IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
PEORIA DIVISION
JONATHAN DANIEL,
Plaintiff,
vs.
THE CITY OF PEORIA, et al.,
Defendants.

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No. 14 CV 01232

Honorable Michael M. Mihm
Magistrate Judge Schanzle-Haskins

RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and
between Jonathan Daniel and City of Peoria, Illinois, Jim Ardis, Patrick Urich, Christopher
Setti, Sam Rivera, Steven Settingsgaard, James Feehan, Stevie Hughes, Jr., and Sonni
Williams.
In summary, Plaintiff agrees to dismiss with prejudice City of Peoria, Illinois from the
Complaint filed by him, Jonathan Daniel vs. The City of Peoria, et al., 14–CV–01232 (Central
District of Illinois), and to release City of Peoria from any claims or causes of action as set
forth in detail below, in exchange for City of Peoria, Illinois’ agreement to pay a settlement
amount of One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($125,000.00), to
implement a directive relative to the future enforcement of Illinois’ statute on false
personation of public officials, 720 ILCS 5/17–2(b) (“False Personation Statute Directive”),
and to release Plaintiff from any claims or causes of action as set forth in detail below.
Plaintiff further agrees to dismiss Defendants Jim Ardis, Patrick Urich, Christopher Setti, Sam
Rivera, Steven Settingsgaard, James Feehan, Stevie Hughes, Jr., and Sonni Williams from the

 lawsuit with prejudice and to release said Defendants from any claims or causes of action, as
set forth below, in exchange for said Defendants’ release of Plaintiff from any claims or
causes of action as set forth in detail below.
AGREEMENT
1.0

Definitions. When used in this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
1.1

Plaintiff. The term “Plaintiff” shall refer to Jonathan Daniel.

1.2

Defendant(s). The term “Defendant” shall refer to City of Peoria, Illinois and,

when used in the plural, shall also refer to its current or former employees named in
the Lawsuit.
1.3

Individual Defendants. The term “Individual Defendants” shall refer

collectively to Defendants Jim Ardis, Patrick Urich, Christopher Setti, Sam Rivera,
Steven Settingsgaard, James Feehan, Stevie Hughes, Jr., and Sonni Williams.
1.4

Lawsuit. The term “Lawsuit” shall mean any and all claims against the

Defendants which arose or could have arisen from the facts alleged in the lawsuit
captioned Jonathan Daniel vs. The City of Peoria, et al., 14–CV–01232 (Central District of
Illinois).
1.5

Parties. The term “Parties” shall refer to the parties to this Agreement.

1.6

Plaintiff’s Attorneys. The term “Plaintiff’s Attorneys” shall refer to the

attorneys of the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc. and the law firms of Miller
Shakman & Beem LLP and Schiff Hardin LLP.
2.0

Denial of Allegations in the Lawsuit. This action has been brought by Plaintiff in an

Amended Complaint alleging numerous causes of action, including but not limited to

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 actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Illinois Constitution, the Privacy Protection
Act, and state law intentional torts. The Defendants deny each and every allegation of
wrongdoing, and deny liability and damages.
3.0

No Admission of Liability. The Parties and their respective attorneys acknowledge

and agree that this settlement is made to avoid the uncertainty of the outcome of litigation,
the expense in time and money of further litigation and for the purpose of judicial
economy. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the settlement of this Lawsuit is not an
admission of liability or wrongful conduct by or on the part of any Defendant and/or
Defendant’s future, current or former Council members, officers, agents and employees,
that Defendants have agreed to settle this matter for economic reasons relative to the costs
of further litigation, and that this settlement agreement shall not serve as evidence or
notice of any wrongdoing by or on the part of any Defendant or agent. Nothing in this
paragraph alters the obligation of the City of Peoria, Illinois and its agents to comply with
Paragraph 9.0.
4.0

Subject to Approval by the Peoria City Council. The Parties agree that all terms

contained in this Agreement are subject to approval by the Peoria City Council. This
Agreement cannot be enforced until such time that the Peoria City Council formally
approves the Agreement and executes it.
5.0

