In a striking legal development, a couple from Florida has filed a lawsuit against a local government and several police officers, alleging severe violations of their constitutional rights. The complaint was filed by Raymond Kahle and Ana Sholin on January 27, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. They are suing the Village of Lake in the Hills and its police officers for unlawful entry, search, seizure, and other related offenses.
The plaintiffs allege that on January 25, 2023, they were subjected to an unwarranted and forceful intrusion into their home by officers from the Village of Lake in the Hills Police Department. According to the complaint, officers Ryan Halford, Ryan Parquette, Amanda Schmitt, Keith Salas, Sergio Garcia, Andrew Mannino, and Aleksandra Bielawiec entered their residence without a warrant or probable cause after receiving a false report of gunshots. The plaintiffs assert that this report was maliciously made by their neighbor's daughter, Gina Gapastione.
The incident began late at night when hard knocking on their door led Raymond Kahle to investigate. Shortly thereafter, he was reportedly confronted by police officers with guns drawn. Ana Sholin witnessed six officers pointing firearms at her husband as she descended with her children. Despite there being no evidence of gunshots or firearms in their home—a fact repeatedly communicated to the officers—the plaintiffs were detained at gunpoint while their home was searched.
Kahle and Sholin claim that this ordeal caused them significant emotional distress and violated their Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. They also accuse Gapastione of filing false police reports with malicious intent to harm their reputation and peace of mind. This incident marked the second time Gapastione allegedly attempted to file false charges against them.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for physical and emotional injuries as well as punitive damages against each individual defendant to deter similar misconduct in the future. They also request attorney’s fees and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Kahle and Sholin is attorney Danielle A. Pinkston from Pinkston Law Group P.C., based in Joliet, Illinois. The case is presided over under Case No.: 1:25-cv-916 in front of judges yet unnamed in this document.