BLOOMINGTON — In his first public comment on accusations that he assaulted a former university employee, Illinois State University President Timothy Flanagan on Monday characterized the complaint as a desperate attempt to embarrass him and the university.
ISU police received a complaint Friday from R. Patrick Murphy detailing a Dec. 5 confrontation he said took place in the front yard of Flanagan's university-owned residence. He alleged Flanagan's arms touched his torso during the incident that began as Murphy, a former superintendent of grounds, was supervising a work crew assigned to do yard work.
"Dr. Flanagan did not engage in any criminal conduct against Mr. Murphy and maintains his innocence" said the statement released by Flanagan's lawyer, Stephanie Wong of Bloomington, who characterized as what happened as a "perceived slight" by Murphy.
It adds the president will "not be providing any further comment on this matter through a public forum."
Also on Monday, McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers said he will ask that a special prosecutor be named to review reports from ISU police about the Dec. 5 incident. Chambers cited his wife's employment at ISU as the reason he wants an outside prosecutor to make the decision on whether criminal charges are appropriate.
The investigation is ongoing, added Chambers.
Murphy, an employee of the university for about seven months before he was fired Dec. 10, told The Pantagraph he and his crew were in the yard when Flanagan came outside and began yelling obscenities. In a statement filed with police Friday, Murphy described Flanagan's behavior as a temper tantrum.
Wong's statement claims Murphy contacted the media "to air out his grievances" against Flanagan. Murphy talked with The Pantagraph after a reporter reached him by phone for an interview.
Disorderly conduct and assault — both misdemeanor charges — are listed as potential offenses on the police report filed nearly three months after the incident.
Wong's statement states "the lengthy delay in reporting the alleged assault is reason alone to question the motives underlying his actions."
Jay Bergman, a member of the ISU Board of Trustees, said Monday the board will not comment on the situation involving personnel and a pending police investigation.
