Illinois lawmaker accused of releasing nude photos of ex-girlfriend resigns

CHICAGO — Illinois state Rep. Nick Sauer resigned Wednesday after a former girlfriend filed an official complaint accusing the first-term Republican of creating a fake Instagram account and populating it with nude photos of her to lure men into “graphic” discussions.

“As a result of the allegations by Kate Kelly, a former girlfriend, I have decided to resign,” Sauer wrote in a letter to the Clerk of the House of Representatives. “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 submitted his resignation just hours after POLITICO reported about a complaint filed by Kelly, an ex-girlfriend, with the Office of the Legislative Inspector General. In that document, Kelly alleged Sauer used the 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.”

In her complaint, Kelly states that she filed a police report with the Chicago Police Department and that there is “an active investigation” into her claims. CPD has not yet complied with POLITICO’s Freedom of Information Act request for the police report.