In a dramatic turn of events, a man who spent over two decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit is seeking justice against those he claims conspired to frame him. Alan J. Butts has filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on January 15, 2026, against multiple defendants including the City of Columbus and several individuals associated with law enforcement and medical institutions.
The lawsuit filed by Alan J. Butts through his attorneys at Loevy & Loevy accuses the City of Columbus, its police officers, and medical professionals from Columbus Children’s Hospital of fabricating evidence that led to his wrongful conviction for the death of a two-year-old child named J.U., whom Butts cared for as his own. The complaint details how in February 2002, J.U. began exhibiting symptoms believed to be related to a cold but later suffered unexplained falls leading to his tragic death after being removed from life support. Despite no evidence of wrongdoing, law enforcement officials allegedly conspired with medical personnel to falsely accuse Butts of violently shaking the child.
Butts was convicted based on what he claims were fabricated reports and testimony suggesting “shaken baby syndrome,” despite scientific research questioning such diagnoses even at that time. The complaint alleges that Defendants knew there were natural causes for J.U.’s condition but chose to suppress this information, instead concocting a narrative implicating Butts. It wasn’t until February 2024 that Butts was exonerated after years of fighting to prove his innocence.
The plaintiff is pursuing legal action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Ohio law, seeking redress for violations of his constitutional rights, including due process and deprivation of liberty without probable cause. He accuses the defendants of conducting reckless investigations, withholding exculpatory evidence, fabricating false reports, and conspiring to secure his wrongful conviction. In addition to damages for emotional distress and loss of liberty caused by over twenty years in prison, Butts seeks punitive damages against those responsible for what he describes as egregious misconduct.
Represented by attorneys Jon Loevy, Amy Robinson Staples, Katie Montenegro, and Rachel Troutman from Loevy & Loevy law firm based in Chicago with local representation in Dublin, Ohio; this case highlights significant allegations against public institutions entrusted with safeguarding justice. The case is presided over by judges identified under Case ID: 2:26-cv-00051-ALM-CMV.
Source: 226cv00051_Butts_v_City_of_Columbus_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
