Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she's asked the inspector general to complete an investigation into former Chicago Police Superintendent's conduct "as expeditiously as possible."
But Lightfoot said it's too soon to comment on whether or not the city's corporation counsel will allow the full release of an IG report into Johnson and other officers who may have been involved in a cover-up of his alleged misconduct.
"Obviously, the investigation of Eddie Johnson wasn't just about him. It involved the conduct of other people, and that investigation is ongoing," she said. "So we're not going to do anything that would compromise the IG's work."
Lightfoot announced Johnson's termination on Monday, just weeks before his previously-announced retirement was set to take effect.
She said he lied to her about the circumstances surrounding an October incident where he was found behind the wheel of a running vehicle. Johnson denies lying to the mayor, but rather said he had a "lapse in judgment."
Reports indicate Johnson had several drinks at a Chicago restaurant with a woman before the incident that evening.
The mayor said Lightfoot says Johnson reverted to his career service status from exempt status. But that situation is likely temporary.
"It's my expectation he will be off the CPD payroll shortly, and certainly no later than the end of this week," she said.
She said a nationwide search will be launched to find the department's next permanent leader.
Lightfoot spoke to the press Wednesday at Bradley University in Peoria following a speech.
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