Case: Argyros v. City of New York

1:13-cv-02946 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Filed Date: Aug. 7, 2013

Closed Date: 2015

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On August 7, 2013, several residents of New York City filed this class action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs sued the City of New York under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for Fourth Amendment Constitutional violations. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, sought declaratory and injunctive relief in addition to compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys' fees.Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the New York Police Department ("NYPD") oper…

On August 7, 2013, several residents of New York City filed this class action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs sued the City of New York under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for Fourth Amendment Constitutional violations. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, sought declaratory and injunctive relief in addition to compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys' fees.

Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the New York Police Department ("NYPD") operation known as "Operation Lucky Bag" resulted in systematic unreasonable search and seizure in violation of the U.S. Constitution and other state laws. Operation Lucky Bag involved NYPD officers leaving bags containing valuable items unattended and in plain sight. The officers waited for individuals to pick up the bag or valuable item and then arrest those individuals under the assumption that they intended to keep the items. The plaintiffs alleged that these incidents represented arrest without probable cause in violation of their right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.

On December 24, 2013, the City filed a motion to dismiss alleging that the plaintiffs failed to state a claim in their complaint. They raised that the officers would be protected by qualified immunity and, in the alternative, the municipality would not be liable under Monell without proof of an official pattern or practice. The plaintiffs pursued court-supervised discovery to prove that Operation Lucky Bag was an official custom within the department.

Meanwhile, settlement discussions ensued such that the court never ruled on the motion to dismiss. On September 16, 2014, the parties entered a settlement agreement. In the agreement, the defendants agreed to amend Operation Lucky Bag so that arrests would only be made in the following instances: (i) when the valuables are separated from the other property and that remaining property is discarded, (ii) where property is removed from someone else's belongings, or (iii) an individual, having taken property and been confronted by a police officer, lies about having taken the property. The defendants further agreed to train NYPD officers on these criteria and report to the plaintiffs' counsel on compliance while subject to the District Court's jurisdiction for one year. In addition, the defendants agreed to pay the named plaintiffs $50,000 and to pay all attorneys' fees and costs associated with the action (it is unclear from the docket how much the defendants paid in attorneys' fees and costs). In return, the plaintiffs released the defendants from all liability arising from the facts of the lawsuit.

The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Brendan Brown (10/14/2014)

Eva Richardson (12/1/2018)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4322627/parties/argyros-v-the-city-of-new-york/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Aroubas, Shlomit (New York)

Bahrenburg, Richard (New York)

Brocker, Peter William (New York)

Brustein, Evan (New York)

Ciappetta, Nicholas R. (New York)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:13-cv-02946

Docket [PACER]

Argyros v. The City of New York

Jan. 7, 2015

Jan. 7, 2015

Docket
8

1:13-cv-02946

Amended Complaint

Argyros v. The City of New York

Aug. 7, 2013

Aug. 7, 2013

Complaint
36

1:13-cv-02946

Stipulation of Settlement

Argyros v. The City of New York

Sept. 16, 2014

Sept. 16, 2014

Settlement Agreement

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4322627/argyros-v-the-city-of-new-york/

Last updated Feb. 19, 2026, 2:05 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link

FILING FEE: $ 400, receipt number 4653059145 (Davis, Kimberly)

May 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

1

COMPLAINT against Daniel Fody, Police Officers John Doe and Jane Roe, The City of New York Disclosure Statement on Civil Cover Sheet completed -Yes,, filed by Spirdon Argyros. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Davis, Kimberly) (Entered: 05/21/2013)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

May 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

RECAP
2

Summons Issued as to Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Davis, Kimberly) (Entered: 05/21/2013)

May 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

3

In accordance with Rule 73 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rule 73.1, the parties are notified that if all parties consent a United States magistrate judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action including a (jury or nonjury) trial and to order the entry of a final judgment. Attached to the Notice is a blank copy of the consent form that should be filled out, signed and filed electronically only if all parties wish to consent. The form may also be accessed at the following link:http://www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/FormsAndFees/Forms/AO085.pdf. You may withhold your consent without adverse substantive consequences. Do NOT return or file the consent unless all parties have signed the consent. (Davis, Kimberly) (Entered: 05/21/2013)

