DISTURBING

Illinois GOP Lawmaker Resigns Amid ‘Catfishing’ Allegations

Reportedly shared nude photos of a former girlfriend online without her consent.

A Republican state lawmaker involved in efforts to combat sexual harassment in the Illinois government resigned Wednesday amid accusations he used nude photos of a former girlfriend to “catfish” men online. Rep. Nick Sauer announced his resignation just hours after Politico published allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Kate Kelly, who said she filed a complaint with the state legislative inspector general. Kelly alleged that Sauer set up a fake Instagram account full of naked photos of her and “would use this account to direct-message men with my photos to engage in graphic conversations of a sexual nature.” The allegations are reportedly at the center of an “active investigation” by the Chicago Police Department. In a statement, Sauer, a member of the state’s newly formed House Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Task Force, did not address the allegations other than to describe them as a “distraction.” “It is important that the citizens of the 51st District be fully represented. My ability to fulfill my obligations as a state representative and public servant will be affected by the distraction of addressing these allegations,” he wrote.