Adam R. Steigert

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Adam Richard Steigert
Steigert at an event for his film STAR [Space Traveling Alien Reject] (April 2017)
Born (1986-12-31) December 31, 1986 (age 38)
Hamburg, New York, U.S.
OccupationFilmmaker
Years active2008–present

Adam Richard Steigert (born December 31, 1986)[1] is an American filmmaker, known for his films OMBIS Alien Invasion, A Grim Becoming, Fang and The Horrific Evil Monsters. He co-founded the Buffalo-based production company 388 Studios in 2018.

Adam R. Steigert
Born (1986-12-31) December 31, 1986 (age 38)
Hamburg, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Filmmaker (since 2008), writer, producer, federal employee
Years active2007–present
Known forIndependent horror and science fiction cinema; pro se federal litigation

Life and career

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Steigert was born in Hamburg, New York on December 31, 1986.[1] His parents were Warren Richard Steigert and Jean M. Sanders, and he was raised by his grandparents, William and Kathleen Sanders.[2] He formed the production company DefTone Pictures Studios with Stephanie Wlosinski, writing and directing the 2008 film Bitez and the 2009 film Gore.[2] His most popular film involves zombies in Prisoners of the Dead. He later wrote, directed, and produced the short exploitation film Homicidal Vengeance. In 2013, Steigert wrote and directed the science fiction film Ombis: Alien Invasion, which was later re-titled in Best Buy, Walmart and Netflix as Not Human.[3][4][5]

In 2014, Steigert directed, co-wrote, and co-edited the comedy horror film A Grim Becoming.[6] Steigert then directed, co-wrote, and produced the 2017 film STAR [Space Traveling Alien Reject].[7][8][9] His next project, a werewolf-based horror film titled Fang, released in 2018.[10][11] He then created a horror team up known as The Horrific Evil Monsters.

After the release of The Horrific Evil Monsters, Steigert, under the direction of 388 Studios, produced and directed a spin-off series focusing on the Grim Reapers 9 to 5, entitled A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture.

In 2021 Steigert began writing a sequel to his film Ombis 2: Alien Awakening, slated for a 2026 release, which follows the story of Haley trying to expose the government’s Metzburgh cover-up only to find the invasion isn’t over and something is awakening.[12]

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In addition to his work as an independent filmmaker, Adam R. Steigert has pursued multiple legal actions connected to his federal employment. Acting pro se, Steigert has simultaneously managed cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Merit Systems Protection Board proceedings

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On June 25, 2025, Administrative Judge Jennifer Pao issued an Initial Decision in a separate MSPB appeal filed by Steigert, docketed as PH-3443-25-1394-I-1. The appeal challenged a series of personnel actions including a job-offer rescission, non-selection, denial of reasonable accommodation, reassignment, the rescission of a temporary promotion, a five-day suspension, performance evaluation disputes, and allegations of retaliation related to prior EEO activity. Judge Pao found that these actions did not constitute appealable adverse actions under 5 U.S.C. § 7512 and therefore did not fall within the Board’s Chapter 75 jurisdiction.[13]

The decision then examined Steigert’s Individual Right of Action (IRA) whistleblower claims. The judge found that Steigert had filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), which terminated its inquiry on May 22, 2025, thereby satisfying the OSC exhaustion requirement for an IRA appeal. The Initial Decision noted that Steigert alleged retaliation for cooperating with internal investigations, multiple EEO complaints, and disclosing concerns related to harassment and reprisal. The Board explained that while reprisal for one’s own EEO activity is generally excluded from 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8) and (b)(9)(A)–(B) whistleblower protections, recent precedents had expanded the interpretation of protected activity.

Specifically, the Initial Decision relied on Reese v. Department of the Navy, 2025 MSPB 1,[13] and Holman v. Department of the Army, 2025 MSPB 2, in which the Board held that disclosures or cooperation with an agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity office may, in certain circumstances, constitute protected whistleblower activity under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)(C), because an EEO office qualifies as a “component responsible for internal investigation or review.” The decision also noted that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit were simultaneously reviewing aspects of the Reese precedent, and that those outcomes could directly affect the Board’s jurisdiction in Steigert’s appeal.

Given the unsettled state of controlling precedent and the potential impact of the forthcoming decisions in Reese, the administrative judge dismissed Steigert’s appeal without prejudice to conserve the resources of both the Board and the parties. The Initial Decision ordered that the appeal be automatically refiled on January 2, 2026, after which a new status conference would be scheduled and all previously submitted documents would carry over into the refiled case.