May 21, 2013

May 21, 2013

4

ORDER: An initial conference has been scheduled for September 30, 2013 at 3:30 p.m., before the Hon. Robert M. Levy, United States Magistrate Judge at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York. Parties are directed to check-in with chambers, Room 1223-S, upon arrival. All counsel must be present. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to confirm with defendants' counsel that all necessary participants are aware of this conference. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 5/24/2013. (Marino, Janine) (Main Document 4 replaced on 5/24/2013) (Marino, Janine). (Entered: 05/24/2013)

May 24, 2013

May 24, 2013

5

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 06/07/2013)

June 7, 2013

June 7, 2013

ORDER RE 5 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. Application granted. The City of New York: answer due 8/8/2013. So Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 6/10/2013. (Marino, Janine)

June 10, 2013

June 10, 2013

6

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Spirdon Argyros. The City of New York served on 5/20/2013, answer due 8/8/2013. (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 06/17/2013)

June 17, 2013

June 17, 2013

7

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Spirdon Argyros. Daniel Fody served on 6/13/2013, answer due 7/4/2013. (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 06/17/2013)

June 17, 2013

June 17, 2013

8

AMENDED COMPLAINT Spiridon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce, individually and on behalf of a class and sub-class of all others similarly situated against Daniel Fody, Police Officers John Doe and Jane Roe, The City of New York, filed by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce. (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 08/07/2013)

Aug. 7, 2013

Aug. 7, 2013

9

First MOTION for pre motion conference by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 08/29/2013)

Aug. 29, 2013

Aug. 29, 2013

10

First MOTION for pre motion conference re 9 First MOTION for pre motion conference Response by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce. (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 09/05/2013)

Sept. 5, 2013

Sept. 5, 2013

11

First MOTION to Adjourn Conference set for September 30, 2013, by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 09/25/2013)

Sept. 25, 2013

Sept. 25, 2013

ORDER re: 9, 10 Motion for Pre Motion Conference and Response. The Court grants Defendants leave to file their motion to dismiss. In light of the submissions, a pre-motion conference will not materially assist the Court. The parties are directed to agree upon and file a proposed briefing schedule by October 10, 2013. Ordered by Judge Sandra L. Townes on 9/26/2013. (Berman, Laura)

Sept. 26, 2013

Sept. 26, 2013

12

RESPONSE to Motion re 11 First MOTION to Adjourn Conference set for September 30, 2013, filed by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Letter from Plaintiffs' counsel to Chambers) (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 09/26/2013)

1 Exhibit Letter from Plaintiffs' counsel to Chambers

View on PACER

Sept. 26, 2013

Sept. 26, 2013

ORDER: The initial conference scheduled for September 30, 2013 at 3:30 will be held by telephone before the Hon. Robert M. Levy, USMJ at (718) 613-2340. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to initiate the conference call. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 9/27/2013. (Marino, Janine)

Sept. 27, 2013

Sept. 27, 2013

13

Letter regarding September 30, 2013 Phone Conference by Daniel Fody, The City of New York (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 09/27/2013)

Sept. 27, 2013

Sept. 27, 2013

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Norman Siegel, Herb Teitelbaum, Sharon Sprayregen; Andre Lucas. For the reasons explained at the conference, limited discovery will proceed on the Monell claims pending briefing and decision of defendants' motion to dismiss. Counsel will submit a proposed scheduling order by 10/6/13.Initial Conference Hearing held on 9/30/2013 (Levy, Robert)

Sept. 30, 2013

Sept. 30, 2013

ORDER terminating 11 Motion to Adjourn Conference. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 9/30/2013. (Levy, Robert)

Sept. 30, 2013

Sept. 30, 2013

14

Proposed Scheduling Order Monell Claim by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 10/07/2013)

Oct. 7, 2013

Oct. 7, 2013

15

Proposed Scheduling Order for 12(b) motion, by Daniel Fody, The City of New York (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 10/09/2013)

Oct. 9, 2013

Oct. 9, 2013

ORDER re 14 The Proposed Scheduling Order is Approved. Next conference 4/17/14 at 4:00 (tel)(status). Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 10/18/2013. (Levy, Robert)

Oct. 18, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

16

First Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

17

AFFIDAVIT/DECLARATION in Support re 16 First Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B1, # 3 Exhibit B2) (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B1

