Calumet City Clerk’s Legal Battle: Seeking Damages

Calumet City Clerk’s New Legal Action

Nyota Figgs, the City Clerk of Calumet City, is pursuing compensation after a lawsuit against her was dismissed. The lawsuit accused her of unlawfully destroying city documents in 2021. In a recent turn of events, Figgs has filed a new lawsuit claiming civil conspiracy, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process by Mayor Thaddeus Jones and the city’s legal representatives.

Details of the New Lawsuit

Filed on Tuesday, Figgs’ lawsuit represents a challenge to the handling of the initial document destruction case. Although the city reimbursed Figgs for her legal fees, attorney Edward Moor, representing Figgs, argues that she deserves damages for enduring the lengthy legal battle since October 2021.

Moor also represents Calumet City’s 2nd Ward Alderman Monet Wilson in separate litigation against Mayor Jones related to slanderous political messaging. “This was a very traumatic period for her,” Moor stated, highlighting how her elected position was threatened by the mayor’s actions.

Mayor’s Alleged Actions

The lawsuit claims Mayor Jones undermined Figgs by assigning her duties to another hire, despite objections from city aldermen. Figgs has requested an injunction to protect her remaining responsibilities, which awaits a decision.

The document also reveals a past romantic relationship between Figgs and Jones, which ended in 2013. It claims Jones attempted to rekindle this relationship in 2021, facing rejection from Figgs. Allegedly, Jones persisted with unwelcome advances throughout the year.

Defendants used the machinery of the Circuit Court, an injunction, and the public treasury to retaliate, punish, discredit, and drive from office a political and personal adversary.

Conspiracy and Abuse Allegations

Further accusations in the lawsuit suggest a planned conspiracy by Jones, involving attorneys from Ancel Glink and Michael Kasper from the Kasper, Holmes and Dring law firm, to pursue unjust legal action against Figgs. It charges these parties with misusing the court process to damage Figgs’ reputation and pressure her to abandon a sexual harassment case she had previously lodged.

Current Responses and Seeking Compensation

Mayor Jones, through spokesperson Sean Howard, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and declined to give more comments. Figgs seeks over $50,000 in damages.

Edward Moor praised Figgs as an “incredible woman” who persisted in serving the citizens of Calumet City amidst continual harassment. The lawsuit aims to provide redress for her experiences.