Sun Sep 15 10:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Illini Basketball Star Sues Kansas Officials Over Rape Case
**LAWRENCE, Kan.** – Terrence Shannon Jr., a former University of Illinois basketball star, and his mother, Treanette Redding, have filed a notice of claim seeking damages from local Kansas officials involved in a rape case against Shannon. The claim alleges “malicious prosecution and related claims.”
Shannon, who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA draft, was acquitted of rape charges in June after a jury deliberated for only 90 minutes. The alleged incident occurred in September 2023 during a trip to Kansas.
Shannon’s legal team, led by Chicago-based attorney Mark Sutter, has named Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez, the Lawrence Police Department, a detective, and others as possible defendants. The notice of claim, a prerequisite to legal action against a municipality in Kansas, demands monetary damages.
Sutter had been critical of local officials during the trial, arguing that the district attorney’s office charged Shannon without sufficient evidence and that Lawrence Police Detective Joshua Leitner failed to thoroughly investigate the case.
Shannon’s attorney, Rob Lang, told The News-Gazette that they are seeking damages due to the “malicious prosecution” and related claims. The notice of claim must be reviewed by the municipality, and Shannon and his mother can only take legal action if the claim is denied or 120 days have passed without a decision.
First Piper 