(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Park District Supt. Mike Kelly on Friday denied he delayed an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving lifeguards at Oak Street Beach, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
He talked with WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Kelly said an 11-page letter about sexual harassment of lifeguards came in February 2020 from the daughter of an acquaintance of his.
While he said he did not immediately refer the matter to the district’s inspector general, he did give it to managers to investigate.
Then, he said, a second letter came, this one forwarded from the mayor’s office. It alleged criminal sexual assault.
“The first letter was heavily about bullying and hazing and disgusting behavior,” Kelly said. “The second letter was beyond that, it was criminal behavior.”
He said he contacted the IG immediately.
The investigation is ongoing. Kelly said he’s determined to root out harassment problems at their core. There have already been some firings and staffing changes, and he said he has the support of his board.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stopped short of criticizing how the matter was handled, but she said taking sexual abuse complaints seriously is of paramount importance.
“When those reports happen, we have to take them seriously and act swiftly," she said.
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