Calumet City Clerk Files Lawsuit Alleging Conspiracy and Malicious Prosecution

Background on the Lawsuit

Nyota Figgs, the Clerk of Calumet City, is pursuing damages following the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing her of illegally destroying city records in 2021. Her new lawsuit, filed by her attorneys, targets Mayor Thaddeus Jones and Calumet City attorneys for civil conspiracy, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process related to the handling of the prior case.

Claims Against Mayor Jones

While the city reimbursed Figgs for her legal fees, her attorney Edward Moor argues she deserves compensation for enduring legal battles over four years. The initial lawsuit, filed in October 2021, extended over an extended period. Moor also represents Alderman Monet Wilson, who has filed a separate legal case against Jones regarding harmful political messaging.

“This was a very traumatic period of time for her,” Moor stated. “As an elected city official, the mayor took actions to basically cut her out of office.”

Allegations of Retaliation

The lawsuit accuses Mayor Jones of undermining Figgs by removing her from duties and appointing someone else for her role without approval from city aldermen. It also claims Figgs’ past romantic relationship with Jones, ending in 2013, resulted in retaliatory actions when she rejected a renewed proposal in 2021. Figgs claims Jones used legal tools to coerce her into withdrawing a prior sexual harassment lawsuit.

Response from Mayor and Legal Team

Through spokesperson Sean Howard, Mayor Jones dismissed the lawsuit’s allegations as “false, baseless, and without merit.” Figgs, seeking over $50,000 in damages, continues to assert her commitment to serving the people of Calumet City.

“Figgs is really an incredible woman, and she’s withstood all this harassment and retaliation to perform her duties for the city she loves,” Moor stated, expressing hope for the lawsuit’s outcome to provide due compensation.