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3 Exhibit B2

View on PACER

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

18

MEMORANDUM in Support re 16 First Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

19

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 16 First Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

20

REPLY in Support re 16 First Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

Dec. 24, 2013

Dec. 24, 2013

21

Letter requesting oral argument by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 01/02/2014)

Jan. 2, 2014

Jan. 2, 2014

22

Letter MOTION to Compel by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B) (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 01/09/2014)

1 Exhibit Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit Exhibit B

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Jan. 9, 2014

Jan. 9, 2014

23

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 22 Letter MOTION to Compel, First MOTION for Extension of Time to File cross motion by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 01/14/2014)

Jan. 14, 2014

Jan. 14, 2014

ORDER granting 23 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response and MOTION for Extension of Time to File cross motion filed by defendant, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew). Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 1/15/2014. (Marino, Janine)

Jan. 15, 2014

Jan. 15, 2014

24

Cross MOTION to Bifurcate and memorandum in opposition to Plaintiffs' motion to compel by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 01/21/2014)

Jan. 21, 2014

Jan. 21, 2014

ORDER: A telephone conference has been scheduled for January 27, 2014 at 4:00 p.m, before the Hon. Robert M. Levy, USMJ at (718) 613-2340. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to initiate this conference call. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 1/22/2014. (Marino, Janine)

Jan. 22, 2014

Jan. 22, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Herb Teitelbaum, Norman Siegel, Sharon Sprayregen; Andrew Lucas. (1) Although the motion to bifurcate Monel discovery is in effect a motion for reconsideration of the court's 9/30/13 ruling, and thus untimely, the court has nonetheless considered it on its merits. The motion to bifurcate Monel discovery is denied for the reasons explained at the 9/30/13 conference and at this conference. In making this ruling, the court has carefully reviewed defendants' motion to dismiss as well as the instant letter motion to bifurcate and finds no persuasive reason to alter its prior decision. (2) Within 30 days, defendants shall produce, subject to agreement by the parties, memoranda written by special operations lieutenants regarding Operation Lucky Bag arrests. (3) Within 30 days, defendants shall produce all requested documents that review, analyze and evaluate Operation Lucky Bag and that propose changes to NYPD policy concerning Operation Lucky Bag. Motion Hearing held on 1/27/2014 re 24 22 (Levy, Robert)

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

ORDER terminating 22 Motion to Compel. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 2/4/2014. (Levy, Robert)

Feb. 4, 2014

Feb. 4, 2014

ORDER denying 24 Motion to Bifurcate. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 1/31/2014. (Levy, Robert)

Feb. 4, 2014

Feb. 4, 2014

25

Consent MOTION for Protective Order by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 02/26/2014)

Feb. 26, 2014

Feb. 26, 2014

ORDER granting 25 Motion for Protective Order. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 3/1/2014. (Levy, Robert)

March 1, 2014

March 1, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Sharon Sprayregen, Norman Siegel, Herb Teitelbaum; Andrew Lucas. (1) The parties have discovery issues which they will hold in abeyance while they attempt to settle this case. Plaintiffs will communicate a settlement proposal by the middle of next week. A settlement conference will be held on 5/15/14 at 10:45. (2) The deadline for the completion of fact discovery will be revisited after the settlement conference, in the event the case does not settle.Status Conference held on 4/17/2014 (Levy, Robert)

April 17, 2014

April 17, 2014

26

First MOTION to Adjourn Conference presently set for May 15, 2014 at 10:45 a.m. by Daniel Fody, The City of New York. (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 05/12/2014)

May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

ORDER granting 26 Motion to Adjourn Conference. The settlement conference is adjourned to May 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 5/14/2014. (Culley, Rachel)

May 14, 2014

May 14, 2014

ORDER: The settlement conference scheduled for May 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. has been moved to 1:00 p.m. on the same date. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 5/16/2014. (Marino, Janine)

May 16, 2014

May 16, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Norman Siegel, Herbert Teitelbaum, Sharon Sprayregen; Andrew Lucas with co-counsel. Settlement discussions held. Agreement in principle reached. Status report 6/9/14.Settlement Conference held on 5/19/2014 (Levy, Robert)

May 19, 2014

May 19, 2014

27

STATUS REPORT re settlement by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 06/09/2014)

