The Carl Soto lawsuit is a federal civil rights case filed in April 2025 against Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Deputy Alex Almaguer, in which Tampa pastor and activist Carl Michael Soto alleges that a August 2024 traffic stop left him hospitalized for ten days with spinal injuries. The case, Soto v. Chronister, is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and remains active as of mid-2026.
What the Lawsuit Claims
Soto filed Soto v. Chronister (Case No. 8:25-cv-00839) on April 4, 2025, naming Sheriff Chronister and Deputy Almaguer as defendants.1CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister – Parties He is seeking $5.5 million in damages and alleges the deputy assaulted him during the stop.2WTSP. Hillsborough County Deputy Use of Force Allegations
The complaint invokes 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal civil rights statute, and the docket also categorizes claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act.3CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister Soto is represented by Mauricio Padilla of the Padilla Law Group, based in Miami.1CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister – Parties
The Traffic Stop at the Center of the Case
On August 29, 2024, Deputy Almaguer pulled Soto over, citing an issue with a graphic on Soto’s license plate: an image of a comic book character where official DMV logos should have appeared.4Fox 13 News. Bay Area Civil Rights Activist Claims Rough Arrest, HCSO Responds Soto says the deputy tailed him for roughly three miles before initiating the stop.5Fight Back! News. Tampa Demands Justice for Pastor Carl Soto
Bodycam footage reviewed by local outlets showed a tense exchange. Soto disputed the legality of the stop and asked for a supervisor or the sheriff. The deputy asked for his driver’s license about 20 times; Soto refused, telling him, “You will not take it.” Almaguer drew his Taser, ordered Soto out of the vehicle, handcuffed one of his arms, and placed him under arrest for resisting an officer without violence.4Fox 13 News. Bay Area Civil Rights Activist Claims Rough Arrest, HCSO Responds Soto pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge.
Soto had recently undergone major back surgery and uses a medically prescribed walker. He alleges Almaguer pointed a weapon at his head, pulled him from the car, and pinned him to the ground while ignoring warnings about his spinal condition. According to Soto’s account, hospital records indicated the encounter bent two of his artificial discs and led to a ten-day hospital stay.5Fight Back! News. Tampa Demands Justice for Pastor Carl Soto
The Sheriff’s Office Position
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal review of the bodycam footage and concluded Almaguer did not violate department policies. Spokesperson Amanda Granit said the arrest resulted from Soto “not complying with lawful commands, not handing over his license,” adding, “It all could have been avoided… this didn’t have to end this way, but it did because of Mr. Soto’s actions.” The office said it had no plans to change the deputy’s employment status.4Fox 13 News. Bay Area Civil Rights Activist Claims Rough Arrest, HCSO Responds
Where the Case Stands
On November 3, 2025, Judge John L. Badalamenti dismissed several counts from Soto’s amended complaint without prejudice: Counts II, VI (against Sheriff Chronister), VII, VIII, and IX. The court denied Chronister’s motion to dismiss as moot and gave Soto 21 days to file a second amended complaint, barring any new claims and warning that failure to refile would make the dismissals permanent.3CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister
In December 2025, Soto filed an unopposed motion for leave to amend his second amended complaint, referred to Magistrate Judge Sean P. Flynn.6PACER Monitor. Soto v. Chronister et al, Motion for Leave to Amend Amended complaints appeared on the docket in mid-December 2025.3CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister
As of June 15, 2026, the case is active before Judge Mary Stenson Scriven, with Magistrate Judge Flynn handling referred matters. The docket shows continued activity, but no trial date, settlement discussions, or dispositive rulings have been publicly recorded.1CourtListener. Soto v. Chronister – Parties
A Second Use-of-Force Allegation Against the Same Deputy
Months after Soto filed suit, Almaguer became the subject of another use-of-force allegation. On July 25, 2025, he pulled over 24-year-old Saher Zikry for speeding. Saher’s sister, Sandra Zikry, 28, arrived at the scene; according to the arrest affidavit, Almaguer told her to leave 11 times. When she refused, he handcuffed her and pointed his Taser at her husband and brother, though the Taser was not discharged.7WFLA. Pregnant Woman Accuses Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy of Excessive Force During Relative’s Traffic Stop
Sandra Zikry, who told the deputy she was pregnant, alleged she suffered wrist injuries, bruising, and a head injury, and said she blacked out in the patrol car.7WFLA. Pregnant Woman Accuses Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy of Excessive Force During Relative’s Traffic Stop The Sheriff’s Office said Almaguer acted “lawfully and professionally.”2WTSP. Hillsborough County Deputy Use of Force Allegations
At an August 16, 2025 press conference, Soto called for Almaguer’s removal, saying: “If Deputy Almaguer is not immediately removed from the force we are concerned that we are going to have a next George Floyd on our hands.”7WFLA. Pregnant Woman Accuses Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy of Excessive Force During Relative’s Traffic Stop