THE CHILDREN ARE COMING: Chicago Family Court’s Dark World Exposed - A Sham 'BLM Scholarship,' Child Sexual Abuse, and Judicial Corruption
Cook County Judge William S. Boyd, Beerman LLP Law Firm Face Allegations of Corruption, Bribery, Silencing the Girard Children's Sexual Penetration Claims in Chicago Family Court
NOTE: Thanks to Michael Volpe for alerting me about this heinous story of Chicago Family Court corruption and child sexual abuse.
By Richard Luthmann
Shocking court documents filed in Chicago Federal Court claim an “unbeatable” law firm and a respected judge used devices including a “BLM Scholarship” as a smokescreen for bribery, corruption, and unchecked child sexual abuse in Cook County Family Court.
Kenton and Marissa Girard’s federal court lawsuit against Beermann LLP, Judge William S. Boyd, the Village of Glencoe, and others details the Chicago Family Court as a Racketeer-Influenced Corrupt Organization functioning through misconduct, fraud, and bribery while condoning serious child sexual abuse.
At the heart of the case are twin 16-year-old girls, Gw. and Gr., who have taken to Instagram to tell their story because their reports have been systematically ignored by the Illinois Family Court system, where the girls’ desperate cries combatting sexual abuse were subjected to a judicial “gag order.”
"For two years, we've watched in horror as our daughters' voices have been silenced," said Kenton Girard, plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Despite being honor students, athletes, and entrepreneurs, their credible accounts of abuse have fallen on deaf ears. This lawsuit aims to uncover why."
According to filed court documents, Jane Girard, a pharmaceutical executive with Chicago-based AbbVie, Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), sexually abused and penetrated her minor daughters for years. In June 2021, when the girls recognized and reported abuse, Jane Girard lawyered up immediately. Under fire, she retained Beerman LLP, the “unbeatable foe” in Cook County, Illinois, Family Law.
Beermann LLP, a law firm notorious for its aggressive tactics, initiated a new family law pleading against Kenton Girard. Her goal was clear: to acquire full custody of the twins despite the serious allegations against her.
The newly filed federal complaint details how Beermann LLP, a veritable “law factory” consisting of “40-plus top-tier lawyers” focused on Divorce, Family Law, and Child Custody in the Greater Chicago area, allegedly transformed from zealous advocates to corrupt actors.
The lawsuit claims Beerman LLP manipulated judicial proceedings through unethical practices. These included funding a sham “Black Lives Matter” scholarship, backed by the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML-IL), used as cover for fraud and outright bribes.
Beerman LLP’s website shows the firm has no African-American partners or associate attorneys. In truth, the law firm is as “lily-white” as one would expect in the Northern Chicago suburbs.
The legal papers further detail how Beermann LLP allegedly secured favorable courtroom outcomes by bribing judges like William S. Boyd with cash payments and other incentives. Judge Boyd’s and the AAML-IL’s previously well-respected reputations are now under intense scrutiny.
The lawsuit accuses Beermann LLP of unethical and illegal tactics, exploiting their connections for financial gain at the expense of justice and the sexual abuse of innocent children. It further portrays a legal system where outcomes are decided not based on evidence or fairness but on who can pay to play.
According to the claimants, these practices are not limited to one law firm or judge but are indicative of a broader, pervasive corruption affecting family law proceedings throughout Cook County.
The lawsuit seeks to hold those responsible accountable and calls for thoroughly examining practices within Cook County's Family Law courts. The Girard family is pursuing compensatory damages and disgorgement of profits obtained through alleged racketeering activities, aiming to address the financial exploitation and emotional trauma they have endured. Moreover, they seek injunctive relief to prevent further corruption, highlighting the urgent need for reform within the legal system.
A Custody Battle
The instant battle between Kenton and Jane Girard traces back to a legal agreement approved on November 4, 2015, outlining custody arrangements for the twins. They were then seven years old. The agreement appeared to provide a workable framework for co-parenting.
However, this arrangement was shattered in June 2021 when, according to the lawsuit, Jane Girard’s sexual abuse of her estranged children came to light. The lawsuit describes these allegations in stark terms.
