Former IT manager sues West Chicago over pay

West Chicago's former information technology manager is alleging her former bosses conspired to keep from paying her severance pay when they let her go.

Valerie Becker, a 25-year-employee of the city before losing her job last May, is locked in a legal fight with the city to recoup more than $22,000 in severance pay.

The city filed a civil lawsuit in November, alleging Becker violated the terms of an agreement with the city by refusing to hand over passwords to certain parts of West Chicago's computer systems, according to the nine-page complaint filed in DuPage County.

The lawsuit further claims Becker installed spy software on computers used by three city employees and failed to upgrade and backup several key computer systems, causing the city more than $117,000 in damages.

Calls to West Chicago's attorney, Patrick Bond, weren't returned. A call placed to the city seeking comment was referred to Bond's office.

In response, Becker filed a counter lawsuit last month alleging city officials conspired to prevent Becker from recouping her severance pay.

The countersuit claims the city unsuccessfully challenged Becker's claim for unemployment benefits.

The countersuit, which also named Bond as a defendant, claimed West Chicago's attorney defamed Becker and threatened the employment of her daughter, an employee with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Becker declined comment, referring to her attorney, Matthew Robinson.

"The city of West Chicago is spending thousands of taxpayer dollars all just to avoid paying Ms. Becker her severance package," Robinson said. "Part of me wonders why they're doing it. There's no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. They're just a regular family."