Stowers v. Ohio Department of Agriculture

posted December 19, 2008

Stowers v. Ohio Department of Agriculture

The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has brought legal action against the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Lorain County Health Department for violating the constitutional rights of John and Jacqueline Stowers of LaGrange, Ohio. The Stowers operate an organic food cooperative called Manna Storehouse. On December 1, 2008, ODA and Lorain County Health Department agents forcefully raided the Stowers' home and unlawfully seized the family's personal food supply, cell phones and personal computers. The 1851 Center seeks to halt future similar raids. The complaint was filed in Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.

• Read the press release here.
• Read court filing here.
• Listen to our podcast here.

Case Timeline

• On February 4, 2009, the Health Department and Department of Agriculture, in search of a more favorable judge and a delay in intense media scrutiny, petitioned to remove the case to Federal Court. On March 2, 2009, the 1851 Center called these state agencies on their gamesmanship, and moved to remand the case to where it belongs: state court. Click here to read the 1851 Center's Motion.
• On March 17, 2009, the Health Department and Department of Agriculture responded to the 1851 Center's Motion to Remand. Click here and here to read the responses.

Related Media

• State Rep. Weighs in on Behalf of 1851 Center Client; Prosecutor Refuses to Return Family's Food