"The equilibrium under this agreement was violently disrupted," the complaint states, as the children allegedly faced "penetrative sexual assaults" at the hands of their mother.
As a direct result of the alleged abuse, the twins refused to spend any time at their mother's residence in Glencoe. By 2022, they had taken up permanent residence with their father, highlighting the severe breakdown in their relationship with Jane Girard.
These allegations are documented in police reports from the Village of Glencoe, Illinois, and a Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) dossier. The lawsuit claims these assaults created a "compelling and morally reprehensible evidentiary foundation" that the legal system should have acted upon.
Once her alleged abuse was first uncovered, Jane Girard lawyered up immediately. Enter her counselors, Beerman LLP, the “unbeatable foe” in Cook County, Illinois, Family Law. Despite the evidence, the complaint suggests external interference and manipulation thwarted the proper handling of the twins’ case.
Rather than play defense, Beermann LLP, a law firm notorious for its aggressive tactics, went on the offense. Jane Girard initiated a new family law pleading against Kenton Girard. Her goal was clear: to acquire full custody of the twins in the face of the serious sexual penetration and abuse allegations against her, effectively silencing the claims.
The twins, their father, and their stepmom allege the Chicago Family Court system was rigged against them from the instant of Beermann LLP's involvement. They characterize the protracted litigation as a "long and growing chain" of financial exploitation orchestrated by the law firm. The lawsuit claims Beermann LLP is known for engaging in "rigged and highly abusive judicial proceedings" facilitated by years of bribing Cook County family law judges.
"Beermann LLP has in recent years acquired a reputation," the complaint states, "owing to its track record of manipulated results before judges it has upon information and belief bribed in exchange for a never-ending flow of favorable rulings."
This alleged manipulation influences the appointment of legal functionaries such as child coordinators, evaluators, therapists, and guardians ad litem, who play a critical role in the firm's strategy.
"Beermann LLP does not hesitate to barter its power," the lawsuit asserts, suggesting that the firm exchanges appointments for kickbacks and favorable rulings while inflating its legal fees.
The complaint claims that Beermann LLP's tactics involve deploying excessive legal professionals on cases to generate "wildly inflated" fees. According to the Girards, this strategy targets high-net-worth individuals like themselves, turning family law disputes into financially draining ordeals.
The lawsuit alleges that Jane Girard's pursuit of full custody, backed by Beermann LLP's controversial methods, subjected Kenton Girard and the twins to an abusive legal process aimed at financially bleeding them dry.
Did Beermann LLP Cross the Line?
For Jane Girard, Beerman LLP’s representation had the desired effect: to date, she has avoided legal accountability and liability. This raises the question: Aren’t the lawyers just doing their job?
Beermann LLP is a well-known family law firm in Cook County and Chicagoland. Although their results are not at issue in the instant federal court filing, Jane Girard’s lawyers’ methods are. Beermann LLP and its attorneys are facing serious allegations that they have manipulated the legal system through bribery and corruption. The Girard twins claim they were "manipulating results before judges," resulting in a serious cover-up of child sexual abuse.
Can lawyers engage in this activity assuming the Girard’s claims are correct? The American Bar Association says no. Concerning maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit attorney misconduct in securing client goals. Rule 8.4 states:
Rule 8.4: Misconduct
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to:
(a) violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assist or induce another to do so, or do so through the acts of another;
(b) commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects;
(c) engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation;
(d) engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice;
(e) state or imply an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official or to achieve results by means that violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law;
(f) knowingly assist a judge or judicial officer in conduct that is a violation of applicable rules of judicial conduct or other law; or
(g) engage in conduct that the lawyer knows or reasonably should know is harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or socioeconomic status in conduct related to the practice of law…
The filed papers claim Beermann LLP and its partners crossed many ethical lines. The attorneys’ actions were central to a web of pay-offs, corruption, and injustice within Cook County's family law system. At the heart of these allegations is managing partner John M. D'Arco. The complaint portrays D'Arco as a pivotal figure in a scheme that exploits the legal system for financial gain.
This scheme is alleged to have deep roots, with connections to past corruption scandals involving D'Arco's father, John A. D'Arco Jr., a former attorney and Democrat Party politician implicated in bribery cases in the 1990s. The lawsuit suggests that unethical practices have been passed down, stating, "D'Arco is continuing the family business of bribery."