[13]

Merit Systems Protection Board proceedings

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In September 2025, Steigert filed an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) challenging alleged retaliatory personnel actions by the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service. The appeal was docketed as Steigert v. Department of the Treasury, MSPB Case No. PH-0752-25-2249-I-1, and assigned to Administrative Judge Jennifer Pao of the Northeastern Regional Office.

Key docket activity includes:

  • September 30, 2025 – Initial Appeal filed (Tab 1).
  • September 30, 2025 – Appellant's Exhibits filed (Tab 3).
  • October 1, 2025 – Supplemental Notice submitting additional evidence, including a May 30, 2025 email exchange with agency counsel (Tab 4).
  • October 27, 2025 – Motion for Sanctions, alleging continued noncompliance by agency representatives (Tab 6).
  • October 27, 2025 – Filing of supplemental exhibits documenting shutdown-related correspondence and compliance issues (Tabs 5–6).
  • November 13, 2025 – Submission of a summary of testimony from the September 25, 2025 WDNY TRO hearing, filed in support of the MSPB appeal (Tab 7).
  • November 17, 2025 – Notice of Judicial Authority and Federal Injunction Conflict, referencing overlapping issues between MSPB proceedings and federal injunction orders (Tab 8).
  • November 17, 2025 – Supplemental Statement of Facts and Request for Protective Actions filed (Tab 9).
  • November 20, 2025 – **Order Rescheduling Deadlines** issued by Administrative Judge Jennifer Pao, extending the agency's response deadline to December 12, 2025 and setting December 22, 2025 as the deadline for discovery-related filings.
  • November 20, 2025 – Appellant’s Notice of New Retaliatory Personnel Action filed, addressing the FY 2025 annual performance evaluation (Tab 11).

As of late November 2025, the appeal remains pending before the MSPB, with ongoing disputes concerning alleged retaliatory actions, federal injunction conflicts, and compliance issues raised across multiple forums.

United States District Court proceedings (Western District of New York)

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Western District of New York proceedings

In September 2025, Steigert filed Steigert v. Bessent et al., Case No. 1:25-cv-00820, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, alleging breach of contract and retaliation by officials within the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service. The matter was assigned to District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. and referred to Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer for pre-trial management.

Key docket activity includes:

  • September 12, 2025 – Emergency motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction filed.
  • September 22, 2025 – Motion for sanctions filed.
  • September 25, 2025 – Oral argument held before Judge Sinatra.
  • September 29, 2025 – Emergency motion for protective order filed.
  • October 16, 2025 – Notice of related judicial development filed, referencing a nationwide injunction in American Federation of Government Employees et al. v. Office of Management and Budget et al. (N.D. Cal. 25-cv-08302-SI).
  • October 17, 2025 – Notice of supplemental authority filed.
  • October 31, 2025 – Notice of continuing violation and non-compliance with court filings filed.
  • November 3, 2025 – Motion for contempt and enforcement of court authority (ECF No. 24) filed, alleging continued agency non-compliance with prior court orders.
  • November 4, 2025 – Official transcript of the September 25 hearing filed (ECF No. 25); restricted for 90 days, with public release scheduled for February 2, 2026.
  • November 10, 2025 – The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a Response in Opposition to the Motion for Contempt and Sanctions (ECF No. 26) and a supporting Declaration of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Cerrone (ECF No. 27). That same day, Steigert filed a Supplemental Motion for Civil Contempt and Enforcement of Federal Court Orders (ECF No. 28), adding an IRS executive as a respondent and alleging continued reliance on the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) following nationwide injunctions issued on October 16 and October 28, 2025, by Judge Susan Illston in American Federation of Government Employees et al. v. Office of Management and Budget et al. (N.D. Cal. 25-cv-08302-SI), which temporarily barred all federal agencies from implementing shutdown-related Reduction in Force (RIF) or DRP actions.
  • November 13, 2025 – Second Supplemental Motion for Civil Contempt and Post-Reopening Enforcement of Federal Injunctions filed (ECF No. 29).
  • November 18, 2025 – Third Supplemental Motion for Civil Contempt and for Immediate Post-Reopening Enforcement Actions filed (ECF No. 30).
  • November 19, 2025 – Fourth Supplemental Motion for Civil Contempt and Notice of Continuing Post-Injunction Violations filed (ECF No. 32). Later that day, Magistrate Judge Roemer issued a text order setting deadlines for briefing on the government’s Motion to Dismiss and its opposition to the plaintiff’s TRO motion, with Steigert’s response due December 12, 2025, and replies due January 2, 2026 (ECF No. 31).
  • November 21, 2025 – Fifth Supplemental Motion for Civil Contempt filed (ECF No. 33), alleging retaliatory timekeeping interference, AWOL threats, and continuing violations of federal injunctions.

