High-ranking Cook County sheriff’s official resigns amid sexual harassment investigation

Former executive officer Patrick Dwyer is accused of sending “inappropriate and unsolicited sexual comments” to a colleague in 2013, according to the sheriff’s office.

CCSheriff_01.jpg

This is a file photo of deputy in the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times

Facing termination, a high-ranking Cook County sheriff’s office employee resigned last week following an investigation into 8-year-old sexual harassment allegations.

Former executive officer Patrick Dwyer was accused of sending “inappropriate and unsolicited sexual comments” to a female colleague in 2013, the sheriff’s office said Saturday.

The sheriff’s office launched an investigation after the allegation surfaced earlier this year and found Dwyer violated department policy.

Authorities were in the process of firing Dwyer when he decided to step down April 9, according to a written statement Saturday from the sheriff’s office that said the agency “has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind in the workplace and will vigorously pursue disciplinary action against all employees who violate department policy.”

Dwyer couldn’t be reached.

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