A high-ranking sergeant within the Cook County Sheriff's Office has launched a serious legal battle against her employer, alleging systemic discrimination and retaliation. Nicole M. Pagani filed a complaint on December 30, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, accusing Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office of sex discrimination and retaliatory practices that violate federal and state laws.
Nicole M. Pagani, who has served as a sergeant since 2013, claims that she faced retaliation after uncovering significant misconduct within the sheriff's office. Her allegations include ghost payrolling schemes, misuse of COVID-19 relief funds, and improper use of county resources for personal gain by senior officials. She contends that her attempts to report these violations were met with hostility and adverse employment actions. In her complaint, Pagani describes how she was removed from an FBI Task Force position and demoted to less significant duties following her whistleblowing activities. She asserts this action was not only discriminatory but also intended to silence her from exposing further corruption.
Pagani's lawsuit details numerous instances where she engaged in protected activities under various laws such as the Illinois Whistleblower Act (IWA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. She claims these activities included reporting criminal activities involving high-ranking officials to both internal authorities and external bodies like the FBI. Despite providing substantial evidence supporting her claims, including forensic data showing misuse of funds and political manipulation within the department, Pagani alleges that her concerns were largely ignored or dismissed by those in power.
The lawsuit seeks multiple forms of relief from the court: reinstatement to her former position with all associated benefits restored, compensation for lost wages and emotional distress damages exceeding two million dollars, as well as attorney fees. Pagani argues that these remedies are necessary not only to rectify the wrongs done to her but also to hold accountable those who have perpetuated a culture of misconduct within one of Illinois' largest law enforcement agencies.
Representing Nicole M. Pagani are attorneys from Brian J Graber LLC and Hawks Quindel S.C., while Judge presiding over this case is yet unnamed in public records under Case ID 1:24-cv-13320.