An unnamed police officer is suing a police counseling program and its leader for allegedly disclosing private information about the officer in an advertisement.
Jason Doe, an unnamed plaintiff, filed a complaint June 18 in Cook County Circuit Court against James E. Morrison, American Addiction Centers Inc. and Krurapp of Illinois Inc.
The plaintiff was working as a Chicago police officer in April 2014, while defendant Morrison was assigned as an employee assistance program counselor for the police force.
Officers undergo an initial assessment and then are referred to private counselors or mental health providers, the lawsuit states. In 2005, the unnamed officer sought services through the employee assistance program, services that continued through 2010.
After the death of a childhood friend, in January 2010, Doe again sought services and was assured by Morrison that any information communicated by Doe would be confidential; however, the lawsuit states, in promotional materials, the plaintiff was profiled as "Jason" with a full description of his addiction, work-related troubles and mental health treatment history. Morrison even allegedly apologized in a phone call with Doe, the lawsuit states, saying the advertisement "shouldn't have been published."
He also allegedly admitted to including false statements about Doe in the advertisement, the lawsuit states.
The plaintiff -- citing violations of the state Mental Health Act and Right of Publicity Act, as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress, general negligence, defamation, invasion of privacy, public disclosure of private facts, and reckless, willful and wanton infliction of emotional distress -- seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $400,000, plus costs.
The plaintiff is representing himself.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L006185.