CICERO, Ill., Feb. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois
Appellate Court Friday ordered newly appointed Metropolitan Pier
and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Trustee Juan Ochoa to pay $21,202.90 to reimburse the Town of Cicero for costs of a failed lawsuit
he filed falsely alleging political harassment in the 2012
election.
Town President Larry Dominick
defeated Ochoa in a landslide vote in the Feb. 26, 2013 election garnering nearly 60
percent of votes cast.
Ochoa's lawsuit was dismissed by the Cook County Circuit Court
twice before on Dec. 5, 2013 and
again on July 21, 2014. Circuit Court
Presiding Judge Patrick J. Sherlock
described Ochoa's accusations as "devoid of factual
allegations."
The Appeals Court was just as harsh in its criticism of Ochoa's
lawsuit and legal assertions. Among many points noted in the
Appeals Court ruling that was issued Friday, it said Avila
misinterpreted past cases that he cited, including the landmark
2013 Garrido V Arena decision.
Attorney Frank Avila Jr., filed
Ochoa's lawsuit during the campaign as a political stunt to give
Ochoa an election and PR boost, Cicero officials countered at the time.
"Using the courts for political purposes is irresponsible for
any person in public service, but to do so purely for the purpose
of boosting his election is reprehensible," said Cicero Town
Spokesman Ray Hanania. "Ochoa's
lawsuit was twice dismissed forcing us to go to court to defend
ourselves. The accusations were ridiculous and were thrown out.
Circuit Judge Sherlock ordered Ochoa to reimburse the
Town. Instead Ochoa chose to be irresponsible and continued
this burden."
Hanania said Ochoa lost the election because voters were
satisfied with the leadership provided by President Dominick.
Hanania said a letter of demand was sent to Ochoa and his
attorney to pay the Town of Cicero
the $21,202.90 in costs.
Justice Joy V. Cunningham wrote
the Appellate Court decision. The Town of
Cicero and its officials and the Cicero Voters Alliance were
represented by the Fogarty Law Office, and the firm of Laner Muchin
Ltd.
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SOURCE Town of Cicero