Lawmakers Urge Irondequoit Town Supervisor to Resign Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Irondequoit Town Supervisor, Andrae Evans

The Irondequoit Town Board has called for Supervisor Andraé Evans to resign following an investigative report that substantiates multiple allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against him. The 34-page report, compiled by the law firm Nearpass & Koegel, concludes that Evans violated the town’s anti-harassment policies.

The board faced criticism and calls for transparency after holding an emergency meeting last Friday. In a statement, the board confirmed it had completed an investigation into a complaint involving a town official, but declined to publicly name the official.

However, on Tuesday the Nearpass & Koegel law firm released their report, naming Evans.

The investigation details claims from a female staff member who reported that throughout 2024, Evans made inappropriate comments about her appearance, including remarks about her looking young and comments on her attire. She also alleged that Evans invited her to social engagements outside of work, which she declined. After confronting him about his behavior in August, she claimed he retaliated by removing her job responsibilities, leading to her resignation in September.

In response to the report, the Town Board released a statement expressing deep concern over the findings. "We feel heartbroken for the individuals who have been impacted by the Supervisor’s incredibly inappropriate behavior," the statement read. "We believe the best path forward for our staff and Irondequoit residents as a whole is for Supervisor Evans to resign immediately."

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart also weighed in, calling for Evans’ resignation. "I have read the report that found allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Supervisor Andraé Evans to be credible. This situation is deeply disappointing and undermines trust in leadership. It's in the best interest of Irondequoit residents and staff for Supervisor Evans to resign and not seek reelection," Barnhart said in a statement.

Evans, who assumed office in 2024 after defeating incumbent Rory Fitzpatrick, has denied the allegations. He suggested that the investigation is politically motivated and stated that he had not been provided with details of the report.

The report also includes accounts from other staff members who described similar instances of inappropriate behavior by Evans. The Town Board initiated the investigation in October, concluding it in November at a cost of $16,660. Details of the investigation were not made public until recently.

Evans says he plans to run for another term but has declined to comment on the allegations, stating “I am restricted by my lawyers.”