A woman is suing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and a local order of Jesuits for at least $300,000, claiming a priest who performed services at a west suburban church "coerced" her into a sexual relationship.
The plaintiff, listed as Jane Doe, was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Parish in west suburban LaGrange when the Jesuit priest "coerced" her into sexual acts in 2003, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.
The suit claims the plaintiff and the priest, who is also a licensed clinical psychologist, had a close relationship that included counseling for her depression.
The plaintiff alleges the priest took advantage of her "emotional dependence" and engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with her.
It also claims negligence on the part of the Chicago Archdiocese and the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus for appointing the priest to a position of influence over parishioners.
A person affiliated with the St. Francis Xavier Parish in LaGrange said the priest assisted with an occasional mass and had been assigned to a church in another state.
The seven-count suit claims negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress and sexual exploitation in psychotherapy.
Chicago Archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt said officials there have not seen the lawsuit and therefore would be unable to comment.
The Chicago Province for the Society of Jesus did not return a call for comment Friday evening.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:43 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
