Case: Strickland v. Delaware County

2:21-cv-04141 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Sept. 17, 2021

Closed Date: Jan. 18, 2024

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged a Pennsylvania county jail's blanket ban on providing methadone and other agonist medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) to non-pregnant incarcerated people. On September 17, 2021, an individual man with long-standing OUD who had been forcibly withdrawn from methadone after being detained at George W. Hill Correctional Facility filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Represented by the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project…

This case challenged a Pennsylvania county jail's blanket ban on providing methadone and other agonist medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) to non-pregnant incarcerated people.

On September 17, 2021, an individual man with long-standing OUD who had been forcibly withdrawn from methadone after being detained at George W. Hill Correctional Facility filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Represented by the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project (a legal services organization), the plaintiff sued Delaware County, The GEO Group, Inc. (the for-profit company contracted to run the jail), the warden, and several jail medical officials. The plaintiff brought claims under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. § 794; and the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, via 42 U.S.C. § 1983, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief (specifically, an order requiring defendants to provide him with his prescribed methadone) and attorneys' fees. The case was assigned to District Judge Michael M. Baylson.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff had been receiving daily methadone for approximately eighteen months at Recovery Centers of America before his August 2021 arrest on an out-of-county bench warrant. Upon entering George W. Hill, he informed jail medical staff of his treatment, but was told that the facility provided methadone only to pregnant individuals and that he would instead be subjected to forced withdrawal. He alleged that the resulting withdrawal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone and joint pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and intense cravings) continued throughout his incarceration and that defendants ignored repeated requests by him and his counsel that he be restored to his prescribed regimen.

On September 21, 2021, the plaintiff moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. He withdrew that motion on September 27, 2021, after being released from the facility on or about September 22, 2021.

On December 16, 2021, the plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint, which added GEO Group medical staff Ronald B. Phillips, D.O. (Medical Director) and Jeff Withelder, PA-C as individual-capacity defendants and added a Pennsylvania state-law professional negligence claim. Defendants moved to dismiss on February 22, 2022.

On April 19, 2022, the court denied the motions to dismiss in their entirety. Judge Baylson held that the plaintiff had plausibly alleged: (1) that he was a qualified individual with a disability (OUD) who was denied the benefit of the jail's medical services and failed to receive a reasonable accommodation, sufficient to state ADA and Rehabilitation Act claims, including allegations of intentional discrimination supporting compensatory damages; (2) that the alleged categorical methadone ban and forced withdrawal regimen amounted to deliberate indifference to a serious medical need under the Fourteenth Amendment, with policy-based liability against Delaware County and GEO Group and supervisory/personal liability against the warden, Chief Medical Officer, and Health Services Administrator; and (3) that the medical-staff defendants and policy-signing defendants could be liable for professional negligence under Pennsylvania law, with the GEO Group vicariously liable.

After significant discovery, including a motion to compel that was granted in part (Dec. 1, 2022), the plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint on December 1, 2022. The Second Amended Complaint added GEO Secure Services, LLC (the GEO subsidiary that operated the facility) as a defendant, dropped the request for prospective injunctive relief (the plaintiff was no longer detained), and added requests for compensatory and punitive damages. The defendants answered on December 12, 2022.

Following further discovery disputes and an extension of expert deadlines (the court granted an extension on February 24, 2023, after defendants' opposition), the court granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion for a protective order on April 21, 2023, limiting the deposition of defendant Christakis to one hour by videotape and resetting the case schedule. On June 30, 2023, the court referred the case to court-appointed mediation with mediator Richard Glazer, Esq.

On November 10, 2023, defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing among other things that medically supervised withdrawal satisfied any obligation to provide medical care for OUD and that the ADA did not require provision of a particular medication.

