Schools

Teen Seeks to Waive Legal Fees in Suit Against Valley View

Devon Hodges accuses the district of violating his First Amendment right to free association and claims he was stalked and harassed after taking his basketball talents to Bolingbrook High School.

A teenager is asking a federal judge to waive court filing fees in the case, which alleges that the district violated his civil rights and that he was subjected to harassment after transferring from to .

In a Dec. 4 filing, former BHS basketball player Devon Hodges cites a lack of income, asking to proceed proceed with the lawsuit without paying normal court costs, such as filing fees. In his application, Hodges states that no one in his household has received significant income or wages within the past year, listing a $60 per month allowance he receives from Bradley University as his sole source of income.

The 18-year-old .

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In a complaint filed Nov. 23, Hodges alleges that he was subjected to retaliation after transferring within the district from RHS to BHS in 2009. He claims that RHS basketball coach Jeff Bambule and Athletic Director Jim Boudouris threatened to launch an investigation into his residency and drove past his home to check who lived there.

The suit also alleges that Bambule was “badmouthing [Hodges] to other people,” and states the teen suffered "unfathomable abuse, harassment, and even torture" after switching schools.

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The suit lists , Bambule and Boudouris as defendants. The RHS staffers did not respond to a request for comment, and VVSD Community Relations Director Larry Randa said the district cannot comment on pending lawsuits.

Attorney Jason Craddock, who represents Hodges, also did not respond to voicemail and email messages. The complaint does not specify how much Hodges is seeking in damages.


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