CHICAGO – A trial is set to begin in Cook County Circuit Court on Monday, February 7, 2022 against a Skokie hotel where a businesswoman was raped by the hotel’s security guard in 2013.
A jury will be selected on Monday in Daley Center Courtroom #2407 and opening statements are expected to begin on Tuesday, February 8 before the Honorable Judge Robert Sennechalle Jr. (Time TBD)
On October 2, 2013, 49-year-old mother of three, Karla Gress of the Dallas, Texas area, was staying at the Holiday Inn Chicago Northshore – Skokie, owned by Lakhani Hospitality Inc, while here on a business trip. Mrs. Gress’ attorneys say the hotel security guard, Alhagie Singhateh, while on duty, sexually assaulted their client who was a guest at the hotel.
Mrs. Gress reported the attack within 24 hours of the assault and immediately underwent a rape kit. The DNA found in the rape kit was a match to Singhateh.
The hotel continued to employ the security guard for more than a year after the attack. Mrs. Gress’ attorneys argue that the owners of the Holiday Inn Northshore – Skokie, were negligent on a multitude of levels, including being aware of the security guard’s likelihood of committing such acts based on his employee file.
Mrs. Gress is represented by attorney Tara Devine of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, and attorneys Brian Monico and John Chwarzynski Jr. of Hale & Monico. Attorney Jaclyn Wilcox of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard will also be assisting with trial.
For more information, please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com.
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Case No.: 15 L 001314 [Karla Gress, et al., v. Lakhani Hospitality Inc., et al.]
