Plaintiffs ask for case management order in Saline Township sexual misconduct suits

Six women who have sued Saline Township and former Township Supervisor Alvin Steiner on claims that Steiner sexually harassed and groped them are asking for a case management order in their cases.

Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth recently entered an order dismissing a number of the counts brought by plaintiffs Elizabeth Watkins, Ailie Ritchie, Jamie Miener, Laura Barry, Melanie Hedlund, and Tara Reding last month.

All of the women allege that while acting as township supervisor, Steiner sexually battered them when they came seeking public aid from Saline Township.

Steiner, who resigned from his office in 2009, denies the claims.

Saline Township, initially sued as Steiner's employer, also denies the allegations.

Ruth dismissed the actions against the township in his most recent order but denied Steiner's motion to dismiss.

The plaintiffs moved April 27 for a case management order that would set trials for the suits.

The cases have been consolidated for hearing purposes but not for trial.

According to the April 27 filing, the plaintiffs claim they will not amend their complaints further.

"Barring something unforeseen being uncovered in discovery, Plaintiffs do not intend to amend their complaints, and intend to stand on their pleadings," the motion reads.

The plaintiffs write that they will be able to try each case beginning in October and could conclude each trial by the end of this year.

They ask Ruth to set the suits for trial between October and December.

A case management conference is set May 25 at 9 a.m. before Ruth as well.

Thomas and Peter Maag represent the plaintiffs.

Lori Vanderlaan and others represent Saline Township.

Mark Weinheimer and others represent Steiner.

The Saline Township suits are Madison case numbers 10-L-31, 10-L-145, 10-L-178, 10-L-219, 10-L-309, and 10-L-555.