On December 11, 2023, the United States filed a Statement of Interest under 28 U.S.C. § 517, urging the court to reject defendants' position. The Department of Justice argued that Title II of the ADA prohibits jails from categorically restricting access to FDA-approved OUD medications without individually assessing whether those medications are medically necessary; that OUD is typically a covered disability; that the medical and scientific consensus (as reflected in SAMHSA, BOP, and NCCHC guidance) treats methadone and buprenorphine—not forced withdrawal—as the standard of care; and that every federal court to address the issue had found such categorical bans likely violated the ADA, citing Pesce v. Coppinger, 355 F. Supp. 3d 35 (D. Mass. 2018), Smith v. Aroostook County, 376 F. Supp. 3d 146 (D. Me.), aff'd, 922 F.3d 41 (1st Cir. 2019), and the P.G./M.C. v. Jefferson County decisions. The Statement of Interest also catalogued the Department's recent enforcement work on OUD-medication access in jails. The plaintiff filed his response in opposition to summary judgment, with a statement of material facts and 39 exhibits, on December 20, 2023.

Before the court ruled on summary judgment, the parties resolved the case. On January 17, 2024, the plaintiff and the individual GEO medical and supervisory defendants (Christakis, Grady, Phillips, and Withelder) stipulated to dismissal of all claims against those individuals with prejudice. On January 18, 2024, the court entered an order pursuant to Local Rule 41.1(b) of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania reporting that the issues between the plaintiff and the remaining defendants (Delaware County, GEO Group, GEO Secure Services, and Warden Tatum) had been settled, and dismissing the action with prejudice. The terms of the settlement do not appear on the docket. The case is closed.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60395052/parties/strickland-v-delaware-county/


Judge(s)

Baylson, Michael M. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Plaintiff

ABNER, ADRIENNE R. (Pennsylvania)

Bellos, Sarah Bleiberg (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

DIORIO, ROBERT M. (Pennsylvania)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

DEBRUICKER, LAUREN E. (Pennsylvania)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

2:21-cv-04141

Complaint

Strickland v. Delaware County et al.

Sept. 17, 2021

Sept. 17, 2021

Complaint
23

2:21-cv-04141

Memorandum Re: Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss

April 19, 2022

April 19, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 1157485

47

2:21-cv-04141

Second Amended Complaint

Strickland v. Delaware County et al.

Dec. 1, 2022

Dec. 1, 2022

Complaint
71

2:21-cv-04141

Statement of Interest of the United States of America

Strickland v. Delaware County et al.

Dec. 11, 2023

Dec. 11, 2023

Pleading / Motion / Brief
77

2:21-cv-04141

Order

Strickland v. Delaware County et al.

Jan. 18, 2024

Jan. 18, 2024

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60395052/strickland-v-delaware-county/

Last updated Aug. 3, 2026, 2:53 p.m.

Docket for: STRICKLAND v. DELAWARE COUNTY
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 17, 2021

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number APAEDC-15415330.), filed by SHAWN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Designation Form)(ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 09/17/2021)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Designation Form

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Sept. 20, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by SU MING YEH on behalf of SHAWN STRICKLAND (YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
Sept. 20, 2021

Summons Issued

Sept. 20, 2021

Summons Issued as to JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRAY, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC.. E-MAILED To: COUNSEL on 9/20/21 (bw, )

3 Sept. 21, 2021

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by SHAWN STRICKLAND.Memorandum, Declaration. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10, # 12 Exhibit 11, # 13 Exhibit 12)(YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 09/21/2021)

RECAP
4 Sept. 27, 2021

NOTICE by SHAWN STRICKLAND of Withdrawal re 3 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and MOTION for Preliminary Injunction. (ABNER, ADRIENNE) Modified on 9/28/2021 (md, ). (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
5 Sept. 27, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by SHELLEY R. SMITH on behalf of DELAWARE COUNTY, LEE TATUM with Certificate of Service(SMITH, SHELLEY) (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
6 Sept. 28, 2021

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT TIME WITHIN WHICH DEFENDANTS DELAWARE COUNTY AND WARDEN LEE TATUM MAY RESPOND OR OTHERWISE PLEAD TO PLAINTIFFS COMPLAINT IS EXTENDED THROUGH 12/1/21. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 9/28/21. 9/28/21 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

RECAP
7 Nov. 19, 2021

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT PLAINTIFF MAY FILE AN AMENDED COMPLAINT ON OR BEFORE 12/16/21. DEFENDANTS DELAWARE COUNTY AND WARDEN LEE TATUM MAY RESPOND OR OTHERWISE PLEAD TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT BY 2/14/22. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 11/19/21. 11/19/21 ENTERED & E-MAILED.(fdc) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

