Judge's civil suit against Vernon Hills dismissed

Vernon Hills officials on Thursday said they felt vindicated by the recent dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the village and two police officers by Lake County Judge David Hall.

“We have always maintained that the arrest of Judge Hall was proper and that our officers did not use excessive force or violate any of the judge's rights in making the arrest,” Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer said in a statement.

Mayor Roger Byrne added that the outcome was a vindication of police training and policies, and it was unfortunate that court resources and time were used for what he described as an “unnecessary action,” by Hall.

“It was too bad it came to that,” Byrne said.

Hall's attorney could not be reached for comment.

Hall named the estate of the late officer Jesse W. Goldsmith and his partner, Mark Sosnoski, as defendants in a federal suit regarding Hall's arrest three years ago on charges of DUI and resisting arrest.

In the suit, filed about a year ago, Hall contended the use of pepper spray by Goldsmith, who died of a heart attack in 2008, constituted excessive force.

Sosnoski was named for failing to intervene. Hall also named the village, saying he suffered injuries as a result of police department policies and procedures.

Several parties had given depositions and were cross-examined. At the end of that initial stage, Hall suggested the charges against the village be dismissed, Fleischhauer said.

Federal Judge Elaine Bucklo dismissed the case last month, with prejudice, meaning it can't be brought again. The dismissal also says each party will pay its own fees and costs. Vernon Hills waited to release the result pending official notification.

“Just the fact that the case has been dismissed is the important thing. It really vindicates the actions of the officers,” Fleischhauer said.

Hall, of Waukegan, was stopped in the early morning of Aug. 28, 2008, after he reportedly made a wide turn onto Route 60 at Route 21 and crossed the center line.

According to the report, Goldsmith pepper-sprayed Hall after he refused to get out of his car and tried to roll up the driver's side window.

Hall was chief circuit judge at the time. He resigned that position but remains on the bench.

The criminal case against Hall is ongoing.