It was Feb. 26, 2018. Caroline Ellert was an entry-level staffer in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office, where she helped with the mayor’s schedule and responded to letters. The man sitting beside her in the bar was Thomas Cook, the mayor’s chief of staff and the second most powerful man in city government.
She trusted him. So when he offered to talk to Caroline about her career and political aspirations, she listened. But she was initially uncomfortable meeting him alone for drinks, even though he continued insisting. After all, Cook was her boss, he was married with a child, and he was nine years older at 32.
For months, she evaded the prospect by using tactics that women learn to politely reject unwanted advances without severing important connections. She suggested they grab beers in group settings or promised she would meet him alone “some other time.” Yet through his insistence, as detailed in hundreds of pages of text messages, Caroline also saw someone complimenting her work ethic and her intellect, sharing her interests in poetry and film, and trusting her with increasingly personal details.
So on that night, Caroline finally agreed to a drink. The dimly lit Dorman Street Saloon was a favorite of his, known by city and campaign officials as a center of power where Cook routinely held court among the worn leather stools, red felt pool table and 1960s movie posters.
What she felt kindling between them was thrilling. As she wondered what to do next, “God Only Knows” played on the jukebox, and she heard in the lyrics a permission to stop worrying so much. To let down her guard.
But the song wasn’t fated; the moment was manufactured. She didn’t know it then but would later learn Cook selected that song.
It also wasn’t a tragic love story. Now, she looks back and sees a naive 23-year-old who was a victim of sexual harassment, emotional manipulation and grooming — and, later, workplace hostility when she tried to set boundaries.
Cook, who is now 39, did not respond to multiple phone calls, text messages or emails from Mirror Indy requesting an interview. He also did not respond to repeated messages that detailed what would be reported in this article. He has not been charged with a crime.
Caroline would learn a lot in the years that followed. She would talk to other women who felt victimized by Cook, including one named Lauren Roberts who tried for years to get anyone to do something — anything — to make sure other women wouldn’t have to experience what she did while working for Cook.
Among those who did not respond to Lauren’s emails was the only man in city government with more power than Cook: Mayor Hogsett.
