Senate Chief Clerk resigns following what leadership calls a credible allegation

The chief clerk for the Wisconsin Senate has resigned following a credible allegation and an ensuing independent investigation, according to Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu.

Michael Queensland, 38, has denied all allegations, according to LeMahieu’s office.

Queensland has been the Senate’s chief clerk and director of operations since January 2021. He oversees the nonpartisan office where he is responsible for record keeping and administration. He officially resigned Sept. 22.

He was paid $141,000 a year.

The state Department of Administration told Wisconsin Public Radio in a Sept. 6 email that Queensland’s badge access to state buildings, including the state Capitol, was removed on Aug. 23.

Sources say Queensland’s departure was tied to an incident of abuse during the National Conference of State Legislatures in mid-August. Queensland could not immediately be reached for comment.

Editor’s note: LeMahieu’s office did not say Queensland resigned because of an abuse allegation. Other sources did.