Maria Moore, a detective with the Chicago Police Department, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago and two individual defendants, alleging discrimination and retaliation. The complaint was filed on January 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Moore accuses her employer, the City of Chicago, along with Thomas Finegan and Yolanda Talley in their individual capacities, of violating several federal and state laws.
Maria A. Moore's legal battle began after she reported misconduct within the Chicago Police Department (CPD). In 2021, she filed an internal complaint against Arleseuia Watson for making false statements on official documents. Despite her efforts to bring this issue to light, Watson continued to rise through the ranks while Moore faced increasing hostility at work. In January 2024, when her allegations were finally sustained by CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA), Moore experienced a series of disturbing incidents that she perceived as racially motivated or retaliatory. On multiple occasions, peanuts and Employee Assistance Program pamphlets were placed in her work mailbox. She reported these incidents as either racist acts or retaliation for her previous complaints.
The situation escalated further in March 2024 when Moore was stripped of her police credentials and subjected to mandatory psychological and medical evaluations—a move she believes was intended to intimidate her from pursuing lawful complaints about discrimination and other misconduct within CPD. The lawsuit claims that these actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
Moore's complaint outlines a pattern of discrimination based on race, sex, perceived disability, and retaliation for engaging in protected activities. She argues that similarly situated employees outside her protected class were treated more favorably by CPD. Her case also highlights systemic issues within CPD related to enforcing rules against false reporting and encouraging whistleblowing without fear of reprisal—issues underscored by reports from Chicago’s Office of Inspector General.
In seeking justice through this lawsuit, Maria Moore requests several forms of relief from the court: declaratory judgments stating that CPD’s practices are unlawful; permanent injunctions preventing further discriminatory practices; compensation for lost wages and benefits; damages for emotional distress; punitive damages for willful conduct; coverage of legal costs; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Maria Moore is attorney Sabreena El-Amin from CTM Legal Group. The case is presided over by Judges Andrea R. Wood and Jeannice W. Appenteng under Case ID 1:25-cv-00403.