Edwardsville woman sues ex-husband over malicious prosecution and 'frivolous' filings

An Edwardsville woman claims her ex-husband filed false complaints and restraining orders against her in multiple states.

Sandra Allen filed a lawsuit June 30 in Madison County Circuit Court against Thomas Allen.

At the time of their divorce in 2009, the Allens owned several properties in Illinois, Missouri and Florida, according to the complaint. Leading up to the finalized divorce, Thomas allegedly filed several restraining orders against Sandra, including one in October 2008. Thomas claimed the contentious nature of the divorce and the possibility that he and Sandra may be hunting on the various jointly-owned properties at the same time created a potentially dangerous situation. He was able to get the order stipulated in November 2008, clarifying where each could hunt separately.

 

In March 2009 Thomas filed another petition for order of protection claiming Sandra told their daughter she was going to kill him and then herself, the lawsuit states. Sandra says that order was granted without a hearing. In June 2009 Sandra says Thomas filed an injunction to prevent her from attending a business meeting in Wyoming, claiming he was attending the same meeting and was fearful of being harassed. Sandra says that injunction was denied.

In December 2010 and January 2011, according to the lawsuit, Thomas claimed Sandra came onto his property without permission and threatened him. She says he again filed for an order of protection but was denied because of a lack of evidence. In March 2013 Thomas allegedly tried to prevent Sandra from attending another business meeting in Florida by filing an injunction in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, telling the court Sandra had threatened him. He allegedly reported his ex-wife was on drugs and had mental health problems. That petition for injunction was entered ex parte, meaning only one side was heard, and Sandra was escorted from the Miami hotel when she tried to attend. When the petition was brought before a judge after the convention was over, it was allegedly dismissed because Thomas did not appear.

Sandra accuses Thomas of malicious prosecution for filing frivolous and false complaints against her. She is also suing him for defamation and asks for more than $100,000 in punitive damages plus court costs.

She is represented by attorney Christopher M. Donohoo of East Alton. They request a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-927