The deputy commissioner for Chicago's Aviation Department has been suspended, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Juan Manzano faced five complaints of bullying and harassment. Now action has been taken since we first reported this story more than two months ago.
Within days of Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiling a new public service campaign tied to the Me Too movement. Allegations of harassment and bullying surfaced against Manzano. It's not yet clear if the five day suspension is the only punishment he will face.
Manzano, a deputy commissioner for the aviation department has been under investigation for months. Five employees -- men and women -- reported he had bullied or threatened them. The allegations surfaced days after Emanuel unveiled a new anti-harassment city-wide campaign. After NBC 5's initial report on Manzano, Emanuel vowed to enact consequences if the claims were verified.
NBC 5 has learned from multiple sources that this week Manzano has been given a five-day suspension. The city will only say exactly why he's been removed from his post, only acknowledging it is an "ongoing personnel matter and we cannot comment further at this time."
Manzano has strong political ties in the Latino community. He once worked for Ald. George Cardenas who said he believes the suspension is political and unfortunate.
Besides this investigation -- others have questioned Manzano's role as the point person for concessions at the two airports and the current renovation of restaurant choices at Midway Airport. There have been numerous complaints as popular choices like McDonald's and Potbelly were not given renewed contracts.
Manzano did not returns multiple calls to request comment from NBC 5.
