LIBERTY TWP., Ohio — Liberty Township officials are suing the owners and operators of local homes they claim are being used as illegal short-term rentals — including one property now linked to a gunfire investigation after a "large gathering" over the weekend.
In a complaint filed Wednesday in Butler County Common Pleas Court, the Board of Trustees of Liberty Township names LRE 1 LLC, LRE 2 LLC, Plum Tree Rentals LLC and the company's owner, Jason Ross, as defendants.
The township accuses them of operating three single-family homes as short-term rentals without approval in violation of the township’s zoning laws and a 2025 resolution banning such rentals.
Two are on Granada Court and one is on Cincinnati Dayton Road.
Liberty Township’s zoning code prohibits rentals of fewer than 30 days in every district, as well as hotel or motel uses in these zones.
According to the lawsuit, neighbors began complaining in September 2025 about noise, large gatherings and parties at the Granada Court houses. Township records say all three properties have been listed online through rental platforms like VRBO since at least March 2024.
Officials say they issued seven violation notices from fall 2025 through March 2026 and sent formal cease-and-desist letters, but the owners continued operating the rentals.
Township leaders also allege Ross knew short-term rentals were prohibited, having previously testified in a zoning appeal.
The suit alleges four counts — declaratory judgment, permanent injunction, public nuisance and civil fines of up to $500 a day per property going back to March 2024. The penalties could total in the six-figure range.
Gunfire at Granada Court gathering
The legal dispute escalated into a public-safety concern on May 2 when the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to reports of a “large gathering” with loud music and gunfire on Granada Court.
Video from doorbell cameras captured the sound of gunfire and groups of kids running in multiple directions. WCPO spoke to neighbors about the incident Thursday.
Paul Dittman, who lives nearby, called it "insanity."
"Ludicrous. Ridiculousness. … I don’t even know if there’s words to describe it. Stupidity," Dittman said.
Dittman said the night was quiet — until after 11 p.m.
“All of a sudden, I look out my front window … there were cars coming down in the neighborhood, cars coming down my street," Dittman said.
Just before midnight, things took a turn. Investigators said multiple shots were fired at the short-term rental on Granada Court.
Detectives said they found spent shell casings and bullet fragments both inside and outside one of the homes — including a fragment lodged in an interior wall, multiple bullet pieces in the yard and several shell casings across the property.
Investigators interviewed some people who were at the gathering, but said cooperation has been “limited.”
“This type of reckless and violent behavior will not be tolerated in Butler County,” Sheriff Richard Jones said in a statement. “When individuals fire weapons in residential neighborhoods, they put innocent lives at risk and create fear throughout the community.”
No one was hurt, but for residents like Dittman, the shooting was a breaking point. He said it made him feel "rage."
"I get choked up, and it’s not because of fear or anything. Just rage, people just don’t have the common decency to be good, like good neighbors," Dittman said.
The sheriff’s office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible. Tips can be reported to 513‑785‑1258, by texting “COPS” to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at butlersheriff.org.
WATCH: Neighbors describe the moments they heard gunfire ring out
Ban on short-term rentals
Liberty Township’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution in July 2025 to ban short-term rentals in an effort to preserve residential character and reduce disruptions. Only pre-approved bed-and-breakfasts are allowed under certain conditions.
The township said the lawsuit is about protecting neighborhoods from what it calls incompatible commercial lodging uses — and ensuring safety after incidents like the party at Granada Court.
The defendants have not yet filed a response to the court. WCPO attempted to get a response from Ross on Thursday, but he said "no comment".
Dittman said it’s “unfortunate” it took a shooting to prompt legal action, but hopes it will force a change.
“If this keeps going, if we don’t regulate things … if we don’t take the time to see what we’re doing in our communities and let the communities regulate themselves, we don’t know what’s going to happen down the road. This could’ve ended way worse,” Dittman said.