According to the lawsuit, Beermann LLP's influence extends to orchestrating the appointment of various legal functionaries—such as child coordinators, evaluators, and therapists—in exchange for kickbacks. These functionaries play crucial roles in family law cases, and their appointments are alleged to be part of a network that boosts Beermann LLP's legal fees while ensuring favorable outcomes for their clients.
"Beermann LLP does not hesitate to barter its power," the complaint asserts.
The lawsuit further paints a picture of a firm that uses its connections and financial influence to create a justice system where outcomes are bought rather than earned. Beermann LLP's tactics involve an excessive deployment of legal professionals on cases to inflate billings. The lawsuit claims these tactics result in "wildly inflated" fees, mainly targeting high-net-worth individuals involved in family law disputes. This approach increases the firm's revenue and places immense financial pressure on its opponents.
The Girards' lawsuit alleges that Beermann LLP's practices have allegedly turned family law disputes into financially draining and emotionally exhausting battles. The complaint underscores the need for accountability and transparency, highlighting how Beermann LLP's actions undermine the integrity of the legal system in Cook County.
We requested comments from Beermann LLP on the allegations in the Girard matter. As of press time, we received no response.
Judicial Corruption Allegations: What is the Role of Judge William S. Boyd, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and the “Black Lives Matter” Legal Scholarship?
In the Girard family's lawsuit, Judge William S. Boyd stands accused of serious ethical violations involving bribery and favoritism within the Cook County family law courts. According to the complaint, Beermann LLP bribed Judge Boyd for favorable rulings in family law cases, compromising his ability to judge impartially.
The filed documents detail a troubling relationship between the firm and the judge, highlighting how Beermann LLP allegedly wielded financial influence over court proceedings. This is not merely a case of isolated incidents; it represents a systemic issue that permeates the very structure of the family law system in Cook County.
The Girard family accuses Beermann LLP of establishing a scholarship in Judge Boyd's name to maintain regular meetings and exert influence over him. Named the William Stewart Boyd Scholarship for African American Law Students, this scholarship was ostensibly created to support Black law students pursuing careers in family law.
However, the lawsuit describes it as a "sham" designed primarily to facilitate clandestine meetings and cash exchanges. The Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML-IL) announced the scholarship and is funded by Beermann LLP.
Beerman LLP equity partner James M. Quigley is a Past President of AAML-IL.
It offers a $5,000 annual award to Black students enrolled in Illinois law schools who show interest in family law, a seemingly noble gesture overshadowed by allegations of corruption.
According to ProPublica, the Chicago-based AAML had total revenues of $2.41 million and total expenses of $2.43 million in 2022. The 501(c)(6) nonprofit spends more than it takes annually. The $5,000 scholarship for Black law students represents TWO-TENTHS of ONE PERCENT of the AAML’s total annual expenditures. However, Judge Boyd’s scholarship is prominently featured on the FRONT PAGE of the AAML website.
AAML created Judge Boyd’s scholarship in 2021. At the time, the scholarship plan came in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
“We wanted to support the Black Lives Matter movement, and our national organization put out a statement at the time, but we wanted to do more than provide lip service to the issue,” former AAML-IL President Adam Kibort said.
“We wanted to plant seeds for long-term change and do something for the individuals who are the targets of systematic racism,” Kibort said.
The scholarship administrator was Beerman LLP equity partner James M. Quigley.
“This scholarship will provide ways for the recipients to connect with family law attorneys in our organization who are always looking for law clerks, and thus to gain actual experience in family law,” Quigley said in 2021. “Ten years down the line, we will have ten recipients who are practicing family law and mentoring the next generation. So, it grows from there. That’s the legacy we hope to create with the Boyd scholarship.”
Three years later, Beermann LLP has 49 attorneys, none of whom are Black. The law firm’s tagline remains “The Family Law Firm That Cares,” but evidently, not enough to hire Black lawyers.
