For Immediate Release Contact: Kevin Lampe
October 23, 2009 Phone: 312-617-7280
Jury Awards $1.5 million in Damages in Wrongful Arrest and Conspiracy Case against Chicago Police Officers
Craig Tobin Wins Case in Federal Court for Injured Traffic Aide
Today a jury found in favor of Jacqueline Fegan and awarded her $1.553 million in damages, for her wrongful arrest. With court costs and legal fees this decision could end up being more than $2 million.
Ms Fegan filed suit against defendants Robert Reid #17285, James Young #8883, Michael Drew #13167, Dennis Doherty #8222, and the City of Chicago.
Ms. Fegan was a supervisor for the Traffic Management Authority under the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications. On May 18, 2006 she was arrested after she refused to rescind a parking ticket which had been issued by one of her subordinates on Officer Reid’s private vehicle. She was injured during the course of the arrest and held at the police station. No charges were filed against Ms. Fegan.
Fegan’s complaint against the police officers and the City sought damages under federal law, 42 U.S.C. 1983 for the defendant’s acts in violation of plaintiff’s rights under the Fourteenth and Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution including a federal/civil conspiracy charge.The action also sought damages under Illinois law for false arrest, false imprisonment, battery, civil conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Craig Tobin of Tobin Petkus and Muñoz represented the plaintiff in the case. He was aided by Tomas Petkus and Karl Schook.
Tobin said, “This trial has been a long, arduous process for Ms. Fegan. With this decision Jackie has finally been given closure to this traumatic time of her life. She can never have back what was taken from her on that day in May of 2006. But with the conclusion to this trial Ms. Fegan and her family can begin to build a new life together.”
Tobin Petkus & Muñoz, L.L.C. is a nationally recognized litigation law firm whose attorneys are recognized in the National Bar Registry of Preeminent Attorneys. The firm has achieved unprecedented results on behalf of its clients.
After the presentation “Ponch” himself will hop on a motorcycle and ride across the field opening the game. Moose Riders will bring their bikes to campus on Saturday. They will form a “chrome tunnel” through which the Ramblers will run as they enter the field for their Homecoming game led by Estrada.
Paul Rusesabagina, the real life hero of the movie Hotel Rwanda, who saved 1268 people who he harbored at his hotel during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has recently moved that headquarters of his Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation (HRRF) to Chicago. On Tuesday, May 12, HRRF is having a fundraiser on celebrate the move and to raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission of advocating for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Africa.