Case: Bradshaw v. McLennan County

6:08-cv-00246 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas

Filed Date: Sept. 8, 2008

Closed Date: 2010

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On September 8, 2008, Plaintiffs filed a federal class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, and others in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division.The named plaintiffs were each arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. In each case, the arresting officer took the plaintiff to the McLennan County jail where he was subjected to a visual body cavity search. Plaintiffs allege that the strip searc…

On September 8, 2008, Plaintiffs filed a federal class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, and others in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division.

The named plaintiffs were each arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. In each case, the arresting officer took the plaintiff to the McLennan County jail where he was subjected to a visual body cavity search. Plaintiffs allege that the strip searches were performed prior to any appearance before a judge and without individualized reasonable suspicion that either plaintiff was concealing weapons or contraband.

Plaintiffs allege that the McLennan County Sheriff's Deputies routinely follow a policy of strip searching pre-arraignment detainees without having an individualized reasonable suspicion that such a search would be productive of weapons or contraband.

Plaintiffs seek monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief. Specifically, Plaintiffs claim damages for "distress, anguish, suffering, humiliation, deprivation of constitutional rights, and other incidental, consequential, and special damages" all arising from the strip search that each defendant endured. Plaintiffs also allege that the defendants acted in a "malicious, reckless, wanton, oppressive, and/or fraudulent" way that justifies an award of punitive damages. Plaintiffs additionally ask the Court to enjoin Defendants from strip searching persons arrested for non-violent, non-drug related crimes.

On May 19, 2009, in a 17-page ruling, the U.S. District Court (Judge Walter S. Smith Jr.) ordered that Plaintiff's claims against "the McLennan County Sheriff's Department" and against "Sheriff Larry Lynch in his Official Capacity" be dismissed. However, the Court denied Defendants' motion to dismiss for failure to allege a constitutional violation. Taking as true all of Plaintiffs' allegations, the Court held that Plaintiffs alleged a constitutional violation but lacked standing to pursue injunctive relief, because any threat of future harm to the named Plaintiffs is based on a hypothetical situation where they again violate the law.

After the ruling on Defendants' motions to dismiss, Plaintiffs sought class certification. On October 30, 2009, Judge Smith Jr. denied the motion.

On January 19, 2010, the parties filed a joint motion to withdraw and pursue non-binding mediation through the Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") program. The parties reached a settlement whose terms are not available at the time of this writing.

On May 11, 2010, pursuant to the Stipulation of Dismissal filed by the parties, the Court (Judge Smith Jr.) dismissed the case with prejudice.

Summary Authors

Xin Chen (4/8/2011)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4400005/parties/bradshaw-v-mclennan-county/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Harrington, James C (Texas)

Kaizuka, Joshua (California)

Krause, Wayne Nicholas (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Davis, Robert Scott (Texas)

Dixon, Michael W (Texas)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

6:08-cv-00246

Docket [PACERA]

Bradshaw v. McLennan County

May 11, 2010

May 11, 2010

Docket
1

6:08-cv-00246

Class Action Complaint for Damages

Sept. 8, 2008

Sept. 8, 2008

Complaint
9

6:08-cv-00246

First Amended Class Action Complaint

Nov. 24, 2008

Nov. 24, 2008

Complaint
21

6:08-cv-00246

Memorandum Opinion and Order

May 19, 2009

May 19, 2009

Order/Opinion
26

6:08-cv-00246

Plaintiff's Motion for Class Certification and Memorandum

June 25, 2009

June 25, 2009

Pleading / Motion / Brief
34

6:08-cv-00246

Memorandum Opinion and Order (denying class certification)

Oct. 30, 2009

Oct. 30, 2009

Order/Opinion
46

6:08-cv-00246

Stipulation for Dismissal With Prejudice

May 7, 2010

May 7, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4400005/bradshaw-v-mclennan-county/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 5:06 a.m.

