A contentious property dispute has erupted in Winnetka, Illinois, involving a strip of residential land that has become the center of a legal battle. The complaint was filed by Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann on May 5, 2025, in the Cook County Circuit Court against her neighbor Jed Richard. Hoffmann alleges that Richard is unlawfully attempting to seize control of a portion of her property.
The case revolves around a 16.5 feet by 223.13 feet parcel of land that Hoffmann claims she has maintained and paid taxes on for over two decades. According to the complaint, the trouble began when Richard's predecessors-in-interest, Walter and Suzanne Mack, falsely claimed ownership through adverse possession without following proper legal procedures. Despite initially acknowledging his mistake after installing fencing on Hoffmann's land in July 2023, Richard allegedly reversed his stance and launched an aggressive campaign to take control of the disputed parcel. This included obstructing access with dumpsters and threatening demolition of improvements made by Hoffmann.
Hoffmann's complaint seeks to eject Richard from the disputed parcel and recover both compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $100,000. She also aims to secure a permanent injunction preventing further interference with her property rights. The lawsuit outlines multiple counts against Richard, including trespass, private nuisance, conversion, fraud, declaratory judgment for rightful ownership declaration, and requests for compensatory damages.
The legal document highlights various incidents where Richard admitted fault yet continued his attempts to claim ownership. In one instance in July 2023, he acknowledged via text messages that he had mistakenly placed fencing on Hoffmann's property and apologized profusely for the error. However, despite these admissions, Richard allegedly resumed efforts to interfere with Hoffmann’s possession later in 2024.
The plaintiff argues that Richard’s actions were willful and maliciously motivated with reckless disregard for her rights as the lawful owner of the parcel at issue. As part of her relief sought from the court are orders for ejectment from the parcel at issue; restoration of full possession; compensatory damages; punitive damages; costs incurred including attorney fees; declaratory judgment affirming her ownership; nullification of any contrary claims filed by Richard or previous owners like the Macks; plus injunctive relief prohibiting future trespasses or attempts at exercising control over said land.
Representing Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann is Edward F. Ruberry from Ruberry Stalmack & Garvey LLC based out of Chicago while no information about Jed Richard’s legal representation was provided within this filing documentation dated May 2nd under Case ID: 2025L005882 before Judge Jerri M Hoffman presiding over proceedings related thereto.