A routine traffic stop has spiraled into a federal lawsuit, including allegations of police misconduct and wrongful arrest. Marisa Ciccola filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 17, 2025, against Lake Zurich Police Officer Trace Parlberg and the Village of Lake Zurich. The case underscores significant accusations regarding violations of constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
The incident in question occurred on November 16, 2024, when Ciccola was pulled over by Officer Parlberg while driving on South Rand Road in Lake Zurich. Despite complying with all sobriety tests and exhibiting no signs of intoxication, Ciccola was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The complaint alleges that Parlberg's report contained numerous false statements about her behavior and condition during the stop. "Defendant Parlberg’s report contained numerous false statements," claims Ciccola's filing, citing discrepancies such as claims of bloodshot eyes and slurred speech that were not supported by evidence or subsequent medical evaluation.
Ciccola contends that her arrest was without probable cause and initiated maliciously, leading to charges that were later dismissed with prejudice on January 22, 2025. Her legal team argues this dismissal is indicative of her innocence. As a probationary police officer herself with the Itasca Police Department at the time, these charges could have had severe repercussions on her career. The lawsuit accuses Officer Parlberg of unlawful detention and malicious prosecution under both federal and state laws.
In seeking justice, Ciccola demands compensatory and punitive damages for loss of liberty, mental anguish, humiliation, and emotional suffering she endured due to what she describes as unwarranted actions by Officer Parlberg. Additionally, she seeks attorney fees and costs associated with her defense against these charges. The complaint also invokes Illinois law requiring government entities to indemnify employees for tort judgments arising from actions within their employment scope.
Representing Marisa Ciccola is Jordan Marsh from the Law Office of Jordan Marsh LLC based in Northbrook, Illinois. The case is being overseen by Judge [Name Not Provided] under Case No. 25-cv-1641.