A Chicago woman has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the city and several police officers violated her constitutional rights, leading to her wrongful arrest and prolonged detention. Schanise Barfield, represented by attorney Michael C. Goode, filed the complaint on October 31, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the City of Chicago and multiple officers from its police department.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on December 22, 2014, when Barfield was stopped by Chicago police officers Nathaniel J. Warner, Kevin L. Thomas, and Cassie D. West under false pretenses of a broken taillight. According to Barfield's complaint, this stop led to her unlawful arrest and subsequent charges related to a home invasion and murder she did not commit. The lawsuit claims that the officers lacked probable cause for both the traffic stop and the search of her vehicle, which resulted in her being wrongfully accused of serious crimes.
Barfield's ordeal began as she was driving with passengers who allegedly committed a crime without her knowledge. Despite lacking evidence against her, including no broken taillight or proof she participated in any criminal activity, Barfield was arrested and charged with severe offenses such as first-degree murder and home invasion. Her complaint highlights that these charges were based on false information provided by Detective Mikel S. Herman during a preliminary examination.
The plaintiff argues that her constitutional rights were grossly violated through false arrest, unlawful detention, malicious prosecution, conspiracy among officers to fabricate evidence against her, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for bodily harm, emotional distress, loss of income and enjoyment of life; punitive damages; statutory attorneys' fees; costs; expenses; pre- and post-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Barfield's complaint also underscores the personal toll this legal battle has taken on her life over nearly nine years of incarceration followed by house arrest until February 2023 when all charges were dropped. During this time she suffered significant personal losses including missing family funerals due to being detained at Cook County Jail.
Attorney Michael C. Goode represents Schanise Barfield in this matter before Judge Flood under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11279.