Alderman Claims Principal Tried Extortion

CHICAGO (CN) - A Chicago alderman claims in court that a school principal tried to extort him for $1 million by threatening to file a lawsuit accusing him of being a sexual predator.

Anthony Beale, alderman of Chicago's South Side 9th Ward, sued Dr. Dushon Brown in Cook County Court. They are the only parties to the lawsuit. Brown is a Ph.D., not a medical doctor.

The complaint states: "Over the course of almost a whole year, Dushon Brown, by and through her attorney, Peter Katsaros, has attempted to extort money from Alderman Beale by making allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct and interference with her employment with Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Brown alleges that this conduct occurred almost five years ago in 2008. Yet, for reasons still unknown, she failed to take action against the alderman until after unrelated CPS [Chicago Public Schools] dismissal chargers were filed against her in 2012.

"Ms. Brown is currently on unpaid suspension from CPS and is awaiting a decision on whether her employment will be terminated. Until then, she is using illegal intimidation tactics, including threatening litigation, in an attempt to extort one million dollars from the alderman," the complaint states.

Katsaros, on behalf of his client, sent Beale four letters accusing the alderman of sexually preying on Brown, and demanding money to prevent from her filing an embarrassing lawsuit, Beale claims in the lawsuit.

The first letter was sent in February this year, in the middle of Beale's unsuccessful campaign in a special election to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress. The fourth letter, sent in December, demanded $1 million for Brown's silence, according to the lawsuit.

Beale claims in the complaint that "almost a year after first being contacted, the alderman still refused to be intimidated by defendant and her attorney."

Instead, he filed this lawsuit.

He seeks punitive damages for extortion and emotional distress.

He is represented by Victor Henderson with Henderson Adam.

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