New legislative inspector was prosecutor, appellate judge

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission has chosen a permanent inspector general to investigate complaints against lawmakers.

Former prosecutor and circuit judge Carol Pope was recommended Tuesday. She will be the first permanent inspector in four years.

Pope was Menard County State's Attorney for seven years, served 17 years on the circuit bench and nine on the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court.

Pope takes over March 1, 2019. Her term runs through June 30, 2023. She replaces former federal prosecutor Julie Porter. Porter took the job temporarily after a fracas last year over the handling of sexual harassment complaints against lawmakers.

Complaints of harassment and intimidation against legislators and staff emphasized a vacancy in the inspector's post and a need to strengthen the post's powers. Lawmakers strengthened the law last spring.