A candidate for alderman in Chicago’s Fourth Ward has sued Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the 4th Ward Democratic Organization, which Preckwinkle runs, demanding $12 million for allegedly defaming her using false information in campaign mailers.
Lucas, who is an attorney, filed the lawsuit on her own behalf in Cook County Circuit Court on Feb. 17.
According to the complaint, Lucas claims the 4th Ward Democratic Organization paid for two campaign mailers which were sent to voters in her ward, claiming Lucas owed more than $18,000 in unpaid federal income taxes.
Ebony Lucas
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The mailers allegedly claimed the Internal Revenue Service had placed a tax lien on Lucas for $18,139.
The mailers allegedly stated: “Chicago’s Finances Are A Mess. Ebony Lucas’ Finances Are Worse! Closed for Unpaid Bills.”
In the complaint, Lucas says that tax lien had been filed “in error” in 2019, and the lien was released on May 6, 2021, and the release of the lien was registered with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds’ office.
Preckwinkle said Preckwinkle and her organization “knew or should have know that the statements were false and/or made the statements with reckless disregard to the truth.”
Lucas further claimed the mailer falsely claimed she had court fines of $15,000 and contractor liens of $84,000. Lucas asserts she never had any such fines or contractor liens.
And Lucas claims the mailer states: “Ebony Lucas can’t manager her own business.”
“In fact, Lucas has managed her business for 16 years with no threat of closure,” the complaint said.
Lucas claims these statements in the mailers constitute defamation of character. She is seeking at least $12 million in damages.
Lucas is running for Chicago alderman for the third time. She is running to replace Ald. Sophia King, who is not seeking reelection.
Lucas is one of six candidates on the ballot in the Democratic primary election for the seat on Chicago City Council. Other candidates include King’s chief of staff Prentice Butler, State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Helen West, Tracey Bey and Matthew “Khari” Humphries.
Preckwinkle also serves as chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, which is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit.