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The Niezgodski Scandal Retold: Sexual Harassment Allegations, Political Connections, and the Democrats Lack of Accountability
- Logan Foster
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The Niezgodski Scandal Retold: Sexual Harassment Allegations, Political Connections,
and the Democrats Lack of Accountability
Date: 04/16/25
Author: Logan Foster On April 12, 2024, Redress South Bend first reported a troubling story involving a State Senator. Within days, the content of our story found its way to the IndyStar. From there, it became a state-wide scandal centering around allegations of sexual harassment involving Indiana's Democratic State Senator David Niezgodski (D10). Today's story is not new, but it remains relevant as it exposes systemic issues within politics, corporate power, and how serious allegations are brushed under the rug by those in power.
Our original report detailed accusations made by a former employee of Indiana State Senator David Niezgodski’s plumbing business. The victim's father filed an official complaint with St. Joseph County Democratic Party and the Indiana Democratic Party, as well as the Indiana Civil Right's Commission stating that Indiana State Senator David Niezgodski subjected his daughter to sustained harassment. As evidence, the victim's father provided over 90 text messages his daughter received from Indiana State Senator David Niezgodski within the span of just three days. He also provided audio files of relentless late-night voicemails where State Senator Niezgodski professed his love to the victim, and even provided an example where Senator Niezgodski showed up to her home uninvited and unannounced. You can listen to one of State Senator Niezgodski's voicemails here:
The Voicemail: "You better damn well be able to say that you love someone. I love you. I love you in all the right ways. And I've done things in all the right ways. And I've been human along the way. I can't **** defend that... it doesn't matter. Done it in all the right ways. And I love you, don’t leave my life.” The harassment culminated in an incident so invasive that State Senator Niezgodski entered the victim's home without the victim's permission, forcing the victim’s father to intervene. The victim, understandably afraid for her safety and her livelihood, quit her job at Niezgodski Plumbing.
An Entangled Web of Power and Corruption
Despite the victim and her father reporting the abuse to authorities and democratic party leaders, their appeals for action were met with inaction. Instead of accountability, the solution offered was a familiar one in cases involving powerful men accused of misconduct: a payoff. State Senator Niezgodski allegedly offered the victim $8,000 to ensure the victim's silence.
But the story doesn’t end with State Senator Niezgodski’s personal misconduct, State Senator Niezgodski's family ties to political and financial power in South Bend also became exposed during these allegations and investigations as well. Sheila Niezgodski, David’s wife, holds a powerful position as South Bend’s 6th District Common Council Member and chairperson of key committees related to finance and public works. These roles oversee city contracts awarded to businesses, including their family-owned company, Niezgodski Plumbing.
Over the last five years, Niezgodski Plumbing has received an astonishing $3.83 million in contracts from the city of South Bend. In recent years, Niezgodski plumbing has received the following payments from the City of South Bend: 2023: $771,889.91
2022: $776,988.67
2021: $693,367.72
2020: $679,600.47
2019: $702,594.03
The overlap between Sheila Niezgodski’s public responsibilities as a City Council member and her family’s private business interests regarding government contracts raise significant questions about ethical governance and politicians lining their own pockets while in a position of leadership and authority.
The Local Political Ecosystem
Unfortunately, the issue extends beyond the Niezgodski's. The Niezgodski's deep ties to the State and local Democratic Party and its political machinery have appeared to shield them from any and all scrutiny. Financial contributions from Indiana State Senator David Niezgodski to prominent local officials, including South Bend Mayor James Mueller, Sheriff Bill Redman, Sheila's colleagues on the South Bend Common Council, and the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, point to a network of influence and complicity.
Here Are A Few Notable Donations David Niezgodski Made From 2017-2024 (Based On Data Collected From TransparencyUSA.Org,)
Indiana Senate Democrat Committee - $224,735.57
Indiana Democratic State Central Committee - $93,800.00
South Bend Mayor James Mueller - $47,250
St. Joseph County Democratic Party - $14,850.00
Sheriff Bill Redman - $4,300.00
Just at the state level, over a quarter of a million dollars ($224,735) flowed to the Indiana Senate Democratic Committee, reinforcing how political alliances can obscure accountability. State Senator Niezgodski also donated thousands to Democrats running for South Bend Common Council, Mishawaka Common Council, St Joseph County Council, and various other races. His influence and money has undeniably been felt across the political landscape. Also, when State Senator Niezgodski and other high profile candidates donate money to larger committees or state or local parties, who knows how that money is used. That money may have also indirectly supported other candidates and causes we are unable to track (presently.)
The Question We Must Ask Ourselves
My first question would be: "why is there no public outcry when South Bend Mayor James Mueller is publicly photographed alongside the owner of a company that receives nearly $700,000 annually from the city?" Second: "Why is there no public outcry when members of the Mayor's office pose for photo's in David Niezgodski's campaign mailers?" Please note, South Bend Mayor James Mueller appointed Breana Micou to the Board of Public Works. The same public works that awards, you guessed it, plumbing contracts. (see image) David Niezgodski's name and signature are unmistakably present throughout contracts with the City of South Bend(see below.) Adding to this, Mayor Mueller’s campaign reportedly benefited from over $47,000 in donations linked to State Senator Niezgodski. While there is no concrete evidence to confirm a direct connection between these sizable donations and Niezgodski Plumbing receiving government contracts, these are details that warrant public scrutiny.
A conversation with a former part-owner of Niezgodski Plumbing sheds light on internal frustrations within the company. According to this former stakeholder, David Niezgodski allegedly and historically used corporate funds to sponsor political fundraisers that bolstered his political connections. This use of funds reportedly led to dissatisfaction among other owners. The former co-owner explained: When David used Niezgodski Plumbing’s money to sponsor a candidate, he was spending all of our money.
Reflecting on that conversation has led me to form my own perspective on the connections outlined above, which I share with you so you can form your own conclusions as well.
