McHenry Times

Illinois state police took a further step in their probe into several allegations against former state Rep. Jack Franks – which include sexual misconduct and stalking, among others – and executed a search warrant at Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s, D-Chicago, Capitol offices last Wednesday.

According to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times, state police conducted the search on a warrant that “probable cause exists for the crimes of criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, official misconduct, stalking and aggravated battery.”

Police were looking for personnel files, human resources and other files linked to the alleged misconduct by Franks, the newspaper reported.

In a statement released Friday, Madigan’s office acknowledged the search and said it “offered full cooperation.”

“On Jan. 29, 2020, the Illinois State Police executed a search warrant at the office to expedite receipt of documents related to the allegations, and documents were immediately provided,” the statement read. “In addition, the alleged victim was notified of the search warrant the following day.”

Police asked for the records on Jan. 24.

The speaker’s office also said in the release that an investigation began in November 2018 after a sexual harassment complaint against Franks was filed by a former state representative.

Madigan’s office said those allegations were determined to be credible in early 2019 and as a result, Franks was banned from entering the Capitol without an escort.

In March 2019, several law enforcement agencies were notified after the speaker’s office said it received additional information that escalated the allegations, which date back to 2016.

The allegations against Franks are the most recent sexual harassment claims to plague Madigan’s office. A report released last August ordered by Madigan revealed that there was enough evidence to support a sexual harassment complaint against Madigan’s former chief of staff, Timothy Mapes.

Franks, who served in the Illinois House from 1999 to 2017, has denied the allegations. He is currently McHenry County Board chairman after being elected in 2016.