The political establishment in Indianapolis has been rocked by fresh calls for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation amidst a burgeoning sexual harassment scandal. City-County Councilor Jesse Brown, in an appeal underscored by ferocity and disappointment, has demanded the mayor step down. These calls come in the wake of accusations that Hogsett inaptly managed complaints against his former top aide, Thomas Carl Cook, whose actions are now under public scrutiny.

According to a report by Fox59, Brown said that “Hogsett circled the wagons,” His discontent is with the mayor's alleged failure to transparently address complaints filed by two women against Cook. Despite these serious allegations, Cook, a former Chief Deputy Mayor, was continually employed, benefitted from city contracts, or engaged in Hogsett's recent re-election campaign until his behavior came to light last month.

In an impassioned plea for justice and accountability, two alleged victims, Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert, drafted a letter demanding the city of Indianapolis enforce rigorous sexual harassment prevention policies. Their letter, obtained by 13News, articulated, "We write today to continue our urgent calls for transparency, accountability, and bold action from the City of Indianapolis." The pair urges the implementation of “stronger sexual harassment and abuse prevention policies, an independent reporting system, and comprehensive support services for survivors.”

Brown alleged that Mayor Hogsett was aware of Cook's "predatory behavior" as early as May 2017, yet he failed to take decisive action, allowing Cook to remain in influential positions within city administration. As a result, according to Brown's scathing statement published by IndyStar, Cook "went on to sexually abuse at least two more subordinate City employees."