Lawmaker quits over photos scandal
ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN NICK SAUER ACCUSED OF USING EX-GIRLFRIEND’S IMAGES TO LURE MEN INTO RELATIONSHIPS
An Illinois state representative resigned on Wednesday hours after a report about allegations he posted nude photographs of his exgirlfriend on Instagram without her consent in an effort to draw other men into “graphic” conversations.
The lawmaker, Nick Sauer, a Republican who had served on the state legislature’s task force to combat sexual discrimination and harassment, was the subject of a complaint filed by his ex-girlfriend with the state’s Office of the Legislative Inspector General, according to a report by Politico.
The complaint accused Sauer of using an Instagram account filled with nude images of his ex-girlfriend, Kate Kelly, to “catfish” other men, or lure them into an online relationship using a fake persona.
“As a result of the allegations by Kate Kelly, a former girlfriend, I have decided to resign my office,” Sauer wrote in his letter of resignation to the clerk of the Illinois House, where he represented the 51st District, which includes affluent suburbs north of Chicago. “My ability to fulfil my obligations as a State Representative and public servant will be affected by the distraction of addressing these allegations.
“After speaking with my family, I feel it is best to step away from my public responsibilities,” he added.
Kelly wrote in her complaint that after she was notified about the fake account by an Instagram user, Sauer acknowledged “catfishing” at least eight men with her private photos over two years, Politico reported.
Kelly and Sauer began a relationship over the dating app Tinder in 2016 but broke up in March 2018 after Kelly said she discovered Sauer had been dating other women, the article said. Politico also reported that Kelly wrote in the complaint that she had filed a report with the Chicago Police Department, which she said was investigating her claims.
In his letter of resignation, Sauer did not confirm or deny Kelly’s claims. His spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
Kelly said by email on Wednesday she needed time to process the events of the day.
Sauer, a self-described fiscal hawk who condemned “corruption and unethical behaviour” on his website, was elected in 2016 and had been running for re-election in November. His political website, Facebook page and Twitter account appeared to have been deleted on Wednesday.
Hours after the report of the accusations was published, Jim Durkin, the top Republican in the Illinois House, issued a statement foreshadowing Sauer’s resignation. “The allegations that have come forth against Representative Nick Sauer are troubling,” Durkin said in the statement. “He will be resigning from office today.”
State Senator Melinda Bush, who leads the state Senate’s task force on sexual discrimination and harassment awareness and prevention, said Wednesday that “for far too long in Springfield, sexual harassment and abuse from those in positions of power has gone unchecked.”
She added, “I applaud this woman for coming forward and telling her story.” No charges have been filed.