WARSAW — A notice of a tort claim has been filed on behalf of Mark H. and Carol J. Soto by attorney David C. Kolbe against the Warsaw Police Department and Political Subdivision Risk Management Commission, located in Indianapolis.

According to the claim, filed Monday, Sept. 14, Dr. Mark H. Soto is and has been a professor at Grace College for over two decades. Several years ago Soto began a relationship with a man named Kevin Bronson as a Christian mentor and counselor. According to the tort, he later developed a relationship as Bronson’s power of attorney and representative in various financial and familial transactions and exchanges. Soto also coordinated Bronson’s necessary legal, medical and social services and remained, by and large, a Christian mentor.

Several years ago efforts reportedly began to make a film of Bronson’s life, which was filled with long periods of imprisonment, membership in a white supremacist organization, development of martial arts expertise and long periods of drug abuse. Bronson later became a member of the Warsaw/Winona Lake community and embraced and espoused conversion to evangelical Christianity with “apparent resultant change in attitudes and behavior.”

The tort notes certain “well-to-do” members of the community, and in particular, members of the Christ’s Covenant Church of Winona Lake, invested in the upcoming movie. The pastor of the church reportedly became deeply involved in the events and Bronson became a principle in a martial arts business during this time.

A falling out reportedly occurred between Bronson and his local investors as well as his martial arts business partner. Based on alleged concerns expressed by investors and members of the church and community, a police investigation was opened by Warsaw Police Department Officer Paul Heaton, a member of Christ’s Covenant Church.

In mid-March, Heaton reportedly contacted Soto in regards to a police interview, which after seeking legal advice, Soto declined. However, on March 20, three search warrants were issued against Soto to seek possession of computers, laptops, cell phones, mobile cellular devices, bank documents, proof of residency and other documents and property — including property of Bronson’s in storage at the Soto home.

In addition, police appeared at Grace College offices and seized his computer and property. The tort claims the Soto family has yet to have their property returned. The family also alleges they have, on numerous occasions, requested a copy of the affidavit of probable cause filed for the March 20, search warrants. To date, law enforcement has reportedly refused to produce these documents.

During the summer, Prosecuting attorney Daniel H. Hampton reportedly recused himself from all matters surrounding these events and the case was handed to special prosecutor F. Nelson Chipman of Marshall County, who has reportedly launched his own investigation into these matters.

The Sotos allege they have become the target of a vindictive and unfounded investigation, instituted and perpetuated by Heaton and his police chief, Scott Whitaker. Throughout the course of the investigation, the family’s alleged participation in unlawful activity, which Soto denies, have allegedly damaged his reputation in a possibly irreparable way.

In addition, the ongoing retention of the computers have rendered the Soto family unable to file their 2014 tax returns and resolve a 2013 tax question leaving them subject to possible fines and penalties.

The Sotos claim as damages the sum of $2 million dollars each, aggregate of $4 million and the return of all personal and professional property.

Click here to see the warrants filed against Soto.