A subpoena for emails in a libel suit by the DeKalb Police chief against a Crystal Lake man will be at issue when the case returns to DeKalb County court in late November.
Dr. Thomas Salvi sent e-mails to then-mayor John Rey saying that DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery was an “aggressive thug” and should be fired. Lowery later sued Salvi for more than $300,000 last year.
Rey said he didn’t believe Salvi’s claims, according to court records. Salvi's legal team says there isn’t enough evidence that the claims ruined Lowery’s reputation or otherwise harmed him to justify the suit.
Lowery’s lawyer filed the subpoena for emails last month, requesting that Salvi’s employer provide all e-mails sent or received by him since May 2013. Salvi's lawyer filed a motion to block the subpoena due to privacy concerns for his patients.
A DeKalb County judge may rule on the subpoena issue on Nov. 22. Lowery's legal team must submit a response to the motion to quash the subpoena, and Salvi's legal team must reply to the response.
It’s unclear whether the case will go to trial or settle in mediation.
Lowery’s attorney previously has refused comment to WNIJ on any matter regarding the case. Salvi's lawyer declined comment on record after Wednesday's court date.
