Grace Prof Claims 'Vindictive' Investigation by Police
Posted
Chris Tulley-
A tort claim has been sent to the City of Warsaw and the Warsaw Police Department on behalf of Grace College professor Mark Soto and his wife, Carol. The Sotos, claiming “they have become the target of a vindictive and unfounded investigation,” seek damages of $2 million each and the return of all their personal and professional property. The Sotos, 815 N. Zimmer Road, Warsaw, filed the tort Monday 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 tort 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, the tort claims. 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 tort. 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 tort, as student records and other relevant educational material have been taken. The unlawful police investigation has violated the Sotos’ state and federal constitutional rights and is a violation of United States Code, the tort claims. The city has 90 days to respond to the tort before any further legal action is taken. The Sotos are represented by Warsaw attorney David Kolbe.
