A Black man has sued the city of Berwyn, claiming they should pay after he was harassed by a city "blight inspector" who berated him with racial slurs in the presence of witnesses for allegedly blocking an alley with his work truck while removing a tree in a back yard, allegedly following village officials' instructions.
Plaintiff Phillip Robbin filed his complaint on Jan.29 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging he was racially harassed by former Berwyn city employee Sarah Lopez, a 'blight inspector' for the city.
Robbin, owner and operator of Eagle Eye Tree Service, alleges that the incident occurred in May 2022 when he was removing a tree from a property in Berwyn. He claims he was instructed by city officials to park his work truck in an alleyway to avoid blocking traffic while performing his work. However, he was confronted by Lopez who demanded he move his vehicle.
Berwyn mayor Robert Lovero
| Berwyn
Police were ultimately called to the site amid the confrontation.
The lawsuit alleges that Lopez used racially offensive language towards Robbin multiple times during the confrontation, including calling him a "f---ing n----.". The incident was reportedly witnessed by several people including Robbin's assistant and nearby residents.
The lawsuit asserts Lopez's alleged actions were recorded in a police report, but the city delayed releasing the report to Robbin.
Further, Robbin asserts Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero initially resisted taking any action against Lopez, beyond a "verbal reprimand."
Robbin hired a lawyer, who then pressed the city to take further action. The incident was publicized, and activists organized rallies to demand the city fire Lopez.
According to the complaint, Lopez emailed her resignation to the mayor. But the mayor ultimately released a statement saying Lopez had been terminated.
Robbin alleges the city's alleged handling of the situation amounted to a violation of his rights under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Robbin is seeking court order requiring the city to pay unspecified damages, including punitive damages and attorney fees.
Robbin is represented by attorney Jamie S. Franklin, of the Law Offices of Chicago Kent, of Chicago.