Docket for: Bradshaw v. McLennan County
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 8, 2008

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 424399), filed by William Robert Bradshaw.(as, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

RECAP
2 Sept. 8, 2008

* MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Mark E. Merin on behalf of William Robert Bradshaw. (as, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

RECAP
3 Sept. 8, 2008

* MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Joshua Kaizuka on behalf of William Robert Bradshaw. (as, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

RECAP
4 Sept. 9, 2008

Summons Issued as to McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Larry Lynch. (as, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

RECAP
Sept. 9, 2008

Pro Hac Vice Fee Paid by Mark E. Merin; Filing fee $ 25, receipt number 424401. (as, )

Sept. 9, 2008

Pro Hac Vice Fee Paid by Joshua Kaizuka; Filing fee $ 25, receipt number 424400. (as, )

5 Sept. 12, 2008

ORDER GRANTING 2 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (as, ) (Entered: 09/15/2008)

RECAP
6 Sept. 12, 2008

ORDER GRANTING 3 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (as, ) (Entered: 09/15/2008)

RECAP
7 Sept. 17, 2008

NOTICE of Vacation by William Robert Bradshaw (Medlock, Scott) (Entered: 09/17/2008)

RECAP
8 Sept. 22, 2008

CONSENT/NON-CONSENT to Trial by US Magistrate Judge by William Robert Bradshaw Received. (Document is sealed pursuant to the Electronic Filing Procedures for the Western District of Texas). (as, ) (Entered: 09/23/2008)

RECAP
9 Nov. 24, 2008

FIRST AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Larry Lynch, McLennan County Sheriff Deputies Does 1-50, Roes 1-20 amending 1 Complaint., filed by Randall Lee Gerik, William Robert Bradshaw.(as, ) (Entered: 11/25/2008)

RECAP
10 Nov. 24, 2008

Summons Reissued as to McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Larry Lynch in re: amended complaint (as, ) (Entered: 11/25/2008)

RECAP
11 Jan. 22, 2009

SUMMONS Returned Executed by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik. McLennan County served on 1/12/2009, answer due 2/1/2009; McLennan County Sheriff's Office served on 1/9/2009, answer due 1/29/2009; Larry Lynch served on 1/9/2009, answer due 1/29/2009. (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 01/22/2009)

RECAP
12 Jan. 27, 2009

RESPONSE in Joint Opposition to Plaintiffs' Request for Class Certification by McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Larry Lynch. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order on Plaintiffs' Request for Class Certification)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 01/27/2009)

1 Proposed Order on Plaintiffs' Request for Class Certification

View on PACER

RECAP
13 Jan. 27, 2009

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order on Defendant McLennan County's Motion to Dismiss)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 01/27/2009)

1 Proposed Order on Defendant McLennan County's Motion to Dismiss

View on PACER

RECAP
14 Jan. 27, 2009

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Larry Lynch. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order on Defendant Sheriff Larry Lynch's Motion to Dismiss)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 01/27/2009)

1 Proposed Order on Defendant Sheriff Larry Lynch's Motion to Dismiss

View on PACER

RECAP
15 Feb. 10, 2009

Response in Opposition to Motion, filed by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik, re 13 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Defendant McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Defendant McLennan County, 14 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Defendant Larry Lynch (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 02/10/2009)

RECAP
16 Feb. 10, 2009

CERTIFICATE of Counsel re 12 Response, The Parties' Certificate of Conference and Acknowledgment that the Opposition to Plaintiffs' Request for Class Certification Does Not Require a Response or Hearing Pending Ruling on Defendants' Motions to Dismiss by Mark E. Merin on behalf of William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik, McLennan County, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Larry Lynch, McLennan County Sheriff Deputies Does 1-50 (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 02/10/2009)

RECAP
17 Feb. 13, 2009

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation by McLennan County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order on McLennan County's Unopposed Motion to Exceed Page Limit)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 02/13/2009)

1 Proposed Order on McLennan County's Unopposed Motion to Exceed Page Limit

View on PACER

RECAP
18 Feb. 13, 2009

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation by Larry Lynch. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order On Larry Lynch's Upposed Motion to Exceed Page Limit)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 02/13/2009)

