Law firm asks to withdraw from harassment suit against pastor

A Chicago law firm representing a woman pursuing a sexual harassment case against a local pastor is moving to withdraw from the case.

"Due to professional differences, the Law Offices of Eugene K. Hollander can no longer represent the plaintiff in this cause," the Aug. 13 motion states.

Hollander was scheduled to appear before Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder today in a case filed last year against the Rev. Donald Sanford and Canaan Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Madison.

The church settled with plaintiff Jane Doe in February.

Doe alleges Sanford made sexual advances while she sought counseling for “various types of secular issues.” She alleges that the pastor’s position of authority compelled her to consent to several encounters, which Sanford has denied.

The church had previously argued that any contact that may have occurred between Doe and Sanford was consensual.

Doe’s suit seeks a judgment of more than $50,000.

Robert Elovitz of Edwardsville represents Sanford.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 13-L-160