Whistleblowers often face a terrifying reality: after reporting wrongdoing, the people in power may try to punish, silence, or push them out. A new Illinois appellate court decision — Sciarrone v. Village of Island Lake (2025) — sends a strong message to employees:
If you report illegal conduct to law enforcement, Illinois law protects you… even if your employer is a government entity.
This case is a significant win for Illinois whistleblowers, especially those working for municipalities, police departments, fire departments, public works, or other government agencies.
What Happened in Sciarrone?
Police officers discovered serious misconduct inside the Village of Island Lake government. They reported issues such as misuse of public property, theft, and obstruction of justice: bribery and other violations.
The Village conducted an investigation and then fired the Plaintiffs who sued in part under the Illinois Whistleblower Act (IWA). The Village tried to convince the court that the Whistle Blower case must fail because of “Government Immunity” from the Tort Immunity Act.
The Court’s Ruling was a clear victory for employees and Whistleblowers:
The Illinois Appellate Court held:
- The Whistleblower Act applies to government employers.
- The Whistleblower Act is more specific than the Tort Immunity Act.
- Government employers CAN sue for whistleblower retaliation.
Why This Matters for Whistleblowers
- Government employees ARE protected.
- You cannot be fired for reporting illegal activity to a public body.
- Reporting to law enforcement triggers strong protections.
- Your employer cannot hide behind “immunity.”
Thinking About Blowing the Whistle? Here’s What You Need
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.
SAVE EVERYTHING.
Keep copies of:
- Emails
- Texts
- Memos
- Notes
- Complaint forms
- HR responses
- Schedules, write-ups, performance changes
Write down:
- Dates
- Times
- Witness names
- What you reported
- What your employer did afterward
Your documentation may be the most important evidence in your case.
Your Legal Remedies
Whistleblowers may recover:
- Back pay
- Reinstatement
- Lost benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
A Final Message
Whistleblowers protect the public. You deserve protection in return. Illinois law — strengthened by the Sciarrone decision — is firmly on your side.
1818 Is Here to Help
If you’re experiencing retaliation or considering making a report, we can help you:
- Understand your rights
- Protect your job
- Document retaliation effectively
- File and pursue a whistleblower claim
Your consultation is confidential. Contact 1818 today.
