Illinois lawmaker resigns after ex-girlfriend accuses him of using her nude photos to 'catfish' men
An Illinois lawmaker, Nick Sauer, resigned on Wednesday after his former girlfriend accused him of creating a fake Instagram account and posting her nude pictures on it to "catfish" men, according to reports. In his resignation letter to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Nick said, "As a result of the allegations by Kate Kelly, a former girlfriend, I have decided to resign."
"It is important that the citizens of the 51st District be fully represented. My ability to fulfill my obligations as a State Representative and public servant will be affected by the distraction of addressing these allegations. After speaking with my family, I feel it best to step away from my public responsibilities," Sauer added in his letter.
The lawmaker submitted his resignation hours after reports of his ex-girlfriend, Kelly, filing a complaint with the Office of the Legislative Inspector General emerged in media, according to POLITICO.
Kelly, in her complaint, alleged that Sauer used the fake Instagram account "to catfish other men using my privately shared naked photos. Nick would use this account to direct message men with my photos to engage in graphic conversations of a sexual nature. The men believed they were communicating with me and Nick shared private details of my life."
Kelly also added that she has filed a police report against Sauer with the Chicago Police Department and that there is "an active" probe ongoing in the case.
Kelly, in her complaint, added that she was made aware of the fake Instagram account by an Instagram user and that the Illinois lawmaker acknowledged "catfishing" at least eight men with her private pictures over two years. Kelly and Sauer had begun their relationship over Tinder in 2016 but broke up in March 2018 after she realized Sauer had been dating other women.
The acting Legislative Inspector General, Julie Porter, did not confirm or deny that there was an active investigation into Kelly's claims, according to reports.
"I do not comment on issues relating to investigations, including whether or not a matter has been presented to me or is open,” she said via email to POLITICO.
Sauer, a Republican who was seeking re-election to a second term, ironically had served on the State Legislature’s task force to combat sexual discrimination and harassment.