African American Couple Alleges False Arrest Against Middletown Police Officers

A shocking case of alleged wrongful arrest has surfaced in Middletown, Ohio, where a couple claims they were falsely accused and detained for theft. On February 10, 2026, Danyella Nesbitt-Moore and Deonte Steed filed a complaint in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Officer Austin Renner, Officer Ryan Kessler, the City of Middletown Police Department, Walmart Inc., and others involved.

The lawsuit stems from an incident on February 12, 2025, when Nesbitt-Moore and Steed shopped at a local Walmart using their EBT and Visa cards. After returning home to prepare dinner for their family, they were unexpectedly arrested by Officers Renner and Kessler without a warrant. The officers accused them of felony theft from Walmart based on surveillance footage that allegedly showed an African American male using a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards. However, Nesbitt-Moore and Steed’s transactions were separate and legitimate, evidenced by itemized receipts totaling $150.05.

The plaintiffs argue that the arrests were baseless as there was no probable cause linking them to the theft. They highlight discrepancies in the police report and video evidence that contradict the officers’ claims. “There was insufficient probable cause,” states the complaint, emphasizing that neither plaintiff was present at Planet Fitness or Walgreens where related fraudulent activities occurred. Moreover, video footage confirmed their innocence after further review by Loss Prevention Officer Kalib Sorrell.

Nesbitt-Moore and Steed are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for unlawful arrest under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Ohio law violations including false imprisonment and failure to supervise by the City of Middletown. They claim that Officer Renner had a history of misconduct which went unchecked by his department despite prior disciplinary actions. The couple is also demanding coverage for legal costs incurred due to this ordeal.

Representing Nesbitt-Moore and Steed is attorney Christopher J. Pagan from Repper-Pagan Law Ltd., who has filed this suit under Case No. 1:26-cv-147 before Judge Susan J. Dlott in the Southern District of Ohio court.