Neftali Padilla, a former police officer, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department, alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. The complaint was filed on December 26, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Padilla claims that she was subjected to unwanted physical contact and inappropriate remarks by a fellow officer beginning in August 2021. Despite reporting these incidents to her supervisor, Lieutenant Curry, no immediate action was taken.
According to the complaint, Neftali Padilla began working as a probationary police officer with the Chicago Police Department on July 17, 2017. She alleges that she performed her duties satisfactorily but became a target of sexual harassment by a colleague in August 2021. The harassment included physical touching while in a squad car and inappropriate comments both in person and over social media. Padilla reported these incidents to her supervisor, Lieutenant Curry, who allegedly dismissed her concerns by suggesting she "give it time" as she was about to go on furlough.
Padilla's mental health deteriorated due to the ongoing harassment and lack of support from her superiors. By March 2022, she had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. She reported this new development along with continued harassment to Lieutenant Curry again but found herself facing retaliation instead of support. Her work schedule was altered unfavorably, and she experienced verbal abuse from Curry. In September 2022, Padilla filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which she amended in May 2024.
The EEOC issued a Right to Sue letter on September 26, 2024, allowing Padilla to pursue legal action against her employer. In her lawsuit, Padilla accuses the City of Chicago and its police department of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating against her based on sex and retaliating against her for reporting such discrimination. She also cites violations under the Illinois Human Rights Act for similar reasons.
Padilla seeks judgment against the defendants for damages including emotional distress, financial losses due to missed shifts and overtime opportunities, attorney fees, costs associated with prosecuting this action, prejudgment interest, and other unspecified losses.
Representing Neftali Padilla is attorney Diana C. Servos from S.T. Legal Group located in Deerfield, Illinois. The case is being overseen by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre under Case ID: 1:24-cv-13247.