The Arthur Ross Case: A Coerced Resignation, A Denied Hearing, and a Broken System

In May 1991, Officer Arthur Ross asked then-Police Chief Donald Parker for a medical leave of absence. Initially approved, Parker reversed course just a day later, allegedly threatening Ross into resigning instead. Ross was led to believe he could seek treatment and reapply for his job within one year. He followed those instructions—but was denied every step of the way.

He requested reinstatement. Denied.
He asked for a hearing. Denied.
He cited the Police Board’s own rules. Still denied.

Ross filed a lawsuit that spanned nearly a decade, bouncing from state to federal court and back again. In 2001, the Illinois Second District Appellate Court finally ruled on Ross v. City of Freeport. The result? A complex legal split:

• Ross’s attempt to sue the City and Police Board for breach of contract and reinstatement was dismissed—because such claims must go through Illinois’ rigid Administrative Review Law.

• But his claim that Chief Parker lied to him—committed fraudulent misrepresentation—was allowed to proceed.

The court ruled that if Parker had indeed manipulated Ross into resigning, that deception was a separate legal issue—not protected by the usual bureaucratic shields.

Fast Forward to 2025: Parker, Power, and Political Retaliation

On May 19, 2025, Donald Parker was sworn into his second term as 4th Ward Alderman. But since his re-election, Parker’s conduct has raised alarm across Freeport.

Instead of representing his constituents, he has shown open contempt for those who speak out—especially anyone who dares to question the new MAGA Loyalist majority that now dominates City Hall.

Since returning to office, Alderman Parker has:

• Verbally attacked public commenters, telling Windy Pearson to “shut up and get out.”

• Laughed off criticism from residents.

• Voted to fine and silence the alderpeople representing the 3rd, 5th, and 7th Wards—Alderwoman Rachel Simmons, Alderman Larry Sanders, and Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy—each representing constituents he seems intent on ignoring.

This is not leadership. It’s retaliation.

And what do all of these silenced voices—from Arthur Ross to Simmons, Sanders, Stacy and Pearson—have in common?

They all dared to challenge his authority.
They all refused to bow down to him.
They are all Black.

June 16, 2025: The White Power Grab Unveiled

The most recent Freeport City Council meeting was expected to be Mayor Jodi Miller’s final consolidation of authority, but what unfolded was far more sinister.

As the MAGA bloc rammed through rule changes designed to silence dissent, Alderwoman Rachel Simmons was forced to beg Alderman Greg Shadle for mercy—a heartbreaking moment that laid bare the new reality in Freeport: if you’re not with them, you’re the enemy.

While Mayor Miller looked on, Alderman Parker eagerly voted to punish his colleagues and consolidate power, transforming the council chamber from a venue of democratic governance into a stage for political domination.

This wasn’t just political overreach.

It was the birth of a ruling class, cloaked in nationalism and enforced with cruelty.
It was a White Power Grab.

Fighting4Freeport FOIA Denial: Where Are the Records?

Fighting4Freeport has learned that on June 3, 2025, one resident submitted a FOIA request asking for:

• Any settlement agreements or payouts involving Arthur Ross, the City, or the Police Board.

• A full copy of Ross’s complaint and legal filings.

• Internal memos or Board communications regarding his reinstatement requests.

• City Council meeting minutes related to legal discussions or settlement approvals.

On June 10, 2025, City Clerk Dovie Anderson responded:

“I searched electronic files regarding Ross v. City of Freeport. Executive Assistant Michelle Nelson and I searched the directory of legal files from the former staff attorney. We did not find any mention of this case.”

No mention?

A case that went to the Illinois Appellate Court, that involved multiple city officials, legal motions, and public proceedings… and no trace exists?

The public should be alarmed.

Is this gross negligence, or a deliberate cover-up by the MAGA Miller administration?

Is this incompetence, or a calculated attempt to erase inconvenient truths?

Because if files can disappear this easily, what else is Freeport hiding?

What This All Means

This isn’t just about Arthur Ross.

This is about every Freeport resident who’s ever questioned authority, every alderperson punished for doing their job, every citizen dismissed for speaking out.

It’s about a city government that has learned how to manipulate the rules, erase the records, and retaliate against truth-tellers.

It’s about a man who allegedly abused his power in 1991 now doing it again in 2025—this time with the blessing of a mayor, a majority, and a machine.

Freeport, It’s Time to Pay Attention

We must ask ourselves:

• Why are public records missing?

• Why are whistleblowers targeted?

• Why is the same man from a decades-old scandal now laughing at citizens from the council bench?

• Why is truth punished and power rewarded?

Until we answer these questions—and demand accountability—Freeport will remain under siege by the very people entrusted to serve it.

This is an ongoing investigation by Fighting4Freeport. We will continue to dig. We will continue to expose. And we will never be silenced.
Visit www.Fighting4Freeport.com to support our work, access court documents, and demand transparency from your city government.

—Brought to you and Paid for by Fighting4Freeport