Marseilles mayor, multiple city employees sue commissioner for defamation

Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck and three city employees filed a defamation lawsuit against Commissioner Michael Scheib this week, alleging he publicly questioned their integrity and work ethic in a Facebook post.

Filed Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court, the lawsuit said Scheib posted on March 24 that the city “did not need employees to run City Hall, but just five honest people working one-hour days.”

According to court documents, the plaintiffs - Hollenbeck, Deputy City Clerk Catherine Strottner, Administrative Assistant Terri Crum and City Clerk Lesley Hart - said the comment implied they were dishonest and negligent in their duties, resulting in embarrassment, public ridicule and emotional distress.

Scheib, however, denies he was referring to City Hall employees.

“I was addressing the part-time nature of the City Council and wasn’t referring to city employees whatsoever,” Scheib said.

Scheib made reference to a confidential agreement the city of Marseilles and Mayor Jim Hollenbeck reached to pay a city official $15,000 in exchange for dropping a discrimination complaint. The employee filed a “charge of discrimination” with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the city and Hollenbeck, according to the May 31, 2023, agreement received by Shaw Local through a Freedom of Information Act request.

“ ... and I’m the one being sued,” Scheib said after making reference to that case.

Scheib has been involved in disputes at recent Marseilles City Council sessions, including many with Hollenbeck.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages between $15,000 and $50,000.

According to court documents, the plaintiffs said the post has caused them significant personal distress, including loss of sleep, appetite and increased stress.

Randy Gordon, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said his clients had hoped to avoid legal action.

“My clients have put up with an awful lot for a very long time and had hoped it would never come to this,” Gordon said. “They’ve endured a lot, and it will all come out in the depositions and at the trial.”

Gordon is based in Morris and practices at Gordon Law Offices.

The case is ongoing, with both sides expected to provide additional statements and evidence during the trial.