Investigative committee reveals findings on Hogsett’s handling of aide’s sexual harassment allegations

INDIANAPOLIS — A law firm hired to investigate how the administration of Mayor Joe Hogsett handled sexual harassment allegations concluded that the city acted within legal bounds, but is recommending changes to city policies and oversight structures.

The findings were presented Thursday night during a special meeting of the Indianapolis City-County Council’s investigative committee. Chicago-based firm Fisher Phillips delivered a 55-page report detailing its review of allegations made in 2017, 2020, and 2023 involving Thomas Cook, a top advisor to Mayor Hogsett.

Cook, accused by at least three women of harassment or assault during his time in city government, did not respond to interview requests from Fisher Phillips. 

Mayor Hogsett, however, did participate in the investigation.

Despite concluding the administration complied with applicable laws in handling the complaints, the investigation sparked concerns among some council members.

“I wish I could say that I was shocked by what we found, but I’m not that shocked,” said Councilor Brian Mowery (R-District 25). “I wish we could have had a better outcome for the survivors and for people to know we’re not just hiding behind what laws say.”

The investigation was initiated following public pressure and internal council discussions about how the complaints were addressed. The City-County Council’s special investigative committee selected Fisher Phillips to conduct the review at a cost of $450,000 in taxpayer dollars.

Mowery was also critical of the city’s culture and response.

“Any other private sector [organization] that I’ve been a part of — if anyone had ever conducted themselves in this way — they would have been out the door immediately,” Mowery said.

Though no legal wrongdoing was found, Fisher Phillips issued six key recommendations aimed at overhauling the city’s approach to harassment and misconduct complaints:

1. Create an Independent Inspector General on an as-needed basis to investigate policy violations involving elected or appointed officials.
2. Establish an Independent Human Resources Board, replacing the current HR Division, and forming a Human Resources Agency led by a Human Resources Officer.
3. Remove the Office of Equal Opportunity from the Office of Corporation Counsel, making it an independent agency with expanded jurisdiction over all employee complaints.
4. Update all anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, retaliation, and non-fraternization policies, as well as the associated reporting systems.
5. Revamp training programs for leadership and staff to ensure effective implementation and compliance with workplace conduct policies.
6. Track training completion for all elected or appointed officials and City-County employees, with mandatory training for new hires within the first 10 days of employment.

Councilor Crista Carlino (D-District 11) emphasized the importance of cultural as well as legal accountability in city government.

“Morals and ethics are in some cases subjective,” Carlino said. “But when it comes to city government and city employees, protecting people and making sure we have a safe work environment is absolutely critical.”

The council’s investigative committee said it will now review the report’s recommendations to determine how current policies can be revised to prevent future incidents and ensure greater accountability across city departments. 

Mayor Joe Hogsett provided the following statement Thursday night: 

“I would like to commend the members of the City-County Council’s Investigative Committee for their due diligence in conducting an independent and thorough investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made against Thomas Cook.

I instructed my administration to fully cooperate in the investigative process conducted by the Council’s selected law firm of Fisher Phillips. I am appreciative to everyone who provided testimony and access to information, including work and personal texts and emails, as part of the investigation, especially the survivors who have had to revisit painful experiences and trauma.

While I have not had an opportunity to read the full report at this time, the findings are clear that the earlier investigations and resulting sanctions were handled appropriately and confidentially.

It remains crucial that the City has the best system in place for reporting, investigating, and dealing with harassment of any kind, which is why I will work with the City-County Council on how these recommendations may further strengthen efforts to create a safer, better workplace for everyone throughout the City’s operations.” – Mayor Joe Hogsett