A mother embroiled in a long-standing legal battle is accusing several prominent figures of constitutional violations, including a judge and government officials. Yolanda S. Gill filed a complaint on December 11, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Judge Dominique Ross, former Chief Judge Cheryl Ingram, Attorney Matthew Ingram, Attorney Arlette Porter, and Cook County Government.
Yolanda S. Gill's lawsuit arises from an ongoing dissolution of marriage case that began nearly two decades ago in Cook County Circuit Court. Gill alleges that her constitutional rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments have been systematically violated by the defendants through discriminatory practices and abuse of power. According to the complaint, Gill's tumultuous marriage to Attorney Matthew Ingram began unraveling in 2005 after she discovered his extramarital affairs. She claims that during their marriage dissolution proceedings, she was coerced into accepting unfavorable settlement terms under threat of losing custody of her child.
Gill's accusations extend beyond her ex-husband to include his mother, former Chief Judge Cheryl Ingram, who allegedly conspired with others to manipulate court proceedings in favor of Matthew Ingram. The complaint details instances where Gill reported suspected abuse by Matthew towards their daughter A.I., only to be met with judicial indifference or outright dismissal. Despite multiple attempts to alert authorities and seek protection for her daughter, Gill asserts that her concerns were ignored or inadequately addressed by the courts.
The plaintiff further accuses Judge Dominique Ross of bias due to a purported friendship with the Ingram family and cites this as a factor in adverse rulings against her. Allegations also include "judge picking," where judges favorable to Matthew Ingram were allegedly selected to preside over the case. This purportedly resulted in decisions that neglected Gill's right to due process and fair trial standards.
In seeking redress from the court, Gill requests compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged violations of her civil rights. She also seeks injunctive relief to prevent further harm and demands attorney fees and costs associated with prosecuting this action.
Representing herself pro se, Yolanda S. Gill faces formidable opposition as she navigates this complex legal landscape involving influential legal professionals within Cook County’s judicial system. The case is presided over by Judge John F. Kness with Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole assisting in proceedings under Case ID 1:24-cv-12761.