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* Ty Bates, who was featured in a blog post here Friday has resigned. From the AP…
The deputy director for the Illinois Department of Corrections’ southern district has resigned following investigations of sexual harassment.
Ty J. Bates, who had been a deputy director since 2011, resigned Friday, according to Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer.
Shaer said Bates was at the center of two recent investigations. He declined to release details, saying internal personnel matters aren’t discussed publicly.
The results of the investigations showed that Bates violated corrections sexual harassment policies related to communications, but it wasn’t enough to pursue legal charges. Bates resigned after his disciplinary action, which included suspension and employee training, was announced.
* Background…
In late 2012, then state Sen. John O. Jones called for Bates’ resignation after a 2007 investigation was publicized that found Bates, who was then an assistant warden at Centralia Correctional Center, had violated agency policies regarding sexual harassment and discrimination regarding a female corrections officer. The investigation also found Bates lied to investigators, who recommended discipline for Bates up to and including dismissal.
Rather than being dismissed, however, Bates was promoted to warden at Big Muddy Correctional Center and 10 months later was promoted to deputy director of IDOC’s southern region. It was in his capacity as deputy director that Bates encountered the female corrections officer to whom he sent the April text messages that among other things asked to see the results of the woman’s breast augmentation surgery.
Bates is being replaced by Shannis Stock who has been named IDOC Acting Deputy Director, Southern Region. Stock has been Warden at Southwestern Illinois C.C. since 2011, and as Acting Deputy Director, she will oversee all IDOC facilities in the Southern Region and will report directly to Director Godinez.
* From the Illinois Department of Corrections…
Not only was a thorough investigation immediately conducted by the Illinois Department of Corrections Chief Affirmative Action Officer, but Illinois Department of Corrections Director S.A. “Tony” Godinez also ordered the Department’s Chief of Investigations and Intelligence to fully investigate the allegations against Deputy Director Ty Bates.
Upon completion of both investigations, it was determined that Deputy Director Bates’ communications had violated IDOC policies and, while not rising to the level of legal sexual harassment, they did meet the Department’s definition of such harassment. Accordingly, appropriate discipline has been imposed on Deputy Director Bates, including suspension and again completing mandatory employee training. Also, he has verified the re-reading of IDOC policies on future communication with the complainant regarding this topic. Further action is being considered.
“We have zero tolerance for any violation of our policies and are committed to strict enforcement of them,” said Director Godinez. “No one is exempt, whether they are in management or not. Proper conduct in the workplace and toward fellow employees and, really, everyone we encounter is of tremendous importance to this department and to my team. We have taken appropriate action here, as we should.”
* The release was also accompanied by this statement from the IDOC spokesman…
In Sending you this release, I’m also saying (as Tom Shaer) on the record:
1.) “I confirm Ty Bates’ resignation as IDOC Deputy Director, Southern Region”
2.) “ALL actions taken since the IDOC began two thorough investigations nearly two months ago were taken only because they were the right by and for all involved. Nothing –nothing- was due to anything said by anyone or what happened elsewhere.”
3.) “We didn’t discuss internal personnel matters publicly but the investigations proceeded unimpeded. That was as instructed by IDOC Director Godinez, who, as you know, reports to Governor Quinn.”
Odd.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:34 am
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Don’t you hire a spokesperson because he or she is better at saying stuff than you are?
“ALL actions taken since the IDOC began two thorough investigations nearly two months ago were taken only because they were the right by and for all involved. Nothing –nothing- was due to anything said by anyone or what happened elsewhere.”
3.) “We didn’t discuss internal personnel matters publicly but the investigations proceeded unimpeded. That was as instructed by IDOC Director Godinez, who, as you know, reports to Governor Quinn.”
You can say that again — or can you?
“We do not torture prisoners in the IDOC — only syntax.”
Comment by what language are you speaking? Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:37 am
“We do not torture prisoners in the IDOC — only syntax.”
That’s priceless right there.
Comment by John Bambenek Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:39 am
“Rather than being dismissed, however, Bates was promoted to warden at Big Muddy Correctional Center and 10 months later was promoted to deputy director of IDOC’s southern region.”
Can we get the name of the person(s) who promoted him? Maybe that person(s) needs to be disciplined or fired.
Comment by wishbone Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:42 am
{“We do not torture prisoners in the IDOC — only syntax.” }
Actually I found it to be rather cruel and unusual punishment to the reader as well.
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:50 am
== ALL actions taken since the IDOC began two thorough investigations nearly two months ago were taken only because they were the right by and for all involved. Nothing –nothing- was due to anything said by anyone or what happened elsewhere. ==
Ok, I freely admit my grammar, spelling and sentence structure leave a lot to be desired. But point #2 makes me look like a old school English teacher by comparison.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:52 am
If the spokesperson were any good, he’d still be doing sports on the local news in Chicago or on the Score.
Comment by Anon Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 11:55 am
Clouted Spokesman much?