The Girard complaint goes further, alleging that Judge Boyd's subordinates received envelopes containing cash to sway rulings in favor of Beermann LLP clients. The complaint suggests a systematic effort to control family law proceedings, with judges and court officials operating as part of a network of compromised individuals. The legal papers claim that Cook County judges share bribes among themselves, creating an environment where justice is not determined by the facts of a case but by financial transactions behind closed doors.
Previous public statements about Judge Boyd paint a picture of a respected and honorable figure.
"He is without a doubt one of the most, if not the most, well-regarded judges in the division," Kibort said in 2021 when the scholarship was first established.
Judge Boyd expressed gratitude at the creation of a scholarship in his honor, saying, "I've always just tried to do my job. For people to appreciate my work to this extent—that's just unbelievable."
The lawsuit's portrayal of the scholarship as a facade for unethical conduct underscores the complex dynamics within the Cook County family law courts. But Judge Boyd’s statements and reputation are squarely at odds with the seemingly baseless “gag order” imposed upon the Girard twins, attempting to stifle their First Amendment-protected Instagram and social media activities reporting sexual abuse and court corruption:
The Girard family claims that Beermann LLP's influence extends beyond Judge Boyd to other judges, including Judge Renee G. Goldfarb. This creates a network of compromised officials and raises critical questions about the impact of financial power in shaping legal outcomes and the true nature of justice within the system.
We requested comment from the AAML and its current President, Stuart G. Gelfman, on the allegations in the Girard matter. As of press time, no response had been received.
The Allegations Against Village of Glencoe's Department of Public Safety Detective Ryan McEnerney
In addition to the judicial corruption, the Girards' complaint details the alleged misconduct of Detective Ryan McEnerney, accusing him of receiving illicit payments to dismiss credible charges of sexual assault against Jane Girard. This accusation adds another layer to the Girards' claims of a compromised legal system, suggesting that law enforcement officials were also part of the network of corruption protecting influential individuals from accountability.
Detective Ryan McEnerney, a senior officer in the Village of Glencoe's Department of Public Safety, is at the center of serious allegations involving the mishandling of sexual assault cases. The lawsuit claims that McEnerney played a crucial role in a conspiracy to protect Jane Girard from facing justice for alleged sexual assaults against her twin daughters. According to the Girard filing, McEnerney participated in this scheme by receiving illicit payments to declare the felony child sex assault charges against Jane Girard "unfounded," despite substantial evidence supporting the allegations.
The filed federal complaint outlines how both of Jane Girard's estranged minor daughters accused her of "penetrative sexual assault," a claim supported by Glencoe police reports and a DCFS dossier. The lawsuit argues that the evidence was compelling enough to warrant a thorough investigation and potential prosecution. However, Detective McEnerney allegedly ignored these reports, effectively closing the case without pursuing charges.
This decision to dismiss the allegations against Jane Girard is not presented as an isolated incident. The lawsuit suggests McEnerney's actions are part of a broader and more disturbing pattern within the Village of Glencoe's law enforcement practices. The complaint alleges that the department, under McEnerney's leadership since 2019, has maintained a "policy, practice, and/or custom" of failing to investigate rapes and sexual assaults against women and girls properly. This alleged systemic failure is said to allow serious crimes to remain uninvestigated, protecting perpetrators at the expense of victims.
The lawsuit's portrayal of Detective McEnerney is deeply concerning. It accuses him of being "a compromised and corrupted law enforcement officer" responsible for perpetuating an unofficial policy that effectively ignores sexual assault crimes. This accusation aligns with broader claims that the Village of Glencoe's Department of Public Safety has systematically neglected such cases, creating an environment where victims cannot rely on the justice system for protection or redress.
Further compounding these allegations is the claim that Detective McEnerney was actively involved in ensuring that charges against Jane Girard would not proceed. The lawsuit details how McEnerney allegedly received a bribe facilitated by Beermann LLP to halt any legal action against Jane. The complaint calls into question the integrity of a system that should protect victims and uphold justice. Instead, it paints a picture of a department that allegedly prioritizes personal and financial interests over its duty to investigate and prosecute serious crimes.
Impact on the Girard Family
The Girard family's lawsuit against Beermann LLP, Cook County judges, and law enforcement officials paints a distressing picture of a family caught in a web of corruption and misconduct that has profoundly impacted their lives. The Girards describe their experience within a legal system they believe is rigged against them, where decisions are allegedly swayed by financial incentives rather than justice and fairness.
