Judge throws out sexual assault lawsuit against former CPD boss Eddie Johnson
CHICAGO — A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit that accused Chicago’s former top cop of sexually assaulting a female officer.
Cynthia Donald had been a member of Eddie Johnson’s security detail when she said former Chicago police Supt. Eddie Johnson assaulted her multiple times over several years.
The suit also alleged that Johnson suppressed evidence.
“Eddie Johnson repeatedly abused and harassed me and made it clear I had to follow his orders, which included unwanted sexual activity, in order to keep my job,” Donald said in October 2020. “The Chicago Police Department and City of Chicago need to be held accountable for what happened to me and what is likely happening to other female officers.”
Donald served as Johnson’s driver and was with him during the now-infamous incident in October 2019 when the then-police superintendent was found slumped over the wheel of his SUV.
Johnson later admitted to having drinks with Donald that night.
On Wednesday, March 20, federal judge Elain Bucklo tossed all claims in the case, citing that the sexual relationship between Johnson and Donald was “consensual.” Explicit text messages, which showed Donald telling Johnson that she loved him, in addition to photos, led to the judge’s decision.
“Though Donald presents some evidence that could be construed as signals to Johnson that his conduct was unwelcome, it is overwhelmed by evidence to the contrary,” the judge stated.
Donald told the judge she was intimidated by Johnson and sought to appease him to avoid harm and keep her job, however.
Johnson’s legal team applauded the judge’s ruling: “Mr. Johnson is extremely pleased and grateful for the Court’s Ruling today dismissing Ms. Donald’s claims. The Court clearly got it right and applied a common sense analysis. Mr. Johnson has always owned up to and acknowledged that he engaged in a consensual relationship with Ms. Donald.”
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Donald’s attorney said she is disappointed by the judge’s decision and plans to appeal.
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