Ohio Resident Alleges Unauthorized Seizure by Local Bank and Child Support Agency

Brenda Smith, a resident of Ohio, has filed a lawsuit against several entities and individuals, alleging unauthorized seizure of her joint bank account funds. The complaint was filed on February 13, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against Old Fort Banking Company, Steve Heckman, Jen Bohrer, Wyandot County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), Rodney Traxler, and Lisa Burks.

The case revolves around an incident that occurred in October 2025 when Brenda Smith discovered a withdrawal of approximately $942.89 from her joint checking account with her husband at Old Fort Bank. This withdrawal left the account with a negative balance and was reportedly executed by CSEA without any warrant or court order. Smith contends that this action was unauthorized and violated her constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. “Despite my objections and demand for valid judicial authorization,” Smith stated in her complaint, “bank personnel informed me that the account would remain frozen based solely on CSEA’s instruction.”

Smith further claims that the seizure caused significant financial distress as it restricted access to essential household funds needed for daily expenses. The lack of privacy during discussions at the bank also led to public humiliation in their small-town community. Moreover, she alleges that neither she nor her husband received any legal documentation authorizing such enforcement actions prior to or after the incident.

In response to these events, Smith is seeking multiple forms of relief from the court. She requests declarations that the defendants acted without lawful jurisdiction and engaged in unlawful seizure of property. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for financial loss and emotional distress caused by these actions. Smith also demands punitive damages against individual defendants for willful disregard of her constitutional rights.

The plaintiff is represented by herself in this matter, with Judge Knepp presiding over the case (Case No: 3:26-cv-00364-JRK). Magistrate Judge Clay is also involved in overseeing proceedings related to this complaint.