Dismissal With Prejudice. In consideration of the hereinafter indicated settlement

entered pursuant to this Agreement, and upon advice of counsel and receipt of a fully
executed settlement agreement and receipt of payment as stated in Paragraphs 6.1 and 8.0,
Plaintiff, Jonathan Daniel, agrees to dismiss City of Peoria, Illinois, from the lawsuit with

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 prejudice, with each side bearing its own costs and attorneys’ fees. At the same time, and
in consideration of Individual Defendants’ agreement to release Plaintiff from any claims
and causes of action as set forth below, Plaintiff, Jonathan Daniel, agrees to dismiss
Individual Defendants from the lawsuit with prejudice, with each side bearing its own
costs and attorney’s fees.
6.0

Release and Discharge.
6.1

The undersigned, JONATHAN DANIEL, for the sole consideration of the

release in Paragraph 6.5, the Payment Terms specified in Paragraph 8.0 and
implementation and distribution of False Personation Statute Directive Terms specified in
Paragraph 9.0, infra, and effective upon receipt of the Payment Terms specified in
Paragraph 8.0 and the implementation and initial distribution of the False Personation
Statute Directive Terms specified in Paragraph 9, does remise, release, acquit and forever
discharge, City of Peoria, Illinois as well as its past, present and future employees, elected
officials, agents, heirs, executors, administrators, insurers, officers, members, and directors
of and from any and all past, present and future actions, claims, demands, setoffs, debts,
sums of money, accounts, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, financial
obligations, actions, causes of action, suits at law or in equity, judgments, costs, of any
nature whatsoever, including any and all claims for personal physical injuries, mental
anguish and suffering and loss of normal life, which arose or could have arisen from the
facts alleged or claims made in the Lawsuit, which Plaintiff owns, has or may have against
the Released Parties, whether known or unknown, including without limitation, those at
law, in tort (including actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Illinois Constitution, or the

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 Privacy Protection Act) or in equity. Nothing in this paragraph (6.1) releases Defendants
from their obligations under this Agreement.
6.2

This release and discharge shall also apply to Defendants’ past, present and

future officers, attorneys, agents, servants, elected officials, affiliates, boards, councils,
partners, predecessors and successors in interest, assigns, and all other persons, firms, or
corporations with whom any of the former have been, are now or may hereafter be
affiliated.
6.3

Plaintiff expressly waives and assumes risk for any and all claims for

damages that exist as of this date, but of which Plaintiff does not know or suspect to exist
whether through ignorance, oversight, error, negligence, or otherwise, which, if known,
would materially affect Plaintiff’s decision to enter into this Agreement. Plaintiff further
agrees that he has accepted payment of the sum specified herein, the release in Paragraph
6.5, and implementation of the False Personation Statute Directive terms specified herein
as a complete compromise of matters involving disputed issues of law and fact. Plaintiff
assumes the risk that the facts or law may be other than Plaintiff believes. It is understood
and agreed to by the Parties that this settlement is a compromise of a disputed claim and
the payments are not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of the
Released Parties, by whom liability is expressly denied.
6.4

This release, on the part of Plaintiff, shall be a fully binding and complete

settlement between Plaintiff and the Released Parties and their respective heirs, assigns
and successors.

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 6.5

The Defendants hereby remise, release, acquit and forever discharge, the

Plaintiff of and from any and all past, present and future actions, claims, demands, setoffs,
debts, sums of money, accounts, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees,
financial obligations, actions, causes of action, suits at law or in equity, judgments, costs, of
any nature whatsoever, including any and all claims for personal physical injuries, mental
anguish and suffering and loss of normal life, which arose or could have arisen from the
facts alleged or claims made in the Lawsuit, which Defendants own, have or may have
against the Plaintiff, whether known or unknown, including without limitation, those at
law, in tort (including actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Illinois Constitution, or the
Privacy Protection Act) or in equity.
7.0

