A recent federal court filing outlines allegations that a parent’s constitutional rights were violated when his children were removed from his custody following what he describes as a coordinated effort involving state officials and private individuals. The case was filed by Antonio Merrick in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Brunswick Division, on March 10, 2026. Defendants named in the suit include Dr. Kimberly Kolletar-Zhu, Jeannie Murray, Jennifer McGhan (Special Assistant Attorney General), Hon. O. Brent Green (Juvenile Court Judge), Taleah Wright, Yallana Boston, and unidentified employees of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
According to the complaint, Merrick asserts that his fundamental parental relationship with his children was interfered with unlawfully by both state actors and private parties. He claims these actions resulted in the removal of his children from his care without due process protections and ongoing interference with their relationship. The plaintiff states that these events violated his rights under the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution as well as federal civil rights statutes including 42 U.S.C. §1983 and §1985, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Rehabilitation Act.
Merrick identifies himself as a U.S. Army veteran who has been a certified childcare professional since 2002 and an active participant in his children’s upbringing since birth. He recounts that in late 2023 a complaint was filed with DFCS leading to an investigation into his parenting practices. He alleges this investigation relied on false statements and misrepresentations made to the court by various parties involved.
The legal filing details several phases in what Merrick describes as a conspiracy: manipulation following a visit between his daughters and one defendant; emotional coercion by DFCS staff; legal proceedings where he claims due process was denied; and alleged financial exploitation related to missing funds from a trust established for his children.
Among specific allegations are claims that Dr. Kimberly Kolletar-Zhu acted as lead DFCS caseworker while making false statements under oath about evidence of abuse, withholding closure of the case to exert pressure on Merrick, directing placement of children without legal justification, and enabling access to non-relatives without due process. The complaint further accuses therapist Jeannie Murray of colluding with DFCS staff to undermine Merrick’s relationship with his daughters through biased reporting.
Merrick also alleges that Taleah Wright initiated a false child protective services report after being denied custody of one child and subsequently manipulated family dynamics for personal gain. Yallana Boston is accused of withholding support for reunification while acting as trustee over the children’s trust fund—a fund which Merrick claims is missing approximately $80,000.
State attorney Jennifer McGhan is alleged to have misrepresented facts during court proceedings while downplaying crises affecting one daughter’s health during foster care placement. Judge O. Brent Green is accused in sworn statements attached to the filing of removing Merrick’s public defender after evidence contradicting testimony was presented in court.
The complaint includes communications between Merrick and DFCS foster care manager Natalie Arnette regarding proposed placements for the children—communications which Merrick says show attempts at retroactive approval for decisions already made about custody arrangements outside Georgia.
In addition to outlining alleged violations under federal civil rights law—including deprivation of due process (Fourteenth Amendment), unlawful seizure (Fourth Amendment), conspiracy against rights (42 U.S.C §1985), disability discrimination under ADA Title II—the plaintiff cites specific Georgia statutes relating to perjury, custodial interference, false imprisonment, reckless conduct, theft by conversion, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, failure to report harm or endangerment, stalking via psychological means, embezzlement from trust funds if applicable federally (18 U.S.C §664), among others.
Merrick seeks several forms of relief from the court: issuance of a temporary restraining order preventing further interference with parental rights; preservation orders for all records related to DFCS proceedings; declaratory judgment finding defendants’ actions unconstitutional; monetary damages permitted by law; any other relief deemed just by the court; as well as trial by jury on all triable claims.
The filing also includes requests for criminal investigations at local, state, and federal levels into what is described as “a coordinated multi-state conspiracy” involving emotional distress inflicted upon both parent and children along with possible financial crimes concerning missing trust assets.
Supporting exhibits referenced in the complaint include text messages indicating one daughter wished to remain in her original home county rather than be relocated out-of-state; emails between parties discussing placement consent; official notices documenting changes in custody arrangements; sworn affidavits challenging judicial findings about abandonment; financial records showing unaccounted-for trust funds; text communications evidencing alleged premeditation or manipulation around custody transfers; social media or documentation suggesting identity grooming among minors involved.
Attorneys named within attached documents include Gina Harter serving as child’s attorney/guardian ad litem during dependency proceedings referenced in official notices sent by Natalie Arnette (Foster Care Case Manager). The presiding judge explicitly named is Honorable O. Brent Green according to filings provided within case number 2:26-cv-00025-LGW-BWC.
Source: 226cv00025_Antonio_Merrick_v_Dr_Kimberly_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georiga.pdf
