Activist Andrew Holmes fired by Chicago Survivors amid sexual assault allegations

CHICAGO — Andrew Holmes, the activist and Dolton trustee embattled in sexual assault allegations, was fired by Chicago Survivors last month.

Chicago Survivors began in 2010 as a non-profit to help families of victims of gun violence.

Holmes, who has been a prominent crime victim advocate for years, was terminated last month by the group, WGN News learned Wednesday.

“Our mission is to provide crime victim services to family members of homicide victims so our relationships with those families and our community is paramount. Without compromise, there needs to be strong mutual trust and an assumed high level of safety for the adults and children we serve. For those reasons, we terminated his employment in April upon learning of the serious allegations,” said executive director JaShawn Hill.

Allegations surfaced last month accusing Holmes of alleged sexual assault while on a trip to Las Vegas. Holmes, a Dolton trustee, was on the taxpayer-funded trip with mayor Tiffany Heynard and others.

The woman accusing Holmes, Fenia Dukes of Dolton, released a video on May 6 detailing the allegations against him.

“I at least knew I got a man with me. I’m going to make it home,” Dukes said. “I don’t have to worry about going out on The Strip by myself. I legitimately thought I was going to make it home until my last memory was waking up in his room.”

Woman accusing community activist Andrew Holmes of assault releases video statement

Her claims mirrored a civil lawsuit also filed by Dukes.

Holmes denies wrongdoing but has declined to comment.

He has not been charged and continues to serve on the Dolton village board. Police have said their investigation is ongoing.

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