Trial Magazine

Renard Jackson was in the kitchen of his girlfriend’s home when Chicago police officers executed a search warrant at the residence. The officers found a semiautomatic assault rifle and elicited a purported confession from Jackson that he had found the gun and intended to sell it for Christmas money. Jackson was subsequently charged and convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He remained in prison for approximately four years until an appellate court vacated his conviction.

Jackson sued the city of Chicago for malicious prosecution, civil conspiracy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He claimed that the police officers wrongfully accused him of owning the assault rifle when he did not live at his girlfriend’s residence where the gun was found.

Suit claimed that documents the police found at the home, including a child support document bearing Jackson’s name, listed a different address for him. The plaintiff also argued that the officers had fabricated his confession and made up facts about his connection to the assault rifle.

The jury awarded $5.75 million.

Citation: Jackson v. City of Chi., No. 2016-L-009735 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. Aug. 27, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Ian M. Barney, Winnetka, Ill.; and Jason E. Hammond and Timothy Fiscella, both of Chicago.