When Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett first took office, he promised to prioritize government transparency and integrity. Ten years into his administration, IndyStar and Mirror Indy are partnering to examine whether he kept his promises.
This series grew out of the outlets’ separate 2024 investigations of Thomas Cook, who three women accused of sexual misconduct. A report commissioned by the City-County Council to investigate Hogsett’s handling of those allegations raised concerns that Cook may have violated ethics rules when he left city employment for a job with a law firm and represented both public agencies and private developers.
Lingering questions about the mayor’s role in the scandal led the two outlets to partner for an investigation that culminated in this series.
As part of our reporting, we submitted more than a dozen public records requests for email correspondence, contracts and ethics filings that were not previously available online. Some of the requests remain outstanding.
We also obtained text messages and conducted interviews with current and former city employees and people in the economic development industry, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared professional repercussions for speaking publicly.
If you have more to share, you can reach us at the contact information below.
The developments
Councilors react
In the aftermath of investigations into ethical concerns within the Hogsett administration, and the mayor’s handling of sexual harassment and abuse allegations against Thomas Cook, several city-county councilors have called for Hogsett’s resignation.
Culture at City Hall
Current and former employees said the problems within Hogsett’s administration extend beyond the allegations against his former chief of staff. They described a toxic work environment and culture of fear inside City Hall.
Workers describe ‘toxic’ culture in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s city hall
‘He would yell at me for small things. Him yelling was not rare,’ his former assistant said.
Hogsett’s HR division was audited years ago, but the report still isn’t public
The most recent delay comes as the City-County Council considers extensive changes to HR policies.
Hogsett’s pick for deputy mayor moves forward amid concerns
Lena Hill pushed back against complaints about her leadership.
Hogsett appointee faces questions over treatment of employees
Deputy Mayor Lena Hill said she was unaware of complaints against her.
Trapped
Mirror Indy’s investigation detailed a yearslong pattern of abuse of power by the mayor’s former right-hand man. The mayor knew about allegations regarding Thomas Cook’s behavior toward a former deputy campaign manager as early as 2017 and kept Cook on his 2023 campaign even after a relationship with a second subordinate came to light in 2020. At least three women said they felt trapped and victimized by his behavior.
Trapped: A city leader’s abuse of power and how 3 women got out
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett kept his right-hand man, Thomas Cook, around for nearly a decade despite repeated warnings.
In new letter, 2 women demand changes from Hogsett administration
Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert are citing “failure” and “inaction” by the mayor and his team.
Hogsett downplays Cook’s role, but some say he led the 2023 campaign
Six people told Mirror Indy that Hogsett’s comments on Fox59 were untrue.
Report on sexual harassment response excludes texts with Mayor Hogsett, attorney says
The report found the mayor and his administration did not break any laws or policies at the time.
Hogsett says he won’t release proof of 2017 sexual harassment investigation
Former campaign employee Lauren Roberts has questioned whether the investigation actually occurred.
Council president removes Lauren Roberts from council meeting
Vop Osili, a Democrat, ordered deputies to remove Roberts from the building.
Council President Vop Osili shares ‘regret’ after ousting Roberts
But at least one supporter expressed skepticism over Osili’s public statement.
Lauren Roberts seeks damages after being forcibly removed from council meeting
She is seeking $50,000 in a claim against the city.
Indy councilors differ on next steps after harassment investigation
Some want to see law firm hand over all documentation related to its inquiry.
Indy councilors seek changes to city’s human resources department
The proposals being considered face legal obstacles.
Hogsett hires former city attorney in City-County Council investigation
The attorney’s time overlapped with an internal investigation into harassment allegations.
Update on city’s anonymous reporting tool for employees
The city’s human resources department received 13 workplace-related complaints.