A former employee of a prestigious university's police department has filed a lawsuit alleging serious violations of privacy and workplace rights. Monae Miles, the plaintiff, lodged her complaint on March 24, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD), Chief Kyle Bowman, and Chief Secretary Sikola Maxey.
Monae Miles claims that during her tenure at UCPD, she was subjected to unauthorized access to her private motor vehicle records by Sikola Maxey through the Government LEADS system. This breach allegedly occurred on June 28, 2024, violating both federal and state privacy laws such as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). The complaint further details how Maxey's actions included sending threatening messages and engaging in unprofessional behavior that contributed to a hostile work environment. Miles asserts that after reporting these incidents, UCPD failed to conduct a thorough investigation or offer her the opportunity to pursue criminal charges against Maxey. Instead, they dismissed the matter without due consideration, which Miles argues is indicative of employer negligence.
Additionally, Miles accuses Chief Kyle Bowman of retaliation following her grievance regarding contract violations. On January 27, 2025, Bowman allegedly used intimidation tactics and falsely accused Miles of abusing sick leave. This accusation was perceived as an attempt to undermine her credibility and contribute further to the hostile work environment she experienced. These actions have reportedly caused significant emotional distress for Miles.
The lawsuit also highlights violations related to wage payment under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Illinois Wage Laws. Despite having a grievance upheld on February 19th, 2025, concerning unpaid personal holiday pay, Miles alleges that UCPD has yet to issue the owed payment. She maintains that this grievance is unrelated to any misuse of sick leave and insists that all her leave was taken in compliance with departmental policies.
Miles seeks $150,000 in damages for anxiety and emotional distress caused by retaliation and civil rights violations. She also demands statutory damages under DPPA for unlawful access to her vehicle records and compensatory damages for emotional distress resulting from misuse of confidential information. Furthermore, she requests punitive damages against Maxey for intentional misconduct and injunctive relief requiring UCPD to implement comprehensive policies preventing future misuse of systems like LEADS.
Representing herself pro se in this case is Monae Miles. The case is presided over by Judge Joan H. Lefkow with Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole assisting. The case ID is 1:25-cv-03122.