In a dramatic turn of events, a couple from Wisconsin is challenging the state’s Department of Revenue over what they claim was an unlawful seizure of their bank funds. James Arthur Luecke and Talia DelCarmen Luecke filed a federal civil rights emergency complaint on January 7, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin against David Casey, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, and other officials.
The plaintiffs allege that on October 3, 2025, state actors executed an unauthorized seizure of their FDIC-insured bank funds without a warrant or court order. The seizure reportedly took place at Headwaters State Bank in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. The couple claims this action violated their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights as it was conducted without any constitutionally valid levy enforcement instrument. According to the complaint, defendants Saundra and Kristine (last names unknown), along with Heather M. Morrissey—a sworn state officer—played pivotal roles in this act by concealing their identities and refusing to provide necessary legal authorizations despite repeated demands.
The plaintiffs further assert that the seizure had severe repercussions on their lives by cutting off essential funds needed for medical care following a heart attack and other basic needs such as housing and food. Despite notifying authorities about these urgent needs and filing reports with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office immediately after the incident, they claim no meaningful post-deprivation hearing was provided. Defendant Morrissey allegedly denied an emergency hearing request on December 22, 2025, even after being informed about imminent health risks.
James and Talia Luecke are seeking declaratory relief to acknowledge that their constitutional rights were violated through this warrantless seizure. They also demand injunctive relief requiring immediate release of unlawfully seized funds and preventing future seizures without proper legal processes. Additionally, they seek compensatory damages for economic loss, physical injury, emotional distress, and punitive damages against individual defendants for deliberate indifference to constitutional violations.
Representing themselves pro se in this case against powerful state officials highlights both the gravity of their allegations and potential challenges ahead. The plaintiffs hope for justice not only through financial compensation but also through systemic changes ensuring due process protections are upheld in similar cases moving forward.
The case is presided over by Judge William M. Conley under Case ID: 3:26-cv-00014-wmc with no attorneys representing either party mentioned in the filing.
Source: 326cv00014_Luecke_v_Casey_Complaint_Western_District_Wisconsin.pdf
