Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart - THE MOST SUED SHERIFF IN THE COUNTRY. LOSES AGAIN - Panhandlers win court fight over begging at Daley Plaza

Jurors at a civil trial have awarded $1,500 each to two panhandlers who took the Cook County sheriff's office to court for violating their rights to ask passers-by for money.

Jurors returned Thursday with a decision largely favoring Kim Pindak and Sam Phillips. Their lawyer says she's "thrilled" and hopes the outcome draws attention to panhandlers' rights.

Pindak and Phillips claimed they lost money because Cook County deputies told them they couldn't beg at Daley Plaza.

A judge ruled their rights were violated, so jurors had to decide damages.

A sheriff's office attorney cited Pindak's professed talent at chess, suggesting the lawsuit was a money-making scheme.

Pindak said after the decision he'd spend most of the $1,500 on necessities but would also buy chess books.

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