Bloomington Settles Federal Lawsuit With Two Men
The city will pay $24,999.99 to each man following an arrest for disorderly conduct.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The city of Bloomington has reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit filed by Garrett Chubb and Lenelle Higgins regarding a June 14 traffic stop. Both men will receive $24,999.99 following allegations of civil rights violations during their arrest by former Assistant Police Chief Paul Williams.
Why it matters
The settlement concludes a legal challenge that claimed officers initiated charges without probable cause and unlawfully seized property. The city is now conducting a formal review of the incident to identify procedural lessons and address unresolved concerns regarding police conduct.
Each plaintiff will receive $24,999.99 in the settlement, though neither the city nor Paul Williams admitted liability. No formal charges were ever filed in McLean County Circuit Court following the initial disorderly conduct arrests.
The players
Garrett Chubb
He is one of the two plaintiffs who reached a settlement with the city of Bloomington.
Lenelle Higgins
He is one of the two plaintiffs who reached a settlement with the city of Bloomington.
Paul Williams
He is a former Assistant Police Chief whose actions during a traffic stop led to the federal lawsuit.
The details
The lawsuit alleged that Paul Williams directed officers to file charges despite a lack of probable cause and conducted an unlawful seizure of cell phones. As part of the resolution, the city is initiating a review of the incident to evaluate how similar matters are handled by the organization.
Timeline
June 14: Paul Williams stopped Garrett Chubb and Lenelle Higgins.
July: The plaintiffs had a scheduled court date.
August 10: The federal lawsuit was filed.
October 21, 2026: The city announced the settlement.
Legal Context
The city's commitment to review the incident aligns with broader legislative efforts in Illinois to increase transparency and oversight regarding police-citizen interactions. This settlement reflects ongoing legal scrutiny regarding police accountability and the use of probable cause in making arrests.
The city's upcoming internal review of the incident serves as an assurance to the public that administrative protocols are being re-examined. Residents can expect the city to disclose whether this investigation leads to adjustments in local training or department policy.
The takeaway
Transparency in municipal settlements often signals an attempt to restore public trust following high-profile police incidents. Communities impacted by similar controversies can monitor future city council updates for details on internal policy shifts.
Further reading
For additional context on departmental oversight, visit Law Enforcement.
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