RECAP
8 Dec. 16, 2021

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by SHAWN STRICKLAND. DELAWARE COUNTY waiver sent on 11/29/2021, answer due 1/28/2022; LEE TATUM waiver sent on 11/29/2021, answer due 1/28/2022. (ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 12/16/2021)

RECAP
9 Dec. 16, 2021

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants All Defendants., filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(ABNER, ADRIENNE) Modified on 12/17/2021 (lisad, ). (Entered: 12/16/2021)

RECAP
Dec. 17, 2021

Summons Issued as to JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. Forwarded To: Adrienne R. Abner on 12/17/21. (fdc)

Dec. 17, 2021

Summons Issued

10 Dec. 22, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by MATTHEW H. FRY on behalf of KRISTEN GRAY, THE GEO GROUP, INC. with Certificate of Service(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 12/22/2021)

RECAP
11 Dec. 22, 2021

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by KRISTEN GRAY, THE GEO GROUP, INC.. KRISTEN GRAY waiver sent on 11/29/2021, answer due 1/28/2022; THE GEO GROUP, INC. waiver sent on 11/29/2021, answer due 1/28/2022. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 12/22/2021)

RECAP
12 Dec. 22, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by ROBERT M. DIORIO on behalf of KRISTEN GRAY, THE GEO GROUP, INC. with Certificate of Service(DIORIO, ROBERT) (Entered: 12/22/2021)

RECAP
13 Jan. 18, 2022

STIPULATION To Extend Time by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

RECAP
14 Jan. 20, 2022

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT TIME TO RESPOND TO PLAINTIFFS AMENDED COMPLAINT IS EXTENDED TO 2/22/22. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 1/20/22. 1/20/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 01/20/2022)

RECAP
15 Feb. 1, 2022

NOTICE by SHAUN STRICKLAND Notice of Filing of Certificates of Merit (ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 02/01/2022)

RECAP
16 Feb. 16, 2022

AFFIDAVIT of Service by Sharline Rojo Reyes re: served Amended Complaint and Summons upon John Christakis, MD by Certified Mail on 02/07/2022, answer due 2/28/2022. (ABNER, ADRIENNE) Modified on 3/1/2022 (md). (Entered: 02/16/2022)

RECAP
17 Feb. 18, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by MATTHEW H. FRY on behalf of JOHN CHRISTAKIS with Certificate of Service(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

RECAP
18 Feb. 18, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by ROBERT M. DIORIO on behalf of JOHN CHRISTAKIS with Certificate of Service(DIORIO, ROBERT) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

RECAP
19 Feb. 22, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by DELAWARE COUNTY, LEE TATUM.Certificate of Service. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(SMITH, SHELLEY) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

RECAP
20 Feb. 22, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder.Memorandum, Certificate of Service.(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

RECAP
21 March 3, 2022

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT PLAINTIFF MAY FILE A CONSOLIDATED RESPONSE TO THE MOTIONS TO DISMISS BY 3/22/22. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 3/3/22. 3/3/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 03/03/2022)

RECAP
22 March 22, 2022

RESPONSE in Opposition re 20 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM, 19 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2)(ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

RECAP
23 April 19, 2022

MEMORANDUM AND/OR OPINION. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 4/19/22. 4/19/22 ENS TERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 04/19/2022)

Clearinghouse
24 April 19, 2022

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER THAT MOTIONS ARE DENIED. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 4/19/22. 4/19/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 04/19/2022)

RECAP
25 May 3, 2022

ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder.(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 05/03/2022)

RECAP
26 May 5, 2022

NOTICE of Hearing:PRELIMINARY PRETRIAL TELEPHONE CONFERENCE SET FOR 5/24/2022 AT 11:30 AM BEFORE HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON. COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF WILL INITIATE THE CALL AND WHEN ALL COUNSEL ARE ON THE LINE, CALL CHAMBERS AT 267-299-7520. (Attachments: # 1 Trial Procedures, # 2 Conference Info Sheet)(ahf) (Entered: 05/05/2022)

RECAP
27 May 9, 2022

ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint with Affirmative Defenses by DELAWARE COUNTY, LEE TATUM.(SMITH, SHELLEY) (Entered: 05/09/2022)

