A woman has filed suit against the Wood River police officer whom she alleges began sending her text messages after he arrested her.
Jennifer Scholbe alleges defendant Wood River police officer Jeremy Elliott obtained her cell phone number while he was arresting her. On Aug. 15, he began sending her text messages through his cell phone issued to him by the city of Wood River, according to the complaint filed Dec. 1 in Madison County Circuit Court.
In the text messages, Elliott offered to have the criminal charges against Scholbe dropped in exchange for sexual favors, requested Scholbe perform oral sex and requested a picture of Scholbe's genitals, the suit states.
Elliott eventually was arrested and charged with official misconduct for the text messages he sent to Scholbe, the complaint says.
"Defendant Elliott knew or should have known that the messages to plaintiff would cause her emotional distress," the suit states.
Wood River negligently failed to monitor Elliott use of police issued equipment, failed to supervise Elliott while on duty and failed properly train Elliott regarding the use of personal information, the complaint says.
In her complaint, Scholbe seeks a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs, attorney fees and interest. Attorneys Janet L. Freeman and Edward W. Unsell of East Alton will represent Scholbe.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1636.
Wood River cop accused of dropping charges in exchange for favors
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY