A sudden resignation by a public official is often accompanied by questions from the public, particularly when little (or an unsatisfactory) explanation is given. Buckeye State residents were right to wonder what was really going on at the Ohio Lottery Commission after former directory Pat McDonald stepped down last month.

Though McDonald said he had a “significant medical condition” ahead of his April 12 resignation, the revelation came after he was confronted on April 11 by Gov. Mike DeWine’s chief of staff and chief counsel about unwanted and inappropriate behavior alleged by a subordinate in his office, according to a report by WBNS.

Beginning in February, a lottery employee reported to human resources that McDonald had touched and hugged the employee in a way that made that person uncomfortable. McDonald was confronted by HR.

But then in early April, an employee contacted HR again, kicking off an investigation that concluded McDonald had inappropriately touched two employees on the arms, shoulders and forehead, given an unwanted hug, sent texts “expressing inappropriate fondness and innuendo” to the two employees, and made “verbal comments about the appearance of two employees.”

Rather than face any further disciplinary action or review, McDonald stepped down. But the investigation didn’t end there, as it revealed McDonald’s assistant lottery director knew what was happening and failed to take action. That person has been demoted and placed at a lower classification and pay grade.

It seems unfathomable that a supervisor of public employees would not understand such behavior is not only inappropriate in the workplace, it is just plain wrong.

WBNS reports the firm that conducted the investigation is recommending mandatory training of all lottery employees on appropriate workplace conduct and policy prohibiting potentially offensive, harassing or retaliatory conduct at work. It also suggests reminding those in management of their responsibility to report misconduct.

Again, it’s a shame to think such reminders are necessary. But those who WERE brave enough to report the problem are to be commended, as is DeWine — for quickly having an investigation conducted and taking action against not only McDonald, but the employee who kept his behavior quiet.