Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson said he has dismissed Police Chief Russ Idle, effective immediately.
The move comes after a two-week investigation into allegations of violations of the city’s sexual harassment and discrimination policies.
Hanson made his comments in a news release, adding “no further comment will be made related to this personnel matter.”
As TSPR reported previously, 11 allegations of sexual harassment against Idle dating back 20 years were reported to the city’s human resources department on March 4.
The included a report that Idle told an employee last summer that the sexual assault epidemic would end if women stopped saying no to men.
Also, 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.
Idle had worked for the department since 1994. He was appointed chief in 2019.
He had been on paid administrative leave since March 6. His annual salary was $161,815.20.
Deputy Chief Kevin Legate will continue to serve as the acting police chief.
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