Liens. Plaintiff, JONATHAN DANIEL, represents that there are no liens, and

acknowledges that the Released Parties have materially relied on that representation in
entering into this Agreement. The Defendants represent that they have not received notice of
and are not otherwise aware of any lien or claim of a lien against Plaintiff. In consideration of
this settlement entered pursuant to this Agreement, and upon advice of counsel, Plaintiff, for
himself, his heirs, representatives, successors and assigns agrees to defend, indemnify and
hold harmless the Released Parties and their attorneys, from any and all claims, losses,
damages, obligations, or expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred, or which
may be incurred, by reason of any lien or any other claim, counter-claim, cross-claim, or suit,
including suit for contribution, indemnity or interest held by any person, entity or
corporation against any monies received or to be received by Plaintiff under this settlement

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 entered pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to any attorneys’ liens,
physicians’ liens, Medicare/Medicaid liens, or Social Security liens.
8.0

Payment Terms. In consideration for the releases set forth in Paragraph 6 above,

Defendant City of Peoria agrees to pay the total amount of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($125,000.00) as follows:
8.1

Single Payment. Defendant, pursuant to this Agreement, shall issue

payment to “Jonathan Daniel and the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc.” in the
amount of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS.
Plaintiff agrees, understands, and acknowledges that all monies owed by Defendant
pursuant to this Agreement are to be paid to Jonathan Daniel and the Roger Baldwin
Foundation of ACLU, Inc. The payment shall be delivered to Plaintiff’s attorneys at the
Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU either by mailing a valid check return receipt, or by
use of a commercial carrier, or by electronic funds transfer.
8.2

Individuals Have No Obligation to Pay. It is expressly agreed that any

individuals who have been sued in the Lawsuit shall not be responsible for payment of
any sum under this Agreement.
8.3

Discharge of Obligation to Pay. Effective on the date that Plaintiff receives

the full amount specified in Paragraph 8.1, to Jonathan Daniel and the Roger Baldwin
Foundation of ACLU, Inc., Plaintiff releases and forever discharges Defendant from any
and all obligation to make payment under this Agreement, including from Plaintiff’s
Attorneys’ non-payment or underpayment to Plaintiff for any reason whatsoever.

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 8.4

Hold Harmless. In the event of a dispute between Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s

Attorneys concerning the payment of settlement proceeds directly to Plaintiff (including
any non-payment or underpayment), should any claim be asserted against Defendant or
its past, current, or future officers, employees or agents, then Plaintiff’s Attorneys agree to
defend, indemnify and hold harmless Defendant and its past, current, or former officers,
employees or agents from such claim. Delivery confirmation of payment (i.e., delivery
confirmation by mail, commercial carrier or electronic funds transfer) shall constitute
sufficient evidence to trigger Plaintiff’s Attorneys’ obligation under this Paragraph.
9.0

False Personation Statute Directive Terms. In consideration of the releases set forth

in Paragraph 6 above, Defendant agrees to implement the False Personation Statute
Directive (attached hereto as Exhibit 1), including but not limited to announcing and
distributing Exhibit 1 to all current City of Peoria police officers at roll call and certifying
to the ACLU that they have done so. Defendant City of Peoria further agrees that it will
continue to abide by the terms of the False Personation Statute Directive until and unless a
specific change in circumstances, such as a modification in the governing law or a change
in the interpretation of the law by the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s office, provides
Defendant a good faith belief that adherence to the terms of the False Personation Statute
Directive are no longer appropriate. Defendant agrees that before any decision to no
longer abide by the terms of said directive is implemented, Defendant will first consult
with the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc., and explain the basis for any intent to
deviate from the terms of the False Personation Statute Directive, and provide it with an
opportunity to persuade Defendant that the terms of the False Personation Statute

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 Directive should remain in effect. Defendant further agees that, in the event no agreement
can be reached regarding any deviation from or modification to the terms of the False
Personation Statute Directive, Defendant will not effectuate any such deviation or
modification before first providing Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc. a reasonable
opportunity to bring a legal challenge to any contemplated action regarding the False
Personation Statute Directive.
10.0