The Girards claim they have suffered "extreme emotional and physiological damage" due to the alleged corruption and injustice they faced in the Cook County family law courts. The family contends that Beermann LLP's aggressive tactics, coupled with biased rulings from compromised judges, have led to significant financial exploitation and psychological trauma.
The complaint details how Beermann LLP allegedly orchestrated a series of "rigged and highly abusive judicial proceedings" that exploited the family's vulnerabilities. This manipulation of the legal process, the Girards argue, has placed an enormous financial burden on them, exacerbating their emotional distress.
The Girards claim that the biased rulings and financial exploitation have left them feeling powerless and victimized by a system that should have protected them. They describe a cycle of legal battles that have consumed their resources and eroded their trust in the judiciary. The family's struggle is not just about winning a legal battle but about seeking justice and accountability from those who have abused their positions of power.
In response to these alleged injustices, the Girard family seeks compensatory damages for the financial and emotional harm they have endured. They also demand the disgorgement of profits obtained through the alleged racketeering activities conducted by Beermann LLP and other defendants. The family is pursuing financial restitution and seeking injunctive relief to prevent further corruption within Cook County's Family Law courts.
By filing this lawsuit, the Girards aim to expose the systemic issues they believe have tainted the Cook County family law system. They say their case is emblematic of a broader pattern of misconduct that affects many families entangled in legal battles within the Chicago Family Courts. The Girards hope their case will catalyze change, prompting a thorough investigation into the practices of Beermann LLP and the judges involved.
A Larger Pattern of Corruption
The Girard family's allegations against Beermann LLP and Cook County's family law system are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader, disturbing pattern of corruption affecting many areas of the U.S. judicial system. The lawsuit paints a picture of systemic failures that are not unique to Cook County but are part of a national trend highlighted in recent media reports.
The Girards case, which details allegations of bribery, manipulation, and neglect within the family law courts, underscores widespread concerns about how the legal system handles sensitive cases involving vulnerable individuals.
The lawsuit references a New York Times article titled "These Rape Victims Had to Sue to Get the Police to Investigate," which highlights systemic failures in addressing sexual assault cases. This article describes instances where victims of sexual violence faced significant hurdles in getting law enforcement to take their cases seriously, often having to resort to legal action just to initiate an investigation.
This pattern of neglect and apathy mirrors the Girard family's experiences. According to the lawsuit, the Girards' ordeal is emblematic of a justice system swayed by financial interests and personal connections rather than the pursuit of truth and justice. The complaint argues that Beermann LLP's actions and the biased rulings of certain judges reveal a legal environment where corruption thrives, allowing those with influence and resources to manipulate outcomes to their advantage. This alleged corruption is not only damaging to the individuals involved but also erodes public trust in the judicial system as a whole.
The Girard family emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform within Cook County's family law system. They argue that their case is a clear example of how the lack of oversight and ethical standards can lead to a breakdown in justice, where the very institutions further victimize victims meant to protect them. The lawsuit calls for a thorough investigation into the practices of Beermann LLP, the involved judges, and law enforcement officials who may have paid no heed to misconduct.
The Girards' case resonates with broader concerns about the legal system's handling of cases involving vulnerable individuals. The lawsuit underscores the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status or who their lawyers are, receive fair and impartial treatment under the law. The Girards argue that without significant reforms, the justice system will continue to fail those it is supposed to serve.
What do you think?
When will we stop allowing “family” courts to “handle” criminal activity? IMO and experience, the “family” court actors use such evidence only to extend litigation and compensation for attorneys, NOT to pursue justice, and that hurts our children.
Gag orders in family court have nothing to do with the protection of children and everything to do with the abusive parent and those he/she employs to silence the children.
Gal’s take away their voice and are complicit with abusive outcomes.
This is happening throughout our country and teens like these two brave young women will be the force of change.
It’s gone on for decades. Jury trials are needed in family court if custody is going to be taken.
State agencies like DCF and CPS are NOT taking custody away from parents but family court attorneys are successfully getting judges to sign off on abusive outcomes in violation of the 14th amendment.