That was terrible.
Comment by Dee Lay Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Good riddance, but can you believe anything the IDOC spokespeople say at this point.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:10 pm
–…according to Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer.–
Is that the former Happy News sportscaster?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:11 pm
Is it really the same Tom Shear?
Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:43 pm
Same guy. He makes sure you know that when you first speak.
Comment by Transplant Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:46 pm
The Director and I use different definitions of zero tolerance
Comment by Lil Squeezy Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 12:52 pm
The Director caught up in a cover up. Female employees across the state should call for his resignation. Shameful.
Comment by Barney Fife Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 1:30 pm
What else has to happen under this Directors watch. The Gov’s office needs to terminate Godinez. Bates should have never been in that position from being found guilty of the first charge. It does not seem that there was all these problems with Doc until Godinez took over.
Comment by Zig Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:02 pm
I guess they hired him for his strategic communications savvy. Because this makes the governor look soooo goooood….
Comment by what language are you speaking? Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:12 pm
Please.
It’s going to take a lot more than this to clean up DOC. And that statement leaves more than a little to be desired.
Comment by Keep Calm and Carry On Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:22 pm
Bates was disciplined and transferred as asst warden from Centralia to asst warden at big muddy by then Director Randle. After Randle left Godinez promoted to him to Warden. Then Godinez promoted him to Dep director. Lastly, after find improper actions with subordinate (s)… Godinez should have removed him from that position of authority… Of course bates is close to the Guv, so Godinez did not do the appropriate action of demoting bates. It took public awareness of this….. And I would say damage control is his resignation.
Comment by Warden Speck Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:28 pm
So who appointed Bates the Gov are Director Of Doc how does this work?
Comment by Jb Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:52 pm
The Director approves an Epar which is sent to GOMB for there approval. Essentially these are the only positions the Union doesn’t control anymore nor does Rutan apply.
Comment by Are You Serious Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 4:28 pm
Did we ever find out if Bates was indeed a part of the Quinn campaign organization in Southern Illinois?
@wordslinger - “Happy News” guy? What is this revelation?
If we learn something new every day, this is about to be my learnin’ for the day. Time to get my “google” on.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 5:24 pm
=== Upon completion of both investigations ===
Odd timing. Funny how those reports coincidentally wrapped up around the same time the Department of Justice released their findings concerning the abuse of those juveniles.
Can we see those reports, Mr. Godinez?
And by the way, what are you doing to address the findings of sexual assault on juvenile inmates by IDOC staff as detailed in the Department of Justice report?
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 5:29 pm
The way this administration works is he will just get another high level position in state government.
Comment by Old timer Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 6:29 pm
Ok the last time I chkd it was 2013….. Bates was accused in 2007???? Lil slow on the investigation for that one….. Maybe was swept under the rug? Shouldnt the Director “Godinez” also be held accountable for not following thru 6 yeard ago? Time for him to go too!!!
Comment by Mik Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 6:42 pm
Well Bates is gone, now Godinez needs to hit the road
Comment by cruel one Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 7:28 pm
FKA…DJJ and DOC are tw odifferent agencies. The report dealt with DJJ inmates and abuse at DJJ facilities by other DJJ inmates and/or DJJ staff. Not much DOc can do about that. Now the Governor and DJJ…that’s a different story. They might should address the issue.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 8:25 pm
“ALL actions taken since the IDOC began two thorough investigations nearly two months ago were taken only because they were the right by and for all involved. Nothing –nothing- was due to anything said by anyone or what happened elsewhere.”
Please,Please, Mr.Shaer explain this statement. Sounds like your aggressive manner in ensuring that people think the Director was on top of this and let the media in it is the motive. What is the old saying, Ray Charles could see through this one. All crap hit the fan when the media asked about this one and IDOC scrambled to respond to the attempted coverup. Another black eye for the Governor, how many more is going to take for you to see the light with this guy!
Comment by kryptonite Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 10:30 pm
Press needs to dive into Mike Atchison too.One of the Directors right hand Administrators. Talk to front line staff this guy is going to get someone hurt. This whole Godinez Administration is bad real bad that’s why I retired early as a administrator under there comander. I seen the writing on the wall.
Comment by Joe Bob Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 10:45 pm
Clean house with Doc, get a all new top level Administration before someone gets really hurt. What is it going to take?
Comment by Please Gov Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 10:50 pm
Scandals and cover ups by the constituents of IDOC. The removal of Godinez should the main focus point.
Comment by sparrow hawk Tuesday, Jun 11, 13 @ 12:46 am
Knowing Bates on a personal level, hes a good hearted person and a great leader. Mistakes do happen.
Comment by DOC Wednesday, Jun 12, 13 @ 9:38 pm
What is it going to take? Employees of IDOC before eyes open up? Get rid of Godinez and his cronies before the prisons are taken over by inmates.
Comment by Ann Wednesday, Jun 12, 13 @ 10:52 pm