Galesburg Police Chief Russ Idle reportedly told an employee last summer that the sexual assault epidemic would end if women stopped saying no to men.
Sometime in 2018, Idle reportedly stood at the office door of an employee and bragged about his sexual prowess, recounting a story of being in a hot tub with his wife and another couple.
Another time, Idle reportedly told an employee, “If you made the tea, I’d drink it.” The term tea had recently been used in a police department training video and referred to sexual intercourse.
Those are among 11 allegations of sexual harassment against Idle dating back 20 years that were reported to the city’s human resources department on March 4.
Idle, who has worked for the department since 1994 and was appointed chief in 2019, has been on paid administrative leave since March 6.
On Friday afternoon, the city released documents related to an investigation into the allegations, following a formal interrogation of Idle at city hall.
“The City has fulfilled all Freedom of Information Act requests in compliance with applicable legal requirements,” said City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz in releasing the documents. “The investigative phase of the internal investigation is complete, and it is anticipated that the investigation will conclude within a week. No further information will be released, as this is a personnel matter.”
The nature of the investigation involves alleged violations of the city’s sexual harassment and sexual discrimination policies, according to the documents.
Idle was required to surrender his badge, weapon, keys, and laptop, and was told in a letter from City Manager Eric Hanson dated March 6 that he was to have no contact with city or police staff, or to be present on city property, until the investigation has concluded.
Per the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act, the formal investigation and interrogation process is intended to gather evidence of misconduct that may be used to seek removal, discharge, or suspension in excess of three days.
Idle’s annual salary is $161,815.20.
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