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Settlement Reported in Chicago Tribune and Naperville Sun, Terrence J. Sheahan Quoted

After Freeborn successfully defended the City of Naperville in a case brought by one of its own council members, the parties have reached a settlement with no cost to the City of Naperville.

Naperville Councilman Richard Furstenau and the defendants have each signed an agreement to dismiss, with prejudice, the federal civil rights lawsuit brought by Furstenau against the City and several city officials in 2007.  Mr. Furstenau was arrested on January 1, 2006, following an incident at a parade to commemorate Naperville's 175th anniversary of incorporation. Months after he was acquitted of the charges, he filed his own federal civil rights lawsuit, alleging that police and city officials orchestrated a campaign against him based on his actions while serving on the council.

The prolonged legal battle cost city taxpayers more than $1 million in legal fees. After Judge Norgle granted Freeborn & Peters’ motion to dismiss, the parties began settlement negotiations.

"I'm happy this is over," remarked Terrence J. Sheahan, a Partner at Freeborn & Peters, who represented the City.  "I'm happy the council stood on principle and had the courage to fight this because it was the right thing to do."

("Naperville Councilman Drops Suit Over His 2006 Arrest,” Chicago Tribune, July 2, 2009 and "Furstenau, City Reach Settlement,” Naperville Sun, July 2, 2009).

For full Chicago Tribune article, click here.