suit includes allegations of sexual assault leveled by a former employee.
Edmund Michalowski is suing Rutherford - and Rutherford’s chief-of-staff - on two different counts. Michalowski alleges the Treasurer had him perform political activities on state time. Michalowski also says he went to an employee retreat - that was held at Rutherford’s downstate Chenoa home. Michalowski says he was the only guest there.
He alleges when he went to bed in the guest room - Rutherford came in and fondled him.
Michalowski says he left immediately. He says when he reported the alleged abuse to Rutherford’s chief-of-staff - there was no follow-up.
Rutherford has been anticipating the lawsuit. For the last week - he has been telling reporters that the allegations are false - without discussing the actual details. Rutherford has also accused Bruce Rauner - a Republican opponent in the governor’s race of being behind the lawsuit.
Rauner denies any involvement.