June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014

RECAP
28

STATUS REPORT pursuant to May 19, 2014 Order, by Daniel Fody, The City of New York (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 06/09/2014)

June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014

29

STATUS REPORT by Daniel Fody, The City of New York (Lucas, Andrew) (Entered: 06/18/2014)

June 18, 2014

June 18, 2014

30

Letter in response to Defendants' status report by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 06/19/2014)

June 19, 2014

June 19, 2014

31

Letter request for settlement conference by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 07/02/2014)

July 2, 2014

July 2, 2014

RECAP

SCHEDULING ORDER: Settlement Conference set for 7/11/2014 at 10:15 AM in Courtroom 11B South before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. Persons with full settlement authority are directed to be present or reachable by telephone. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 7/3/2014. (Culley, Rachel)

July 3, 2014

July 3, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Norman Siegel, Herbert Teitelbaum, Sharon Sprayregen; Andrew Lucas and NYPD representatives did not appear, but his supervisor Dara Weiss graciously responded to the court's inquiries and appeared. A settlement conference is scheduled for 7/21/14 at 8:45 a.m. Counsel will confirm on 7/18/14.Settlement Conference held on 7/11/2014 (Levy, Robert)

July 11, 2014

July 11, 2014

32

NOTICE of Appearance by Dara Lynn Weiss on behalf of Daniel Fody, The City of New York (aty to be noticed) (Weiss, Dara) (Entered: 07/14/2014)

July 14, 2014

July 14, 2014

33

NOTICE of Appearance by Herbert Teitelbaum on behalf of All Plaintiffs (aty to be noticed) (Teitelbaum, Herbert) (Entered: 07/16/2014)

July 16, 2014

July 16, 2014

34

Letter by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 07/16/2014)

July 16, 2014

July 16, 2014

35

Letter by Daniel Fody, The City of New York (Weiss, Dara) (Entered: 07/17/2014)

July 17, 2014

July 17, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Norman Siegel, Herbert Teitelbaum, Sharon Sprayregen; Dara Weiss, Kerry Sweet, Katherine Byrns. Settlement discussions continued. Counsel to continue discussions. Next conference 9/9/14 at 5:00 (settlement).Settlement Conference held on 7/21/2014 (Levy, Robert)

July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy: Settlement discussions held. Next conference 9/16/14 at 5:00, if necessary.Settlement Conference held on 9/9/2014 (Levy, Robert)

Sept. 9, 2014

Sept. 9, 2014

36

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 09/16/2014)

Sept. 16, 2014

Sept. 16, 2014

RECAP
37

Order of Settlement. The action is hereby dismissed against defts. with prejudice and without costs, expenses, or attorneys fees except as specified. ** See Order for Details **. Ordered by Judge Sandra L. Townes on 9/17/2014. (Greene, Donna) (Entered: 09/26/2014)

Sept. 26, 2014

Sept. 26, 2014

38

Letter by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) (Entered: 12/08/2014)

Dec. 8, 2014

Dec. 8, 2014

ORDER: A telephone conference has been scheduled for January 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., before the Hon. Robert M. Levy, USMJ at (718) 613-2340. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 12/8/2014. (Marino, Janine)

Dec. 8, 2014

Dec. 8, 2014

39

Letter re January 20, 2015 telephone conference by Spirdon Argyros, Tiffany Ivey, Jonathan Peirce (Sprayregen, Sharon) Modified on 1/7/2015 (Levy, Robert). (Entered: 01/07/2015)

Jan. 7, 2015

Jan. 7, 2015

ORDER granting 39 Motion to Cancel Conference as the issue has been resolved. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy on 1/7/2015. (Levy, Robert)

Jan. 7, 2015

Jan. 7, 2015

Case Details

State / Territory:

New York

Case Type(s):

Policing

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 7, 2013

Closing Date: 2015

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

New York City residents arrested pursuant to "Operation Lucky Bag" sting operations

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

City

City of New York

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of New York 1:13-cv-02946

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Content of Injunction:

Auditing

Monitoring

Recordkeeping

Reporting

Amount Defendant Pays: $50,000

Order Duration: 2014 - 2015

Issues

General/Misc.:

Failure to supervise

Failure to train

Pattern or Practice

Search policies

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Over/Unlawful Detention (facilities)

Policing:

False arrest

Recommended Citation