In a dramatic legal showdown, a woman has filed a lawsuit against several law enforcement officers and the Sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish, alleging false arrest and negligence. Shelita Young lodged her complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on November 25, 2025, targeting defendants Jose Portillo, Jonathan Walker, and Michael Tregre.
The case stems from an incident in November 2024 when Young’s husband attempted to reclaim a BMW X5 from Jean Burns after she failed to make payments on the vehicle as agreed. This led to a series of events involving multiple law enforcement agencies due to Burns falsely reporting the car as stolen. As Young drove the BMW back home, she was pursued by Burns who contacted various police departments with her claims. Eventually, officers from St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to intercept Young based on these false reports.
Young alleges that despite being informed that no crime had been committed and that it was a civil matter, defendant Portillo unlawfully detained her and later placed her in handcuffs without probable cause. The lawsuit accuses Portillo of violating Young’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution and seeks damages under 42 U.S.C. ยง1983 for false arrest.
Additionally, Young claims she suffered physical injuries due to an accident caused by Deputy Walker during the pursuit when he abruptly pulled into traffic ahead of her vehicle, leading to a collision. The complaint asserts that both Walker’s negligent driving and Portillo’s disregard for instructions not to engage lights contributed to this accident.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress, physical injuries, medical expenses, attorney fees, and other related costs. She demands judgment against all defendants jointly and severally for their actions which she contends were reckless and unlawful.
Representing Shelita Young are attorneys Brett J. Prendergast, Michael G. Riehlmann, and Jacque R. Touzet from New Orleans-based law firms. The case is presided over by Judge GGG-JVM under Case ID 2:25-cv-02395-GGG-JVM.
Source: 225cv02395_Shelita_Young_v_Jose_Portillo_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
