Indy Council Chair Calls Mayor Hogsett Resignation Amid Harassment Probe

Multiple Indianapolis City-County Council members, led by Councilor Crista Carlino, have publicly called for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation amid ongoing controversy over his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving his former top aide, Thomas Cook. Carlino criticized the narrow scope of the investigation conducted by law firm Fisher Phillips, which focused primarily on Cook and did not address alleged misconduct by Hogsett himself, despite the release of uncomfortable personal texts sent by the mayor to alleged victims. Carlino also demanded the resignation of Council President Vop Osili and Vice President Ali Brown for their roles in managing the investigation and the removal of accuser Lauren Roberts from a council meeting. The council approved a proposal to allocate an additional $300,000 to cover further investigative costs by Fisher Phillips, bringing total payments to $450,000. The Indianapolis Business Journal editorial board joined the calls for Hogsett's resignation, citing his failure to provide clear leadership and his cancellation of a public appearance on homelessness. Hogsett, however, rejected the calls for his resignation, emphasizing his commitment to completing his term and improving economic and workplace conditions in Indianapolis.