Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs is keeping secret the results of an investigation into his predecessor.
Former Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s political career imploded after an employee accused him of sexual harassment and political intimidation. Rutherford, a Republican, denied the allegations and hired a former IRS investigator to look into the charges. He said he’d release the results of that $27,000 taxpayer funded investigation but later backtracked, citing the advice of attorneys to keep it secret.
This month, before being sworn in, Rutherford's successor, Democrat Mike Frerichs, told the Daily Herald newspaper he would consider releasing the report. But less than two weeks later, his office is saying no.
Lawyers for the treasurer and Illinois attorney general say material prepared in anticipation of a lawsuit is exempt from the state’s freedom of information laws.