Forest Service chief Tony Tooke resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

Jessica Estepa | USA TODAY

Tony Tooke, the head of the Forest Service, resigned Wednesday in the wake of reports revealing sexual misconduct allegations made against the agency and Tooke himself.

In an email sent to his employees, Tooke acknowledged that he'd been under investigation, but implied that reports about his conduct contained misinformation.

"I have been forthright during the review, but I cannot combat every inaccuracy that is reported in the news media," he wrote. "What I can control, however, are decisions I make today and the choice of a path for the future that is best for our employees, the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I must also think about what is best for my family."

PBS Newshour first reported last week that Tooke faced allegations about relationships he had with subordinates, before he became chief. Tooke, who worked for the agency for nearly four decades, took the top post in September.

The allegations against Tooke came to light as part of PBS's broader investigation the Forest Service, in which 34 current and former female employees described sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliation.

"Many of you have seen the news reports which included the stories from women who told of their experiences with sexual harassment in the Forest Service," Tooke wrote to his employees. "I admire their courage... Please know that Forest Service leadership is committed to investing in the changes and resources needed to improve and become much better."

The Forest Service did not immediately return a request for comment.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue thanked Tooke for his service.

"In my experience, in order to effectively lead any organization, you must have the moral authority to inspire its members to work toward the goal of continuous improvement," he said. "Chief Tooke has determined that it is best for the Forest Service, its future, and its employees that he step aside."