Legal Dispute Over Document Destruction
Calumet City Clerk Nyota Figgs is pursuing damages after the dismissal of a lawsuit that accused her of illegally destroying city documents in 2021. Figgs claims Mayor Thaddeus Jones and Calumet City’s attorneys engaged in civil conspiracy, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process concerning the document destruction lawsuit, according to a new lawsuit filed by her attorneys.
Claims of Damages and Traumatic Experience
Despite Calumet City eventually reimbursing Figgs for her legal fees, attorney Edward Moor of Moor Law Office argues she deserves damages for enduring stress over the four-year legal battle. The lawsuit, initiated in October 2021, prolonged Figgs’ ordeal, according to Moor, who also represents Calumet City’s 2nd Ward Alderman Monet Wilson in litigation against Jones for slanderous political messaging.
“This was a very traumatic period of time for her,” Moor stated. “She’s an elected city official, and the mayor took actions to basically cut her out of office.”
Allegations of Workplace Struggles
The lawsuit claims that before the lawsuit, Mayor Jones stripped Figgs of her responsibilities and appointed someone else to handle much of her workload, despite city aldermen’s objections. Figgs has requested an injunction to prevent further reduction of her duties, which remains under consideration.
Political and Personal History
Figgs and Jones had a romantic relationship beginning in 2005, ending in 2013. The lawsuit alleges that Jones proposed to resume the relationship in 2021, which Figgs rejected, and he continued to make advances until later that 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,” the lawsuit states.
Legal Accusations Against Mayor and Attorneys
The lawsuit alleges Mayor Jones, who also serves as a state representative, conspired with attorneys from Ancel Glink and attorney Michael Kasper of Kasper, Holmes and Dring law firm in the “groundless legal action” against Figgs. It also claims abuse of the legal process, exploiting the court system to publicly discredit Figgs and coerce her into withdrawing a sexual harassment lawsuit previously filed.
Response from Mayor and Legal Proceedings
Through his spokesperson Sean Howard, Mayor Jones refuted the allegations as “false, baseless, and without merit,” declining further comments. Figgs is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, as specified in the lawsuit.
“Nyota Figgs is an incredible woman who has endured harassment and retaliation to continue serving Calumet City,” Moor concluded, expressing optimism for compensation through this legal pursuit.