A Virginia resident has filed a lawsuit alleging severe misconduct and rights violations by a county program meant to assist vulnerable community members. On November 21, 2025, Lydia Clevinger lodged her complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia against Buchanan County and several of its officials, including Alicia Stiltner, the Director of the Community Service Diversion Program (CSDP).
Lydia Clevinger’s lawsuit details a troubling narrative about her experience with the CSDP, which she claims operated without legal authority or proper oversight. According to the complaint, Clevinger was referred to this program by court order in February 2022. However, due to incarceration, she could not begin participation until March 2023. Upon starting, she disclosed significant medical limitations due to disabilities but was nonetheless assigned physically demanding tasks incompatible with her condition. The complaint accuses Alicia Stiltner of ignoring these limitations and imposing unwritten rules that led to physical injury and emotional distress for Clevinger.
The lawsuit outlines multiple allegations against Buchanan County and its officials. It asserts that the county failed to provide necessary ADA accommodations or procedures and lacked any formal policies for operating the CSDP. Furthermore, it alleges that Stiltner exercised unchecked authority over participants like Clevinger without adequate training or supervision from the county. This lack of oversight allegedly resulted in arbitrary assignments that exacerbated Clevinger’s health issues.
Clevinger seeks several forms of relief from the court. She requests a declaratory judgment affirming that her rights under federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act were violated. Additionally, she seeks injunctive relief mandating Buchanan County establish lawful policies for its programs and compensatory damages for her suffering. Punitive damages are also sought against Stiltner for alleged willful misconduct.
Representing Lydia Clevinger is attorney James E. Slone from Grundy, Virginia. The case is being heard under Case ID 1:25-cv-00070-JPJ-PMS by judges at the U.S. District Court in Roanoke.
Source: 125cv00070_Clevinger_v_Buchanan_County_Complaint_Western_District_Virginia.pdf