1 Proposed Order On Larry Lynch's Upposed Motion to Exceed Page Limit

View on PACER

RECAP
Feb. 17, 2009

Text Order GRANTING 17 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages entered by Judge Walter S. Smith. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ss)

Feb. 17, 2009

Text Order GRANTING 18 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages entered by Judge Walter S. Smith. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ss)

19 Feb. 18, 2009

REPLY to Response to Motion, filed by McLennan County, re 13 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Defendant McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Defendant McLennan County (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 02/18/2009)

RECAP
20 Feb. 18, 2009

REPLY to Response to Motion, filed by Larry Lynch, re 14 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Defendant Larry Lynch (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 02/18/2009)

RECAP
21 May 19, 2009

ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART 13 McLennan County's Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. Ordered that Plaintiff's claims against "the McLennan County Sheriff's Department" and against "Sheriff Larry Lynch in his Official Capacity" are DISMISSED. Ordered that McLennan County's Motion to Dismiss for failure to allege a constitutional violation is DENIED. ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART 14 Larry Lynch's Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. Ordered that Sheriff Larry Lynch's motion to dismiss for failure to allege a constitutional violation is DENIED. Ordered that Sheriff Lynch's claim for qualified immunity is GRANTED and Plaintiff's claims against Sheriff Lynch are DISMISSED. Ordered that Plaintiff's claims for injunctive relief are DISMISSED for lack of standing. Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (as, ) (Entered: 05/20/2009)

RECAP
22 May 29, 2009

McLennan County's Original ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint, by McLennan County.(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 05/29/2009)

RECAP
23 June 2, 2009

SCHEDULING ORDER: Jury Selection set for 3/1/2010 09:30AM before Judge Walter S. Smith. Jury Trial set for 3/1/2010 09:30 AM before Judge Walter S. Smith. ADR Report Deadline due by 8/3/2009. Amended Pleadings due by 11/2/2009. Discovery due by 12/2/2009. Joinder of Parties due by 10/2/2009. Motions due by 12/2/2009.. Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (as, ) (Entered: 06/03/2009)

RECAP
24 June 2, 2009

Order Concerning Courtroom Decorum and Trial Procedures.. Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (as, ) (Entered: 06/03/2009)

RECAP
25 June 19, 2009

NOTICE OF VACATION by William Robert Bradshaw (Medlock, Scott) (Entered: 06/19/2009)

RECAP
26 June 25, 2009

MOTION to Certify Class by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Declaration of Mark E. Merin in Support of Motion for Class Certification, # 2 Appendix Declaration of James C. Harrington in Support of Motion for Class Certification, # 3 Appendix Declaration of William Robert Bradshaw in Support of Motion for Class Certification, # 4 Appendix Declaration of Randall Lee Gerik in Support of Motion for Class Certification, # 5 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification)(Merin, Mark) (Entered: 06/25/2009)

1 Appendix Declaration of Mark E. Merin in Support of Motion for Class Certificati

View on PACER

2 Appendix Declaration of James C. Harrington in Support of Motion for Class Certi

View on PACER

3 Appendix Declaration of William Robert Bradshaw in Support of Motion for Class C

View on PACER

4 Appendix Declaration of Randall Lee Gerik in Support of Motion for Class Certifi

View on PACER

5 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification

View on PACER

RECAP
27 July 6, 2009

RESPONSE to Motion, filed by McLennan County, re 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Plaintiff Randall Lee Gerik, Plaintiff William Robert Bradshaw (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order on Motion for Class Certification)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 07/06/2009)

1 Proposed Order on Motion for Class Certification

View on PACER

RECAP
28 July 6, 2009

Miscellaneous Objection to 26 MOTION to Certify Class Defendant's Objections to Declarations Filed in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification by McLennan County. (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 07/06/2009)

RECAP
29 July 16, 2009

REPLY to Response to Motion, filed by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik, re 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Plaintiff Randall Lee Gerik, Plaintiff William Robert Bradshaw (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 07/16/2009)

