Chad Zartman

KOSCIUSKO —  Mario Massillamany, partner at law firm of Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP, Fishers, filed a tort claim notice against the Indiana State Police, Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Kosciusko County and Warsaw City Council on behalf of local landlord Chad Zartman.   

The claim follows an incident that occurred in March when Zartman was served with a search warrant by Indiana State Police, who confiscated two cell phones in Zartman’s possession. Zartman, who often attends and records city council meetings, has been vocal in his criticism of Thallemer. 

A news release provided by the law firm states that Zartman was targeted for exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

“Every citizen in America should have the right to speak freely about political issues and not be targeted by the government;” said Massillamany.  

 “I’ve been fortunate in my life that I have the means to fight against these violations of my first amendment rights.  I’m standing up for my rights and the rights of those who have not been as lucky,” said Zartman, per the news release.

The news release issued by the law firm further states that it wasn’t until after Zartman’s cell phones were taken that the Indiana State Police officers wrote a probable cause affidavit and search warrant “containing many falsehoods.”  

According to a search warrant Zartman previously provided InkFreeNews, he is being investigated for identity deception.