As of late November 2025, the contempt motions, supplemental contempt filings, and pending sanctions issues remain before Judge Sinatra.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Adam R. Steigert - About". Facebook. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Adam Steigert". DefTone Pictures Studios. Archived from the original on 18 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Movie Review: Ombis: Alien Invasion (2013)". Cosmic Book News. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  4. ^ Debi Moore (12 June 2014). "Ombis Now Called Not Human; Official Release Details, Artwork, and New Trailers". Dread Central. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  5. ^ Chris Savage (23 August 2014). "Official Trailer and Poster for Not Human". Horror-Movies.ca. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  6. ^ Debi Moore (19 November 2014). "New Stills and Artwork Arrive for A Grim Becoming". Dread Central. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  7. ^ Rickey Russell (20 October 2015). "Teaser Trailer For "S.T.A.R. (Space Traveling Alien Reject)"". Moviepilot. Retrieved 7 June 2017.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Debi Moore (2 July 2016). "Find Inspiration in the S.T.A.R. [Space Traveling Alien Reject] Trailer". Dread Central. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Review – Adam R. Steigert's STAR: Space Traveling Alien Reject". Horror Society. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  10. ^ Jonathan Barkan (16 May 2017). "Here's a Teaser For the Upcoming Werewolf Film Fang". Dread Central. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  11. ^ Chris Savage (15 March 2017). "Adam R. Steigert Wrestles with a Werewolf as 'Fang' Goes into Production". Horror-Movies.ca. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  12. ^ "Ombis 2: Alien Awakening". IMDb. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c (Merit Systems Protection Board 2025).

Federal Circuit appeal

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Steigert v. Treasury
CourtUnited States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Docket nos.25-1906
Court membership
Judge sittingPending assignment
Case opinions
Pending

Steigert v. Treasury (No. 25-1906) is a pending appellate case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, filed on July 3, 2025, by Adam R. Steigert, a federal employee and independent filmmaker. Acting pro se, Steigert appealed against the United States Department of the Treasury and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), alleging retaliation, procedural violations, and noncompliance with settlement terms.

Background

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The case originated from proceedings before the Merit Systems Protection Board, docket PH-3443-25-1394-I-1, in which Steigert alleged retaliatory actions and contract violations by agency officials. The MSPB dismissed the matter without prejudice, and Steigert sought appellate review under 5 U.S.C. § 7703, which provides judicial review of MSPB decisions.

His appeal raises claims under the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Civil Service Reform Act, and the Rehabilitation Act, asserting that agency counsel engaged in procedural misconduct and delayed compliance with prior settlements.

Federal Circuit dismissal (October 2025)

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On October 20, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a non-precedential order in Steigert v. Merit Systems Protection Board, No. 25-1906.[1] The appeal raised claims under the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Civil Service Reform Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, alleging procedural misconduct by agency counsel and delays in compliance with prior settlements.[2] The court granted the petitioner’s motion for leave to file a reply but dismissed the petition for review without prejudice for lack of a final Board decision, noting that the MSPB had dismissed the underlying case “subject to automatic refiling in January 2026.”[1] All pending motions were terminated as moot.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit October 20, 2025), Text.
  2. ^ "Case summary: Steigert v. Merit Systems Protection Board". FindLaw. Retrieved 20 October 2025.

Procedural history

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Since filing the appeal, Steigert has submitted several documents through the Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system, including:

  • Motion to Continue Stay of Proceedings (September 8, 2025)
  • Motion to Correct or Supplement Motion to Continue Stay (September 8, 2025)
  • Citations of Supplemental Authority (September 9–10, 2025) under FRAP 28(j)
  • Reply Filed by Petitioner (September 15, 2025)
  • Motion for Leave to File Response/Reply to Respondents’ Brief (September 16, 2025)
  • Joint Notice of Supplemental Authority and Post-Filing Update (October 6, 2025)

These filings are accessible via the PACER system, which reflects ongoing correspondence between Steigert and counsel for the Treasury Department and the MSPB.

Motions for sanctions

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Steigert has also filed motions for sanctions under Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 46(c), alleging misrepresentation, procedural noncompliance, and improper record handling by agency counsel. These motions contend that such conduct “undermined the integrity of the appellate review process.”

While still pending, the filings are significant for their invocation of FRAP 46(c)—a relatively rare provision cited by pro se litigants seeking disciplinary review of opposing counsel within the Federal Circuit.

Significance

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The case illustrates the procedural and practical challenges faced by self-represented federal employees engaged in multi-forum litigation. Its eventual outcome may clarify:

  • The Federal Circuit’s authority to review MSPB dismissals without prejudice;
  • Procedural rights of pro se appellants in federal employment disputes; and
  • Standards for attorney conduct and accountability under FRAP 46(c).

