In a striking legal battle that underscores the complexities of jurisdiction and constitutional rights, a protected crime victim has filed a lawsuit against several Louisiana entities. On November 10, 2025, SJ, the plaintiff, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Hon. Ronald C. Richard, the City of Lake Charles, and Lake Charles City Court, Ward 3.
The plaintiff, SJ, is embroiled in a contentious legal dispute with Judge Ronald C. Richard and other defendants over alleged violations of her constitutional rights. The case dates back to November 7, 2024, when Judge Richard accused SJ of practicing law without a license under Louisiana Revised Statute 37:212—an accusation she vehemently denies as she is not a resident of Louisiana nor has she practiced law there. This accusation was made without prior notice or proper legal procedure as per Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure articles 1351 through 1357 and violated her Fourteenth Amendment rights.
SJ’s husband suffered from temporary paralysis and spinal cord injury during this period but was still compelled by Judge Richard to attend court proceedings without any medical accommodations. This denial led to further health complications for him and infringed upon their due process rights. Moreover, during a hearing on November 14, 2024, Judge Richard allegedly ordered courtroom doors locked—a move SJ claims constituted unlawful detention in violation of both state and federal constitutions.
The situation escalated when an intruder attempted to break into SJ’s parents’ home in Houston shortly after her address was disclosed by the court despite her request for sealed records under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 56. This incident resulted in self-defense actions by SJ that were investigated but not charged by Houston Police.
Seeking justice and protection from further retaliation or harm, SJ has requested declaratory judgments voiding all orders issued by Judge Richard due to lack of jurisdiction and constitutional violations. She also seeks injunctions against enforcement of these orders and disclosure of her address along with restraining orders against further judicial retaliation.
Furthermore, SJ demands compensatory damages for financial losses and emotional distress caused by these events while acknowledging that judicial immunity may prevent direct damages against Judge Richard himself but does not preclude declaratory or injunctive relief.
Representing herself pro se in this complex case involving significant constitutional questions are attorneys Oliver Schrumpf (telephoned by Judge Richard) alongside unnamed others potentially involved in future proceedings before judges at both district level (Case ID: 25-cv-1759) as well as appellate courts reviewing serious due process concerns raised herein.
Source: 225cv1759_SJK_v_Hon_Ronaldn_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
