A shocking incident at a high school basketball game has led to a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force and false arrest. Kathy Caudill, a 61-year-old grandmother, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on November 25, 2025, against Deputy Tracy Varner of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case stems from an altercation that occurred on January 4, 2025, when Caudill claims she was unjustly pushed into bleachers by Deputy Varner during a dispute at the game.
The complaint details a series of events that unfolded at Jackson High School’s gymnasium where Caudill was attending her grandson’s basketball game. Tensions rose when another spectator began yelling at the referee, leading deputies to mistakenly identify Caudill’s granddaughter as the culprit. Despite protests and clarifications from witnesses, Deputy Varner allegedly escalated the situation by forcibly ejecting Caudill from the premises. According to court documents, Varner “used excessive force to push Ms. Caudill into a set of bleachers from behind,” resulting in significant injuries including a radial collateral ligament sprain and partially torn extensor tendon.
Caudill accuses Deputy Varner of multiple violations including battery, false arrest without probable cause for disorderly conduct—a charge that was later dismissed—and malicious prosecution. The lawsuit asserts that Varner acted with malicious intent and reckless disregard for Caudill’s rights under both state and federal law. Citing violations of R.C. 2921.45 (depriving constitutional rights) and R.C. 2903.13 (assault), the complaint seeks accountability under R.C. 2307.60 for civil liability due to criminal conduct.
In addition to seeking declaratory relief affirming her constitutional rights were violated, Caudill is pursuing compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000 along with attorney fees and costs. The filing underscores not only physical injuries but also emotional distress suffered by Caudill due to what she describes as “wanton or reckless” actions by Deputy Varner.
The legal team representing Kathy Caudill includes Edward R. Forman, John S. Marshall, Louis A. Jacobs, and Samuel M. Schlein from Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC based in Columbus, Ohio. They argue that their client deserves justice for the alleged misconduct that disrupted her life and caused lasting harm.
As this case proceeds through the judicial system under Case ID: 2:25-cv-01385-MHW-CMV before Judge Michael H Watson and Magistrate Judge Chelsey M Vascura, it raises broader questions about police conduct in public settings and accountability mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.
Source: 225cv01385_Caudill_v_Deputy_Tracy_Varner_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
