EDWARDSVILLE — An Illinois attorney, who was previously sanctioned for his conduct during litigation, and his client are accused of illegally acquiring a private database to benefit their case.
Eagle Trust Fund, a voluntary unincorporated association, by trustee John Schlafly, and the Phyllis Schlafly Revocable Trust, by its trustee John Schlafly, filed a complaint Dec. 2 in the Third Judicial Circuit for Madison County against Elizabeth Miller, Anne Schlafly Cori, Erick Solverud and Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, alleging violation of the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, civil conspiracy and other claims.
According to the complaint, Eagle Trust Fund maintained the "Schlafly Database," which contains the private information of constituents and donors as well as the "Schlafly Network," which is used for the Schlafly Network's fundraising. The plaintiffs claim the database is only accessed through "a locked office on one protected computer" at its Alton office.
The plaintiffs allege that for more than 20 years, Miller had access to the database as an Eagle Trust Fund employee. They claim Miller downloaded encrypted database information and then had the files decrypted without the plaintiffs' authorization.
The plaintiffs claim Miller engaged in the alleged acts with Solverud, a licensed attorney in the state of Illinois who was representing Cori in litigation against the plaintiffs. They also allege Cori, Miller and Solverud used the database to solicit donations and members away from their fund and to confuse donors.
The plaintiffs seek compensation of more than $75,000 and all other just relief. They are represented by Christopher Levy of The Law Office of Christopher Levy LLC in St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 20-L-001699