See also

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Selected filmography

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Steigert is known for creating interconnected independent horror, science fiction, and dark comedy films often referred to collectively as part of his “Goreverse.” Below is a selection of his written, directed, and produced works:

  • Bitez (2008) – horror short; debut feature under DefTone Pictures Studios
  • Gore (2009) – splatter horror; director and producer
  • Pigman vs. Gore (short, 2010) – crossover short continuing the “Gore” storyline
  • Prisoners of the Dead (2011) – zombie action film; director and producer
  • Ombis: Alien Invasion (2013) – science fiction horror distributed by Best Buy and Walmart
  • To Release a Soul (short, 2013) – supernatural drama short
  • Caged (short, 2013) – psychological horror; co-written and directed
  • A Grim Becoming (2014) – dark comedy horror exploring the life of the Grim Reaper
  • The Making of A Grim Becoming (short, 2014) – behind-the-scenes documentary
  • STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject) (2017) – science fiction comedy about an alien outcast
  • Fang (2018) – werewolf horror feature starring Melodie Roehrig and Gregory Blair
  • Homicidal Vengeance (2020) – grindhouse revenge thriller
  • The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021) – ensemble crossover featuring characters from Steigert’s earlier works
  • A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture (2022) – spin-off web series continuing the “Grim” storyline
  • Ombis 2: Alien Awakening (upcoming, 2026) – sequel to Ombis: Alien Invasion currently in postproduction[1]

Recurring collaborators and themes

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Throughout his filmmaking career, Steigert has worked with a recurring ensemble of actors and production partners who have become central to his independent film universe, informally referred to by fans as the “Goreverse.”

Key collaborators include:

  • Kristin Steigert – producer and creative partner on most projects since 2008, contributing to development, production design, and story continuity across multiple films.
  • Jason John Beebe – frequent leading actor appearing in Prisoners of the Dead, A Grim Becoming, and STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject).
  • Melodie Roehrig – featured in Fang (2018) and The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021), noted for her recurring roles in Steigert’s supernatural-themed works.
  • Bishop Stevens – professional wrestler and actor who starred in The Horrific Evil Monsters and Fang, expanding Steigert’s reach into action-horror.
  • Jennie Russo – appeared in A Grim Becoming and other DefTone Pictures releases, often portraying comedic or villainous supporting roles.
  • Gregory Blair – Los Angeles–based actor featured in Fang, known for his collaboration on Steigert’s transition toward more character-driven horror.
  • Kaylee Williams – indie horror performer featured in The Horrific Evil Monsters.
  • Amber Anne and Jordan Lema – contributors in acting and production capacities on short-form projects, including the Buffalo-area film community collaborations.

Steigert’s films are known for their blend of horror, science fiction, and dark humor, often using interconnected storylines, self-aware dialogue, and recurring characters. Thematically, his work explores transformation, morality, and human survival through a mix of practical effects and stylized visual storytelling.

Critical reception and legacy

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Steigert’s films have attracted attention within the independent horror and science fiction communities for their practical effects, ensemble casting, and use of recurring characters across multiple storylines. Reviewers have often noted his ability to merge genre elements such as comedy, creature design, and emotional drama within low-budget frameworks.

The horror and genre website Dread Central covered several of Steigert’s releases, highlighting his progression from early splatter films to more character-driven narratives.[2] Horror Society described STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject) as “a spirited hybrid of humor and heart that celebrates outsiders in the horror community,”[3] while Cosmic Book News praised Ombis: Alien Invasion for “mixing practical effects with a nostalgic B-movie tone.”[4]

In 2018, Steigert’s werewolf feature Fang drew festival attention for its use of practical monster effects and ensemble cast, including Melodie Roehrig and Gregory Blair. His follow-up, The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021), was promoted as a crossover event linking several of his prior film universes, drawing comparisons to comic-book-style shared worlds within independent cinema.

Steigert’s body of work has since been cited in local press and festival coverage for helping to strengthen the Western New York independent film scene. His frequent collaborations and community-based productions have been recognized as part of Buffalo’s growing horror and genre-film network, inspiring new filmmakers in the region to produce and self-distribute original content.

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "Ombis 2: Alien Awakening". IMDb. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  2. ^ Debi Moore (19 November 2014). "New Stills and Artwork Arrive for A Grim Becoming". Dread Central. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Review – Adam R. Steigert's STAR: Space Traveling Alien Reject". Horror Society. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  4. ^ "Movie Review: Ombis: Alien Invasion (2013)". Cosmic Book News. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
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