A federal judge has ruled in favor of former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson in a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by police officer Cynthia Donald. The lawsuit, which alleged that Johnson coerced Donald into engaging in sexual acts to maintain her job as his personal driver, was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo.
Judge Bucklo cited evidence that suggested Donald willingly participated in the relationship with Johnson, leading to the dismissal of all claims against him without a trial. Johnson's attorney, Michael Leonard, reiterated that his client had always maintained the relationship was consensual.
In response to the ruling, Donald's attorney, Robert McLaughlin, expressed disappointment and announced plans to appeal the decision. The lawsuit against Johnson stemmed from events that occurred during his tenure as Chicago Police Superintendent, which ended in his dismissal in December 2019.
Johnson was fired after being found unconscious behind the wheel of his department SUV, with then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot accusing him of dishonesty regarding the incident. While Johnson initially attributed his condition to a change in medication, subsequent reports and surveillance footage revealed that he had consumed alcohol heavily that night.
