A three-star Army general from Chicago was removed from a top post at the Pentagon on Thursday amid misconduct allegations.

Lt. Gen. Ronald Lewis, who was profiled in a front-page story in the Tribune in January, will no longer be the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, according to a Pentagon statement.

The unspecified misconduct allegations have been referred to the Pentagon’s inspector general for investigation.

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A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Carter learned of the misconduct allegations Tuesday night and informed Lewis of his decision Thursday morning. The official would not elaborate on the alleged misconduct.

Carter’s statement said the matter was referred to the inspector general of the Department of Defense for investigation.

“I have confidence in the Inspector General’s ability to determine the facts,” he said. “The Department of the Army will then take action as appropriate.

“I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions. There is no exception.”

Lewis will remain in the Army and report to its vice chief of staff, Gen. Daniel Allyn, the defense official said.

Lewis grew up in the South Side Beverly neighborhood and attended the old Mendel Catholic Preparatory High School before heading off to West Point.

He is a battle-tested commander and attack helicopter pilot who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

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