A local resident has filed a lawsuit alleging violations of civil rights by multiple state entities and officials, stemming from the seizure of his vehicle. Mark Villazon, acting pro se, lodged the complaint on April 30, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Kane County Sheriff's Office and several individuals associated with it.
The case revolves around events that transpired on November 3, 2023, when Villazon's vehicle was seized following a traffic stop conducted without probable cause. Villazon claims that his constitutional rights were violated during this process and subsequent civil forfeiture proceedings. The plaintiff argues that officers from the Kane County Sheriff's Office relied on false or misleading observations to justify the seizure of his vehicle, violating his Fourth Amendment rights. Additionally, he alleges that statements obtained from his son without Miranda warnings were used to support the continued detention and forfeiture of his property.
Villazon further accuses Assistant State’s Attorneys Kimberly Klein, Zachary Krizel, and Eric Ryan of engaging in obstructive conduct during the civil forfeiture process. He claims they withheld critical evidence and misrepresented jurisdictional facts to prevent access to necessary information. These actions are said to have deprived him of procedural due process guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment.
The complaint also targets Judge Sarang for administrative actions that allegedly denied Villazon meaningful access to court proceedings. He contends that systemic courtroom procedures hindered his ability to participate effectively in legal processes. Furthermore, Villazon seeks declaratory relief against the State of Illinois for maintaining judicial practices that impede litigants' access to courts.
Villazon is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for violations of his First, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He requests declaratory judgments affirming these violations and systemic remedies addressing procedural deficiencies within Illinois civil forfeiture proceedings.
Representing himself in this complex legal battle is Mark Villazon from Naperville, Illinois. The case is presided over by Judge Elaine E. Bucklo with Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally assisting administratively under Case No: 1:25-cv-04752.