A Wisconsin resident has taken legal action against local authorities, alleging constitutional violations stemming from two warrantless arrests and the removal of his child into shelter care. On January 8, 2026, William Joseph Somers filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the City of West Bend, several officers from the West Bend Police Department (WBPD), Washington County, and employees of Washington County DHS/ACS.
The case revolves around two incidents in 2024 where Somers was arrested without a warrant at his residence in West Bend. The first arrest occurred on January 8, with officers alleging disorderly conduct. Despite being handcuffed and booked into jail, no charges were pursued by the Washington County District Attorney. A similar scenario unfolded on August 23-24 when Somers faced allegations including disorderly conduct and physical abuse of a child. Again, he was detained without charges being filed. “These seizures were unreasonable and without probable cause,” Somers asserts in his complaint, citing violations of his Fourth Amendment rights.
Following the August arrest, Washington County DHS/ACS removed Somers’ minor son, Vincent, placing him in shelter care until October 24. During this period, Somers claims he was denied normal parenting contact and incurred significant financial losses due to imposed shelter-care fees and lost wages. He argues that these actions violated his Fourteenth Amendment rights to familial association and procedural due process because they relied on internal records without proper evidentiary hearings or safeguards.
Somers is seeking compensatory damages for loss of liberty, interference with familial association, financial losses including shelter-care fees and impoundment fees for his dog, emotional distress, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. He also requests punitive damages against those responsible for these alleged constitutional infringements.
Representing himself pro se in this matter is William J. Somers. The case has been assigned Case No. 2:26-cv-00028-BHL before Judge Brett H. Ludwig.
Source: 226cv00028_Somers_v_City_of_West_Bend_Complaint_Eastern_District_Wisconsin.pdf
