In a gripping case that underscores the ongoing issues of police misconduct, a Maywood resident has filed a lawsuit alleging severe violations of her civil rights by local law enforcement officers. Dominique Stallings, through her attorney Gigi Gilbert, lodged the complaint on December 30, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against several defendants including Lonell Whitlock and other officers from the Village of Maywood.
The case revolves around an incident on September 22, 2024, when Stallings was allegedly subjected to an illegal stop and search by Maywood police officers while standing outside her residence. According to the complaint, officers Whitlock, Omar, Morgan, Shemitraku, Hawkins, Houston, and unidentified others seized Stallings without probable cause. The lawsuit claims that Whitlock conducted an invasive search without consent or justification by reaching into Stallings' clothing and committing what is described as a sexual assault. This action is said to have violated Stallings' Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Stallings had a valid concealed carry license at the time of the incident but alleges that Whitlock unlawfully confiscated her firearm and license during this encounter. The complaint further accuses the officers of failing to intervene during Whitlock's alleged misconduct despite having the opportunity to do so. The plaintiff argues that these actions were carried out with malice or reckless indifference to her federally protected rights.
The legal filing seeks various forms of relief from the court including compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and economic losses incurred due to the alleged misconduct. Additionally, it calls for reasonable attorneys’ fees and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Attorney Gigi Gilbert represents Dominique Stallings in this matter while no specific defense counsel has been named yet for the defendants who include members of the Maywood Police Department acting under color of state law. The case is presided over in Case ID: 1:24-cv-13337 within the jurisdiction of judges from the Northern District of Illinois.