Election Judge Wins Doxing Lawsuit Over Fake Trump Facebook Post

HOMER GLEN, IL — A Will County election judge has been awarded a judgment of $45,901.10 against former Homer Township Collector Michael Gondek over fake images circulated on social media that falsely depict her praising the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.

The judgment was awarded under Illinois' Civil Liability for Doxing Act, according to a news release from Bolingbrook attorney Joe Giamanco.

Giamanco represented Ellen Moriarty, who also serves as the Homer Township Democratic Organization treasurer.

Under the statute, “doxing” includes the intentional publication of another person’s personally identifiable information, including social media profiles, without consent
under circumstances involving intent to harm or harass and resulting harm, including economic injury, mental anguish, fear of serious bodily injury or death, or a substantial life disruption.

The trial arose after the faked image was circulated on social media in July 2024 in the wake of the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. The doctored image purported to show Moriarty commenting on the shooter, "too bad he missed!"

According to evidence presented at trial, the image was not authentic, yet Gondek shared it, and it was subsequently
reshared dozens of times, causing serious harm to Moriarty, a news release states.

In his news release, Giamanco says the verdict is believed to be among the first, and potentially the first, in Illinois to reach a trial verdict under the Civil Liability for Doxing Act.

“This case was about truth, accountability, and protecting a citizen from being deliberately targeted with false and harmful material,” said attorney Joe Giamanco, counsel for Moriarty and managing partner of Giamanco Law Partners, Ltd. “Ellen Moriarty was unfairly harassed, wrongfully blamed for a fake image, and subjected to a campaign that never should
have happened. The court’s ruling makes clear that this kind of conduct has consequences.”

"At trial, Mr. Gondek testified that he has a professional background in graphic design and is an expert in photo manipulation. Evidence also showed that before sharing the image, Mr. Gondek had already been engaged in ongoing efforts to have Ms. Moriarty fired from her position with the Will County Clerk’s Office, where she assists with elections," a news release stated.

The Herald-News reported in 2024 that Gondek claimed Moriarty was disruptive at Township meetings and had emailed the county clerk's office about the phony image.

“No one should be targeted and harassed for exercising the right to participate in government and ask questions of elected officials,” Giamanco said in a news release. “This case should serve as a warning: if you attempt to dox, harass, and falsely target another person, there can be serious legal and financial
repercussions.”

The lawsuit was first filed in 2024, and went to a bench trial on Thursday. The complaint originally named New Lenox Township Trustee Patty Deiters, who was later dropped from the suit, and Gondek was added.

"During the trial, Christina Clausen, chair of the Will County Republican Party, testified regarding a group text message chain that included various political figures, including former
Homer Township Supervisor and current Will County Board member Steven Balich. That testimony provided additional context regarding the circulation and discussion of the false image and how it was going to be used. Clausen testified that Gondek provided the image to the group, claimed it was authentic, and no one questioned its legitimacy," according to the news release from Giamanco.

“This verdict is important not just for Ellen Moriarty, but for anyone who has been targeted by false online attacks,” Giamanco said in a release. “People cannot manufacture or spread fake content, try to destroy someone’s livelihood, and then expect to walk away without accountability. Keyboard warriors should pay attention to this verdict and think twice before they go on the attack.”