RECAP
28 May 10, 2022

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF HAS AN EXTENSION UNTIL 5/17/22 TO ANSWER AMENDED COMPLAINT. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 5/10/22. 5/10/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 05/10/2022)

RECAP
29 May 13, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by SARAH BLEIBERG on behalf of SHAUN STRICKLAND with Certificate of Service(BLEIBERG, SARAH) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

RECAP
30 May 24, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON Pretrial Conference held on 5/24/22. (rf, ) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

RECAP
31 May 25, 2022

ORDER THAT MAGISTRATE JUDGE STRAWBRIDGE WILL CONTACT COUNSEL AS TO WHETHER SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE, ETC. DISCOVERY DUE BY 11/30/2022., MOTIONS DUE BY 12/22/2022., MOTION TO COMPEL DUE BY 8/1/2022. PLAINTIFF PRETRIAL MEMO DUE BY 1/10/2023., DEFENDANT PRETRIAL MEMO DUE BY 1/10/2023., TRIAL POOL SET FOR 2/15/2023. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 5/25/22. 5/25/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

RECAP
32 May 27, 2022

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by ADRIENNE R. ABNER on behalf of SHAUN STRICKLAND(ABNER, ADRIENNE) (Entered: 05/27/2022)

RECAP
33 Aug. 3, 2022

ORDER THAT IT HAS BEEN STIPULATED AND AGREED TO EXTEND DEADLINES, HEREBY STIPULATE AS FOLLOWS: THE COURT HELD A RULE 16 CONFERENCE IN THIS MATTER ON MAY 24, 2022. THE COURT ISSUED A SCHEDULING ORDER WITH THE FOLLOWING DEADLINES (ECF NO. 31): DISCOVERY REQUESTS PURSUANT TO RULES 33 AND 34. SERVED BY JUNE 15, 2022; EXCHANGE OF DOCUMENTS BY JULY 15, 2022; PLAINTIFFS EXPERT REPORT PROVIDED TO DEFENDANTS BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2022; AND DEFENDANTS' EXPERT REPORT PROVIDED TO PLAINTIFF BY OCTOBER 17, 2022. DEFENDANTS SERVED DISCOVERY REQUESTS ON PLAINTIFF ON MAY 27, 2022. PLAINTIFF SERVED DISCOVERY REQUESTS ON DEFENDANT ON JUNE 15, 2022. AFTER REQUESTING ADDITIONAL TIME DUE TO WORK ON OTHER MATTERS AND PLAINTIFFS COUNSEL CONTRACTING COVID-19, PLAINTIFF PROVIDED RESPONSES TO DEFENDANTS' DISCOVERY REQUESTS ON JULY 15, 2022. DEFENDANTS' COUNSEL HAS INDICATED THAT DUE TO DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN DEFENDANTS, THEY REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL 30 DAYS TO PROVIDE DISCOVERY RESPONSES. COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF HAS AGREED TO THIS EXTENSION, MAKING DEFENDANTS' RESPONSES TO PLAINTIFFS DISCOVERY REQUESTS DUE ON AUGUST 15, 2022. PLAINTIFF STRICKLAND AND DEFENDANTS DELAWARE COUNTY, TATUM, GEO GROUP, GRADY, CHRISTAKIS, PHILLIPS, AND WITHELDER AGREE THAT THE REMAINING DISCOVERY DEADLINES ARE TO BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: THE PARTIES MAY FILE A MOTION TO COMPEL REGARDING RULE 33 AND 34 BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2022; PLAINTIFFS EXPERT REPORT IS DUE OCTOBER 31, 2022; AND DEFENDANT'S EXPERT REPORT IS DUE NOVEMBER 30, 2022. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 8/3/22. 8/3/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(bw) (Entered: 08/03/2022)

RECAP
34 Aug. 4, 2022

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by ROBERT M. DIORIO on behalf of JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRAY, THE GEO GROUP, INC.(DIORIO, ROBERT) (Entered: 08/04/2022)

RECAP
35 Aug. 26, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by MATTHEW H. FRY on behalf of DELAWARE COUNTY, LEE TATUM with JURY TRIAL DEMAND AND CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 08/26/2022)

