SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Supreme Court Justices granted an outside judge to former Madison County officials Doug Hulme and Rob Dorman for a suit over their termination in 2020.
Hulme and Dorman petitioned for a judge from another circuit on Aug. 31, stating that assignment of any 20th Judicial Circuit judge would create an appearance of impropriety.
The state Supreme Court directed Seventh Circuit Chief Judge Chris Reif of Sangamon County to assign a judge.
Michael Lawder of St. Louis filed the suit in August, alleging defamation and loss of reputation, salaries, pension rights, and insurance.
He claimed neither Hulme nor Dorman violated laws or county rules.
He sought damages from former State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons, former Chief Judge Bill Mudge, Special Prosecutor Jennifer Mudge, Treasurer Chris Slusser, Sheriff Jeff Connor, former Sheriff John Lakin, and former Sheriff’s Captain John Vucich.
He also sought damages from Circuit Clerk Tom McRae, who as a county board member voted to terminate Hulme and Dorman, and from former board members Ray Wesley, Jamie Goggin, Erica Harriss and Mike Parkinson.