For the first time, the Investigative Committee hears from an outside law firm

Indianapolis, Indiana – This is the first time an outside legal firm has spoken to the special committee looking into Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.

This follows accusations of sexual assault made against one of Hogsett’s former top aides in July.
The third meeting of the investigation committee took place on Thursday evening. The city declared back in October that it will enlist the assistance of Fisher Phillips, a Chicago-based legal firm, to conduct its inquiry.

As Fisher Phillips lawyers started preparing for their participation in this process, the seven-member special investigating committee heard more than an hour’s worth of information.

Committee Chair Crista Carlino stated, “We really learned a lot of in-depth information about the law as well as the structure, procedures, and processes that complaints go through, particularly in regards to sexual harassment in the city county.” “The members of our committee found that to be extremely informative.”

According to Carlino, the presentation on sexual harassment law that was given to committee members on Thursday night is only the beginning.

She explained, “They covered everything from the Indiana Rights Commission and our local OE Board to the Equal Opportunity Commission at the federal level.”

Carlino added that the law company would then assess the city’s current human resource organization.

Phase 2 then examines previous investigations, current practices, and any instances where things may have gone against the policy, she explained. “And then carrying on from there, any policy suggestions, programming modifications, etc.

Eventually, the legal company will draft a report with suggestions. Carlino stated that she and the other members of the committee think significant progress is already being made.

“I think we chose the right law firm, and I’m really happy with the work they’ve been doing,” she said. “And I’m eager to hear about the outcomes of their additional research.”

As of right now, the committee has two more meetings planned: December 4 and January 29. The committee anticipates another presentation at that January meeting.