RECAP
36 Aug. 26, 2022

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by SHELLEY R. SMITH on behalf of DELAWARE COUNTY, LEE TATUM(SMITH, SHELLEY) (Entered: 08/26/2022)

RECAP
37 Sept. 16, 2022

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT MOTION TO COMPEL DUE BY 10/14/2022. PLAINTIFFS EXPERT REPORTS DUE 1/27/23. DEFENDANTS EXPERT REPORTS DUE 2/28/23. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 9/15/22. 9/16/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

RECAP
38 Oct. 28, 2022

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT MOTION TO COMPEL DUE BY 11/18/22. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 10/27/22. 10/31/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 10/31/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 28, 2022

Set Deadlines/Hearings

Oct. 28, 2022

MOTION TO COMPEL DUE BY 11/18/2022. (rf, )

Oct. 31, 2022

Set Deadlines/Hearings

39 Nov. 18, 2022

MOTION to Compel filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND.Brief, Certificate of Service. (Attachments: # 1 Brief Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit 3, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit 4, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit 5, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit 6, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit 7, # 10 Exhibit Exhibit 8)(Bellos, Sarah) (Entered: 11/18/2022)

RECAP
40 Nov. 23, 2022

MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND.Brief, Certificate of Service. (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit A - Second Amended Complaint)(Bellos, Sarah) (Entered: 11/23/2022)

RECAP
41 Nov. 28, 2022

NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 39 MOTION to Compel : TELEPHONE CONFERENCE ON 11/29/2022 AT 3:00 PM IN Telephone Conference BEFORE HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON. COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF WILL INITIATE THE CALL AND WHEN ALL COUNSEL ARE ON THE LINE, CALL CHAMBERS AT 267-299-7520.(ahf) (Entered: 11/28/2022)

RECAP
42 Nov. 28, 2022

AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 39 MOTION to Compel : TELEPHONE CONFERENCE RESCHEDULED FOR 11/30/2022 AT 4:00 PM IN BEFORE HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON. COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF WILL INITIATE THE CALL AND WHEN ALL COUNSEL ARE ON THE LINE, CALL CHAMBERS AT 267-299-7520.(ahf) (Entered: 11/28/2022)

RECAP
Nov. 28, 2022

NOTICE re: Cancellation of Hearing - Telephone Conference re: Motion to Compel, rescheduled for 11/30/2022, notice to follow.(ahf)

Nov. 28, 2022

Notice re: Cancellation of Hearing

43 Nov. 29, 2022

RESPONSE to Motion re 39 MOTION to Compel filed by DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 11/29/2022)

RECAP
44 Dec. 1, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON Motion Hearing held on 11/30/22 re 39 MOTION to Compel filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND (rf, ) (Entered: 12/01/2022)

RECAP
45 Dec. 1, 2022

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 39 MOTION TO COMPEL AS OUTLINED HEREIN. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 12/1/22.12/2/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 12/02/2022)

RECAP
46 Dec. 1, 2022

ORDER granting 40 MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE AS OUTLINED HEREIN. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 12/1/22.12/2/22 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 12/02/2022)

RECAP
47 Dec. 1, 2022

SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT against JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder, filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND.(rf, ) Modified on 12/2/2022 (md). (Entered: 12/02/2022)

Clearinghouse
47 Dec. 1, 2022

SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT against JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder, filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND.(rf, ) Modified on 12/2/2022 (md). (Entered: 12/02/2022)

Clearinghouse
48 Dec. 5, 2022

Summons Issued as to THE GEO GROUP, INC.. (rf, ) (Entered: 12/05/2022)

RECAP
49 Dec. 12, 2022

ANSWER to 47 Amended Complaint [DEFENDANTS, DELAWARE COUNTY, THE GEO GROUP, INC., GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, LEE TATUM, KRISTEN GRADY (INCORRECTLY IDENTIFIED AS KRISTEN GRAY), JOHN CHRISTAKIS, D.O. RONALD PHILLIPS, AND JEFF WITHELDERS ANSWER WITH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES TO PLAINTIFFS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT] by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service to Defendants' Answer with Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint)(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 12/12/2022)

