Chicago Law Dept. Tells Ald. Gardiner & Ward Super They’re On Their Own
A status report filed yesterday in federal court reveals City of Chicago lawyers have determined Alderman Gardiner and 45th Ward Superintendent Charles Sikanich were not “acting within the scope of their employment at any time” during the events described in a court case filed last month alleging abuse of power, harassment, and civil rights violations, including false arrest.
On November 20th, 2020, Benjamin George filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that Gardiner and Sikanich conspired to lie to Chicago Police regarding a phone Sikanich lost at an area 7–11 convenience store. This led to the false arrest of the plaintiff, Benjamin George. The complaint also alleges Gardiner and Sikanich continued to harass and threaten George, visiting his home and threatening his roommate.
The status report was jointly filed by George’s counsel and City lawyers. The City’s determination means Gardiner and Sikanich will be responsible for the costs of their own legal representation required to defend the case and could be personally responsible for any potential damages, if awarded.
George is seeking “compensatory damages for emotional, financial, business, reputational, and property injuries” as well as “punitive damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.”
Both Gardiner and Sikanich have previously faced legal troubles. A year-long restraining order filed against Gardiner by a former girlfriend expired just as he launched his Aldermanic campaign. Last month, Gardiner was allegedly involved in an incident that led to a woman falling, smacking her head on the concrete, and breaking a rib after he let his unleashed dog out of the ward office’s back door. Sikanich has a rap sheet including multiple arrests for theft, driving under the influence of drugs, driving without insurance, crashing into a stationary vehicle, and impersonating a police officer.
The status report indicates Gardiner and Sikanich have not yet been served in the case as counsel were waiting for the City to determine whether they would represent the two defendants. Summons to Gardiner and Sikanich were generated on Dec 17 and 18 and are now out with a process server.
No trial date has yet been set for this case and the plaintiff is requesting a jury trial.