RECAP
30 July 16, 2009

RESPONSE Plaintiffs' Reply to Defendants' Objections to Declarations Filed in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification to 28 Miscellaneous Objection by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik. (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 07/16/2009)

RECAP
31 Aug. 3, 2009

ADR Report Filed - NON-CONSENT to Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) by McLennan County(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 08/03/2009)

RECAP
32 Aug. 3, 2009

ADR Report Filed - CONSENT to Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik(Merin, Mark) (Entered: 08/03/2009)

RECAP
33 Sept. 15, 2009

NOTICE of Vacation by William Robert Bradshaw (Medlock, Scott) (Entered: 09/15/2009)

RECAP
34 Oct. 30, 2009

ORDER DENYING 26 Motion to Certify Class Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (sm3, ) (Entered: 10/30/2009)

RECAP
35 Nov. 6, 2009

MOTION for Protective Order by McLennan County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 11/06/2009)

RECAP
36 Nov. 10, 2009

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C. Manske for disposition of all discovery related matters. Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (sm3, ) (Entered: 11/12/2009)

RECAP
37 Nov. 24, 2009

MOTION for Summary Judgment on the Action of Plaintiff Gerik by McLennan County.. Motions referred to Judge Jeffrey C. Manske. (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 11/24/2009)

RECAP
38 Nov. 24, 2009

APPENDIX to 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment on the Action of Plaintiff Gerik by McLennan County. (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 11/24/2009)

RECAP
39 Dec. 1, 2009

NOTICE of Change in Counsel by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 12/01/2009)

RECAP
40 Dec. 3, 2009

Memorandum in Opposition to Motion, filed by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik, re 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment on the Action of Plaintiff Gerik filed by Defendant McLennan County (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Mark E. Merin, # 2 Appendix of Facts and Proof, # 3 Proposed Order)(Merin, Mark) (Entered: 12/03/2009)

RECAP
41 Dec. 14, 2009

REPLY to Response to Motion, filed by McLennan County, re 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment on the Action of Plaintiff Gerik filed by Defendant McLennan County (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 12/14/2009)

RECAP
42 Jan. 19, 2010

Joint MOTION to Withdraw Scheduling Order and for Referral to Alternative Dispute Resolution by McLennan County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order). Motions referred to Judge Jeffrey C. Manske. (Dixon, Michael) (Entered: 01/19/2010)

RECAP
Feb. 9, 2010

Text Order GRANTING 42 Motion to Withdraw entered by Judge Walter S. Smith. A new scheduling order will be entered after mediation is complete, if the parties fail to reach a settlement. This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ss)

43 March 8, 2010

NOTICE of Unavailability of Counsel by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 03/08/2010)

RECAP
44 March 9, 2010

NOTICE of Vacation by William Robert Bradshaw (Medlock, Scott) (Entered: 03/09/2010)

RECAP
45 March 15, 2010

Sua Sponte ORDER that the parties notify the Court within 10 days of the date of this Order if there is a disagreement with the terms of the mediation or the mediator. ORDER that the parties have a person with settlement authority or have attorneys representing with complete settlement authority at the mediation. Signed by Judge Jeffrey C. Manske. (sm3, ) (Entered: 03/15/2010)

RECAP
March 15, 2010

Mediation Conference scheduled for April 30, 2010. (sm3, )

46 May 7, 2010

STIPULATION of Dismissal with Prejudice by William Robert Bradshaw, Randall Lee Gerik, McLennan County. (Merin, Mark) (Entered: 05/07/2010)

RECAP
47 May 11, 2010

ORDER DISMISSING CASE. Signed by Judge Walter S. Smith. (sm3, ) (Entered: 05/12/2010)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Texas

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Strip Search Cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 8, 2008

Closing Date: 2010

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

plaintiffs and all those similarly situated, who were subject to strip and/or visual body cavity searches at a McLennan County Jail, prior to being arraigned and/or without the Defendants first having a reasonable suspicion of contraband or weapons.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

County

McLennan County, Texas

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

Western District of Texas 6:08-cv-00246

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Relief Granted:

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

General/Misc.:

Search policies

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Strip search policy (facilities)

Recommended Citation