Tax. Plaintiff acknowledges and agrees that neither the Defendants nor any of their

representatives have made any tax representations or conclusions nor provided any tax
advice to Plaintiff. Plaintiff acknowledges he sought his own tax advice and legal counsel
with respect to these matters and shall be responsible for any taxes, penalties and interest
payable on this settlement amount.
11.0

Attorneys’ Fees. Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Attorneys release, waive and relinquish

any claims or rights against the Released Parties to attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses
allegedly incurred or due in the Lawsuit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988, or under any other
statute, rule or common law provision. Each party hereto shall bear all attorneys’ fees and
costs arising from the actions of its own counsel in connection with the Agreement, the
matters and documents referred to herein, and all related matters.
12.0

Review by Attorney. The Parties to this Agreement agree that they have read and

understand this Agreement, and that this Agreement has been reviewed by their
respective attorneys. The Parties to this Agreement agree and understand that no
promises or representations other than those that appear in this Agreement have been
made to them by the other party or by any attorney representing the other party.

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 13.0

Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the

Parties to the Agreement, and there are no other covenants, agreements, promises, terms,
provisions, conditions, undertakings or understandings, either oral or written, between the
Parties.
14.0

Headings. The headings, captions, numbering system, etc. are inserted only as a

matter of convenience and may under no circumstances be considered in interpreting the
provisions of the Agreement.
15.0

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,

each of which will for all purposes be deemed to be an original and all of which are
identical.
16.0

Applicable Law, Place of Performance. All obligations contained in this Agreement

are to be performed in City of Peoria, Illinois.
17.0

Date of Agreement. This Agreement shall be dated on the last date that appears on the

execution pages.
18.0

Construction of this Agreement. Terms contained herein shall not be construed

against a party merely because that party or its attorney is or was the principal drafter. It
is understood and agreed that should any provision, portion or term of this Agreement be
declared unlawful, null, void, against public policy or illegal, such declaration or
determination shall have no effect upon the enforceability of the remaining provisions,
portions or terms of this Agreement and this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.

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 19.0

Modification of Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed, modified or

assigned except by written agreement of the Parties.
20.0

Cooperation In Dismissal of Lawsuit. All Parties to this Agreement agree to

cooperate in seeking the dismissal of the Lawsuit with prejudice, as well as to file any
supplementary documents and to take all additional actions which are consistent with and
which may be necessary or appropriate to give full force and effect to the basic terms and
intent of this Agreement.
21.0

Representation of Authority. The person signing on behalf of any Defendant

represents and warrants that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the Defendants
and that the agreement is binding on the Defendants.

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 AGREED:

___________________________
Date

JONATHAN DANIEL

______________________________
Counsel for Jonathan Daniel
Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc.
180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2300
Chicago, Illinois 60601

___________________________
Date

______________________________
Counsel for Jonathan Daniel
Miller Shakman & Beem, LLP
180 North LaSalle Street, Suite 3600
Chicago, Illinois 60601

___________________________
Date

______________________________
Counsel for Jonathan Daniel
Schiff Hardin LLP
233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6600
Chicago, Illinois 60606

___________________________
Date

______________________________
CITY OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS

___________________________
Date

______________________________
JIM ARDIS

___________________________
Date

______________________________
PATRICK URICH

___________________________
Date

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 ______________________________
CHRISTOPHER SETTI

___________________________
Date

______________________________
SAM RIVERA

___________________________
Date

______________________________
STEVEN SETTINGSGAARD

___________________________
Date

______________________________
JAMES FEEHAN

___________________________
Date

______________________________
STEVIE HUGHES, JR.

___________________________
Date

______________________________
SONNI WILLIAMS

___________________________
Date

______________________________
Counsel for City of Peoria, Illinois, Jim Ardis,
Patrick Urich, Christopher Setti, Sam Rivera,
Steven Settingsgaard, James Feehan,
Stevie Hughes, Jr., and Sonni Williams
The Sotos Law Firm, P.C.
550 East Devon Avenue, Suite 150
Itasca, Illinois 60143

____________________________
Date

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