Woodland Farms Ohio Investment, LLC has taken legal action against a logging company and individuals for unauthorized deforestation on their property, sparking significant legal interest. The complaint was filed by Woodland Farms Ohio Investment, LLC in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on February 18, 2026, targeting Coblentz Bros., Inc., Sharon H. Pena, Luis Pena, and unknown accomplices.
The case revolves around two parcels of land owned by Woodland Farms in Sandusky County, Ohio—known as the “Big Woods” and “Small Woods.” The plaintiff alleges that a logging contract was fraudulently signed by Sharon H. Pena and her husband Luis Pena with Coblentz Bros., Inc., allowing the logging company to harvest timber from these properties without proper ownership rights. According to the complaint, this contract led to the removal of 873 trees valued at over $150,000. The plaintiff claims they were unaware of this activity until October 2025 when they discovered the deforestation during a site visit.
Woodland Farms accuses Coblentz Bros., Inc. of negligence for failing to verify ownership before proceeding with logging activities. They argue that both Sharon and Luis Pena acted without privilege or authority to sign such an agreement since neither held ownership or interest in the land beyond a life estate granted to Sharon. The lawsuit highlights several counts including violation of R.C. 901.51 (reckless destruction of property), trespass, negligence by Coblentz Bros., conversion (unauthorized use of property), civil theft from an elderly person due to Sharon’s age and vulnerability, respondeat superior (holding employers liable for employees’ actions), waste by a life tenant under R.C. 2105.20, unjust enrichment from unlawfully obtained timber profits, and calls for a constructive trust over assets gained through these actions.
The plaintiffs are seeking substantial compensation exceeding $448,000 for damages incurred due to loss of vegetation and necessary restoration efforts estimated at $291,000. Additionally, they request punitive damages, treble damages as per Ohio law which allows triple recovery in certain cases involving willful damage or theft, attorney fees, court costs, statutory interest along with other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Woodland Farms are attorneys Gregory S. Peterson and Rasheeda Kahn from Peterson Law LLP based in Dublin, Ohio. The case is presided over by Judge Jack Zouhary under Case ID: 3:26-cv-00411-JZ.
Source: 326cv00411_Woodland_Farms_Ohio_Investment_LLC_v_Coblentz_Bros_Inc_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
