Grace College professor Mark Soto is suing Warsaw Police Department for $4 million over seized property and claims of a vindictive investigation.
Soto and his wife, Carol, of 815 N. Zimmer Road, Warsaw, filed a tort claim against the Warsaw Police Department and the City of Warsaw on Sept. 14 claiming an unlawful police investigation and seizure of property.
Soto served as a spiritual mentor, counselor and later power of attorney for Kevin Bronson, 54, Warsaw, the court filing states. He was the coordinator for Bronson’s necessary legal, medical and social services.
Several years ago, Bronson, who has a history peppered with imprisonment, drug abuse and gang activity, was involved with a movie production depicting his life and conversion to Christianity. Bronson became an active member at Christ’s Covenant Church, where the pastor and many member were deeply invested in the production, the filing states. Bronson also led a martial arts business at the time.
After a falling-out from the church and the martial arts business, Bronson was arrested in Kosciusko County on Dec. 30, 2014, for possession of cocaine with intent to deal and criminal gang activity.
WPD officer Paul Heaton, a member at CCC, opened an investigation and sought out Soto for an interview. Heaton and Police Chief Scott Whitaker found implications of Soto’s alleged participation in unspecified unlawful activity, which Soto denies, the filing states.
Soto was served three search warrants on March 20. WPD has taken computers, laptops, cell phones, bank documents, proof of residency and other documents and property from Soto’s home. They also seized property from Soto’s office at Grace College. To date, none of the property has been returned to Soto, and he has been denied access to the probable cause affidavits supporting the search warrants, according to the suit.
Due to the investigation and its repercussions, Soto’s reputation has been damaged and he and his wife have suffered pain and anguish, the court filing states. Furthermore, because of the seizures, they have not been able to file their 2014 income taxes and may face fines and penalties.
Soto’s career at Grace has been hindered as well, according to the suit, as student records and other relevant educational material have been taken. According to the lawsuit provided by David Kolbe, Soto’s attorney, the unlawful police investigation has violated the Sotos’ state and federal constitutional rights and is a violation of United States Code.
The Sotos claim damages to the sum of $2 million each and the immediate return of all their personal and professional property, the court filing states.
(Story By The Times Union)
