EAST ST. LOUIS – Chester Mental Health managers requested another extension of time to pay Carbondale lawyer Shari Rhode a $1,350 sanction they’ve owed her since October and a $2,250 sanction they’ve owed her since February.
They missed a July 24 payment deadline, and instead Assistant Attorney General Tara Bennett moved for an extension to Aug. 7.
She claimed the state comptroller informed her that vouchers “were released today.”
She requested time to confirm that Rhode received payments.
“Undersigned counsel does not request this extension to delay these proceedings or to frustrate the parties or this Court,” she wrote.
Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy Rosenstengel awarded sanctions for discovery violations not only in cash but also in trial preparation.
She ruled the managers couldn’t initiate discovery and she struck their affirmative defenses.
Rhode represents Angela Cowell, who sued managers Travis Nottmeier, Jaima Klausing, and Jessica Lawson in 2021.
She alleged harassment and discrimination in violation of rights under Illinois human rights law and under federal laws on civil rights, disability, and family and medical leave.
Former District Judge Patrick Murphy mediated the case on July 5 and July 20, and no settlement resulted.