Mayor Hogsett apologizes to former employees, says changes are coming to harassment policy

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett addressed recent reports of sexual harassment and misconduct from his former chief of staff Thomas Cook at Monday night’s City-County Council meeting.

Hogsett apologized to former employees Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert, who sat in the packed chamber room and held signs that demanded accountability.

The two women, and a third who remains anonymous, told their stories in two recent local news investigations — one from IndyStar and another from Mirror Indy.

"Know that your decision to speak out for changes to better protect women and men of this city has not been in vain," Hogsett said.

The mayor said he spent the past few days studying a letter written by Roberts and Ellert, who have accused Thomas Cook of harassment and grooming. He said he agrees with their recommendations for systemic changes.

"[Changes] to our policies, training and reporting processes," Hogsett said. "And I’m immediately moving to implement greater protections for the people who serve Indianapolis residents."

The letter made policy recommendations that include an independent audit of current anti-harassment policies and reporting procedures. The mayor said the administration will begin to offer sexual harassment training to all employees, not just supervisors.

The mayor also agreed with a recommendation that free mental health services be available and accessible for anyone who needs them.

Councilors introduced two proposals to its rules committee — one to conduct an investigation into the alleged actions and one to review current training and reporting procedures. Those proposals will be heard in the coming weeks.