Columbus, OH — January 12, 2026 — A federal court in the Southern District of Ohio has authorized plaintiffs in the Ohio State University sexual abuse litigation to effect alternative service of a subpoena on non-party Leslie Wexner, following findings that repeated efforts to serve him personally were unsuccessful.
Read the Court’s Order here
In an order entered January 12, 2026, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for alternative service, concluding that plaintiffs demonstrated diligent efforts to serve Mr. Wexner through traditional means and that the proposed alternative methods were “reasonably calculated to achieve actual delivery”
The Court authorized service by leaving the subpoena with security personnel at Mr. Wexner’s residence, mailing it by first-class mail, and emailing it to his counsel.
Wexner served on the Ohio State Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1997 and chaired the board from 1996 to 1997. Richard Strauss was employed by Ohio State from 1978 to 1998 as a physician treating students, including student-athletes. Following the $6.2 million independent Perkins Coie investigation commissioned by Ohio State, then-president Michael V. Drake, MD stated in part, “Our institution’s fundamental failure at the time to prevent this abuse was unacceptable — as were the inadequate efforts to thoroughly investigate complaints raised by students and staff members.”
Ohio State University opposed the motion, arguing, among other things, that personal service was required and that the subpoena was improper. The Court rejected those arguments, finding that Ohio State lacked standing to challenge a subpoena directed to a non-party and that its objections were premature.
“For survivors, accountability begins with access to information. The Court’s order ensures that the discovery process can continue in a fair and lawful manner after repeated efforts to complete service were unsuccessful,” said Joe Sauder, one of the attorney representing the survivors. “Our clients have demonstrated tremendous courage. We are committed to making sure their voices are heard and the truth comes to light,” Sauder Schelkopf has been at the forefront of the Ohio State University sexual-abuse litigation since its inception in 2018.
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The underlying litigation centers on former students’ allegations that Ohio State failed to protect them from sexual abuse by Strauss from 1979 through 1998. Multiple lawsuits remain active, and Sauder Schelkopf continues to represent a group of survivors seeking accountability and institutional reform.
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