A Moline woman is suing over the cyberstalking case involving ex-Rock Island County Sheriff Jeff Boyd.
It's the first time the woman's been publicly identified. Court records filed in federal court show that Andrea Favela is suing the former Sheriff and Rock Island County for an unspecified amount of money.
The suit claims Favela's civil rights were violated when Boyd in his role as Sheriff started harassing and stalking her after meeting her at a local gym. At the time she was an undocumented immigrant, who says when she rejected Boyd's advances, threats from the Sheriff started.
Boyd left office last year after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.
Favela has hired the Chicago law firm headed by attorney Lawrence Jackowiak.
"When you've got someone with that kind of power sending vague threats about going to jail, going to prison, arrest warrants, deportation. The harassment, the stalking, the vague threats were very disturbing to Ms. Favela and caused her injury, including emotional distress," Jackowiak said in an interview with WQAD.
The lawsuit reiterates much of the criminal complaint against Boyd, when he was prosecuted by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office.
Favela is also suing Boyd's former employer, Rock Island County.
"He was in his county vehicle, stalking her. These are all things he was doing while employed with the county and using his phone given to him by the county. So under Illinois law, the county is also financially responsible for his misconduct," Jackowiak said.
A hearing date to set a trial date has not been scheduled.