A Change.org petition garnered thousands of signatures, calling for charges against the deputy instead.
On May 31, 2019, , a 33-year-old security guard, found himself at the center of a viral controversy when he held Lucas County Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Gaston at gunpoint. Gaston, who was in full uniform and carrying his duty weapon, had entered the IRS office on personal business regarding a tax letter.
The story of Seth Eklund and the subsequent viral "GoFundMe Exclusive" narratives stem from a 2019 incident at a Toledo, Ohio, IRS office that ignited a fierce national debate over federal law, security protocols, and racial dynamics. The Incident: A Collision of Authority
Eklund was fired from his position at the security firm immediately following the incident.
He was initially charged with aggravated menacing, which was later amended to simple assault , a first-degree misdemeanor.
The encounter led to significant legal consequences for Eklund:
In February 2020, Eklund entered a plea of no contest. He was sentenced to one year of active probation and a suspended six-month jail sentence. Additional requirements included attending a gun safety class and undergoing mental health counseling.