- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

After Being Falsely Arrested, Texas Mother Sues
Plano ISD Over Alleged Takeover of Booster Club

Federal civil rights lawsuit alleges school district employees conspired to seize control of an independent nonprofit, retaliate against parents, and violate constitutional rights.

PLANO, TX | June 17, 2026 – Prosecutors failed to convince a grand jury to bring charges against three mothers in connection with a high school booster club, and now one of the mothers has filed a sweeping federal lawsuit alleging constitutional violations, malicious prosecution, and an unlawful effort to seize control of a parent-run nonprofit organization.

The lawsuit, filed by Laura Cervantes and the Jasper High School Choir Booster Club, alleges that Plano ISD employees attempted to seize control of an independent organization after its leadership challenged Plano ISD's purported authority and refused demands regarding how privately raised funds should be spent.

According to the complaint, district employees and others sought to replace the organization's elected leadership, interfere with its operations, divert and open its mail, gain access to its bank account, and ultimately take control of funds raised by parents for students. The lawsuit further alleges that false accusations led to the arrests of three mothers - Laura Cervantes, Luisa King, and Krisinda Lingenfelter.

All three women were fully cleared when a Collin County grand jury declined to indict them.

Also named in the complaint are three private individuals - Sommer Ludwig, Carol Jennings, and Alexandra Hoh - alleged to have worked in concert with district employees to take control of the organization and violate the Plaintiffs' constitutional rights.

The federal lawsuit challenges Plano ISD's authority to regulate and control independent nonprofit organizations and seeks accountability for the wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution of the three mothers who were later exonerated. The lawsuit alleges violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

"Parents should never face retaliation, criminal accusations, or arrest for refusing to surrender control of organizations they built, funded, and operated independently," said Laura Cervantes. "This lawsuit is about accountability and ensuring no other family experiences what ours did - an unrelenting, traumatizing campaign that shattered reputations, caused financial harm, and turned parent volunteers into targets."

Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF), a national grassroots organization committed to defending freedom, protecting constitutional rights, and holding government officials accountable, is supporting the Plaintiffs in this case and has launched a dedicated legal defense fundraising campaign to help offset the significant costs of federal litigation. 

"No parent should be targeted or falsely accused for exercising their constitutional rights," said Colby Wiltse, CEO of CDF. "The allegations in this lawsuit paint a troubling picture of government overreach and abuse of authority. When public officials use their positions to retaliate against citizens that question or stand up to them, they must be held accountable. We are proud to stand with the Plaintiffs as they seek justice and accountability."

Individuals wishing to support CDF's effort through a restricted fund established exclusively for this case may donate directly to the Stand with Laura Cervantes Fund.

The lawsuit seeks damages, attorney’s fees, and injunctive relief barring Plano ISD from enforcing its unlawful policy of controlling independent parent organizations. Plaintiffs are represented by attorney Justin P. Nichols. Plano ISD and its employees are represented by Charles Crawford and Lucas Henry of Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.

For questions or copies of court documents, please contact info@TheNicholsLawFirm.com.