Filed Date: Dec. 18, 2017
Closed Date: Jan. 10, 2018
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This is a case about the alleged unconstitutional removal of duly elected councilor Sandra Lee brought by voters in the City of Kennedale, Texas.
On December 18, 2017, local voters who signed a statement stating that each of them did not want Sandra Lee removed and were in favor of obtaining an emergency temporary injunction and restraining order, filed a Complaint and Request for Injunction in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs alleged that defendants conspired to unconstitutionally remove the duly elected Councilor Sandra Lee on the evening of December 18, 2017. The pro se plaintiffs sought an emergency temporary injunction to enjoin the defendants from removing Councilor Sandra Lee at a meeting the evening of December 18, 2017 in order to give her time to prepare a defense to her removal.
On March 19, 2017, the Court issued an order denying plaintiffs’ motion for an emergency temporary restraining order. The Court strained to find a federal question since the plaintiffs only vaguely referenced “Due Process” and “Equal Protection” as a basis for jurisdiction. Additionally, the Court found that the plaintiffs did not have standing.
On January 8, 2018, the defendants filed a Motion and Brief to Dismiss for Mootness and Lack of Standing and Request for Expedited Consideration. The defendants argued that since the meeting for the removal of Sandra Lee had passed, the plaintiffs’ original complaint was moot. Additionally, the defendants argued that since the Court concluded that the plaintiffs did not have standing as mere voters, the Court lacked jurisdiction. Because of these reasons, the defendants requested that the Court expedite signing another order fully disposing of the case.
On January 8, 2018, plaintiffs filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal to voluntarily dismiss the case without prejudice.
On January 10, 2018, the Court issued a Final Judgment confirming plaintiffs’ filing of the notice of voluntary dismissal and confirmed that all claims were dismissed without prejudice.
This case is closed.
Summary Authors
Leilani Argersinger (4/11/2024)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/13382910/parties/ray-v-johnson/
Means, Terry R. (Texas)
Adkins, Lary (Texas)
Ray, Allen (Texas)
Jr, James T (Texas)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/13382910/ray-v-johnson/
Last updated Sept. 28, 2025, 11:58 p.m.
State / Territory: Texas
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project
Key Dates
Filing Date: Dec. 18, 2017
Closing Date: Jan. 10, 2018
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Voters of Kennedale, Texas who opposed the removal of councilor Sandra Lee.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: Yes
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Brian Johnson (Tarrant), Private Entity/Person
George Campbell (Tarrant), Private Entity/Person
Liz Carrington (Tarrant), Private Entity/Person
Kelly Turner (Tarrant), Private Entity/Person
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Constitutional Clause(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Defendant
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Content of Injunction:
Issues
Voting: