A dispute over the handling of a storage unit has led to serious legal claims involving allegations of racketeering, fraudulent debt collection, and violations of court orders. The complaint was filed by D’Wayne Yeargin in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on April 16, 2026, naming Storage Post Self Storage (Tom Drive), Self Storage Management LLC, CEO Bruce C. Roch, CFO Eric Salnas, COO Billy Palmer, Regional Manager Rick Ford, and Store Lead Tybor Morgan as defendants.
According to the verified complaint, Yeargin describes himself as a protected disabled veteran and asserts that his rights were violated under federal law after a series of disputes with the storage facility regarding Unit 751. The filing states that on December 18, 2025, Yeargin issued Promissory Note No. 02221977-2 to discharge his obligation under UCC § 3-603. Despite this action and what he claims was a zero balance on his account, the defendants allegedly refused payment and executed an administrative default resulting in a liquidated debt claim of $2,526,094.00.
The plaintiff further alleges that on February 2, 2026, staff at the storage facility cut his lock and deactivated his gate access despite no outstanding balance. This action reportedly led to security breaches within the facility and theft of high-value assets from Yeargin’s unit. The complaint also references a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Louisiana 19th Judicial District Court on March 4, 2026 (Docket No. C-77492423), which ordered defendants to cease interference with Yeargin’s property.
Yeargin contends that only five days after the TRO was issued—on March 9—the defendants violated it by making retroactive ledger entries to create what he calls a “false default.” This included an unauthorized $100 late fee charge and placing Unit 751 into auction status even though it was prepaid through April 2. The filing states: “These actions were a fraudulent attempt to deceive the court…by claiming a lease termination that was a ‘factual impossibility’ given the accepted payment under Receipt #75171.” On March 11, defendants allegedly admitted in writing that a “system error” caused both the lockout and payment reversals.
Further incidents are described in which access was denied to Yeargin’s co-tenant on March 21 despite judicial orders permitting entry. The plaintiff claims these actions amount to willful contempt of court as well as fraud.
The lawsuit brings four main causes of action: civil RICO violations (alleging operation of a scheme to defraud tenants by manipulating ledgers), violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) due to deceptive collection practices and inaccurate disclosures; deprivation of property rights under color of law without due process; and conversion plus breach of bailment for failing to maintain security leading to loss or theft from Unit 751.
Yeargin seeks substantial remedies from the court including treble damages estimated at approximately $9.3 million pursuant to RICO statutes; sanctions for contempt related to disobedience of the TRO; issuance of a permanent injunction preventing further restriction or removal actions by defendants; and an order requiring formal written apologies from CEO Bruce C. Roch and CFO Eric Salnas for their roles in alleged violations.
As stated in his verified declaration attached to the filing: “I, D’Wayne Anthony Yeargin, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” The case is identified as Case No. 3:26-cv-00408-SDJ-EWD in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Source: 326cv00408z_Dwayne_Yeargin_v_Storage_Post_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
