Woman Sues Sheriff Over Immigration Status Bullying

An undocumented worker has filed a lawsuit against a former county sheriff alleging that he offered to help her change her immigration status in exchange for sexual favors. Andrea Favela, an undocumented worker from Mexico, stated that former Rock Island County Sheriff Jeff Boyd offered her money and assistance in changing her immigration status. The suit states that Sheriff Boyd had a “romantic interest” in Ms. Favela and that he had sent her a number of unsolicited text messages.

Sheriff Offers Money, Immigration Status Help

Ms. Favela’s civil lawsuit comes after a federal case in which Sheriff Boyd was charged with attempted official misconduct. The federal case revealed the nature of the text messages to a woman identified only as “A.F.” Documents from the federal case also showed that Sheriff Boyd had offered “A.F.” money and assistance in changing her immigration status. The revelations from the case prompted Sheriff Boyd to resign last September and enter an Alford plea on the charges. An Alford plea stipulates that the prosecution has enough evidence to prove their case, but that the defendant does not admit guilt.

Did Sheriff Bully Woman Over Immigration Status?

An earlier report detailed an investigation by the Illinois State Police into Sheriff Boyd’s alleged pursuit of Ms. Favela. Documents released by the State Police showed that the sheriff had attempted to win over Ms. Favela into a romantic relationship by offering to help her with her immigration status. After she rejected his advances, Sheriff Boyd allegedly used his position to intimidate and harass Ms. Favela, including sending her a threatening anonymous text message.

Immigration Status And “Cyberstalking”

Sheriff Boyd eventually pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. He was ordered to pay $232 in court costs and sentenced to one year on probation. He was also prohibited from contacting Ms. Favela, as well as prevented from inquiring about or assisting with her immigration status. Sheriff Boyd resigned shortly after a meeting with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. AG Madigan filed the cyberstalking charges against Sheriff Boyd and accepted his guilty plea.

Immigration Status Lawsuit Includes County, Sheriff’s Office

Ms. Favela’s lawsuit also names the Rock Island County government and the county sheriff’s office as co-defendants. Rock Island County State’s Attorney John McGehee told reporters that his office would defend the county and the sheriff’s office, but that his office “will not be representing Jeff Boyd in his individual capacity.” When reached for comment, Sheriff Boyd said that he has not been served with the suit and did not say whether he had hired an attorney.

Source: Quad City Times (1) (2)

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