State worker resigns after watchdog uncovers racist emails about the Obamas

A government email scandal has ensnared a second state worker who was accused of sending and receiving sexist and racist messages, including ones that referred to then-President Barack Obama as a “mutt” and disparaged first lady Michelle Obama.

Donald R. Johnson, an investigator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, “immediately expressed his desire to resign” when confronted in mid-February with investigation findings, according to a report released Friday by the Office of Executive Inspector General. Johnson had worked for the state agency since 2008 and made $77,200 a year.

Johnson, who lives in southwest suburban Palos Heights, could not be reached for comment. The 76-year-old Johnson is the second workers’ comp commission employee to resign over the sending and receiving of sexist and racists emails.

In July 2017, Frank Capuzi, who had worked for the agency for more than four decades, retired following a state review of his conduct prompted by Tribune inquiries into offensive emails sent from his personal email address to a high-ranking Chicago water department official and others. Among those emails was one describing a fake “Chicago Safari” adventure tour that made light of the shootings of children in black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

Read more: https://www.sj-r.com/news/20190419/state-worker-resigns-after-watchdog-uncovers-racist-emails-about-obamas
(State Journal Register - Springfield)