Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed a new inspector general for the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The Friday appointment of Michael McCotter comes after a Belleville News-Democrat investigation revealed that, since 2003, the department's inspector general didn't investigate more than 50 cases about disabled adults living at home who were allegedly abused or neglected and later died.

Quinn appointed McCotter to be special investigator at the department's inspector general office in July. McCotter is a 40-year law-enforcement veteran. Quinn's office says McCotter now will be responsible for implementing reforms to overhaul the office, ensure accountability and strengthen protection for disabled adults.

Former DHS inspector general William Davis stepped down Aug. 1.