RECAP
50 Feb. 13, 2023

MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND.Certificate of Service. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5)(Bellos, Sarah) (Entered: 02/13/2023)

RECAP
51 Feb. 21, 2023

RESPONSE in Opposition re 50 MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service to Defendants Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Extension of Time, # 2 Text of Proposed Order to Defendants Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Extension of Time)(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 02/21/2023)

RECAP
52 Feb. 22, 2023

REPLY to Response to Motion re 50 MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Bellos, Sarah) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

RECAP
53 Feb. 24, 2023

ORDER granting 50 MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO COMPLETE DISCOVERY. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 2/24/23.2/24/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 02/24/2023)

RECAP
54 March 7, 2023

MOTION for Protective Order filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder.MEMORANDUM, CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order PROPOSED ORDER, # 2 Memorandum MEMORANDUM OF LAW, # 3 Certificate of Service CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE, # 4 Exhibit EXHIBITS A-B)(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

RECAP
55 March 8, 2023

RESPONSE in Opposition re 54 MOTION for Protective Order filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4)(Bellos, Sarah) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

RECAP
56 March 10, 2023

RESPONSE in Support re 54 MOTION for Protective Order filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 03/10/2023)

RECAP
57 April 18, 2023

NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 54 MOTION for Protective Order :TELEPHONE CONFERENCE SET FOR 4/20/2023 AT 3:30 PM BEFORE HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON. COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF WILL INTIIATE THE CALL AND WHEN ALL COUNSEL ARE ON THE LINE, CALL CHAMBERS AT 267-299-7520.(ahf) (Entered: 04/18/2023)

RECAP
58 April 20, 2023

Minute Entry for proceedings held before HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON Motion Hearing held on 4/20/23 re 54 MOTION for Protective Order filed by DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, LEE TATUM, Jeff Withelder, THE GEO GROUP, INC., JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC (JL) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

RECAP
59 April 21, 2023

ORDER THAT THE DEFENDANTS MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER 54 IS GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. THE DEPOSITION OF DR. CHRISTAKIS SHALL BE TAKEN BY VIDEO TAPE FOR UP TO ONE (1) HOUR, WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS, ASSUMING HE IS AVAILABLE DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. DEFENDANTS SHALL SERVE THEIR EXPERT REPORT BY MAY 30, 2023. EXPERT DEPOSITIONS SHALL BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 15, 2023. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS SHALL BE FILED BY JUNE 30, 2023, WITH RESPONSES WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AND REPLY BRIEF WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS THEREAFTER. TRIAL POOL DATE IS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2023, TO BE CONTINUED IF DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS ARE NOT DECIDED. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 4/21/23.4/21/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(bw) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

RECAP
April 21, 2023

Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines

April 21, 2023

Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: MOTIONS DUE BY 6/30/2023. TRIAL POOL SET FOR 9/15/2023. (bw)

60 June 23, 2023

STIPULATION for Extension of Time Pursuant to Local Rule 7.4(b)(2) by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 06/23/2023)

RECAP
61 June 23, 2023

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS DUE BY 8/30/2023; TRIAL POOL SET FOR 11/15/2023. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 6/23/23. 6/23/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 06/23/2023)

RECAP
62 June 30, 2023

ORDER THAT CASE IS REFERRED TO COURT APPOINT MEDIATION. FURTHER ORDERED THAT RICHARD GLAZER, ESQ. IS DESIGNATED AS THE MEDIATOR FOR PURPOSES OF COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION AND IS AUTHORIZED TO PROCEED AS THE COURT APPOINTED MEDIATOR IN THIS CASE, ETC. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 6/30/23. 6/30/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 06/30/2023)

RECAP
63 Aug. 24, 2023

STIPULATION for Extension of Time Pursuant to Local Rule 7.4(b)(2) by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 08/24/2023)

RECAP
64 Sept. 6, 2023

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS DUE 10/20/23, WITH ANY RESPONSES DUE 11/20/23. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 9/6/23. 9/6/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 09/06/2023)

RECAP
65 Oct. 12, 2023

STIPULATION for Extension of Time Pursuant to Local Rule 7.4(b)(2) by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 10/12/2023)

RECAP
66 Oct. 18, 2023

STIPULATION AND ORDER THAT DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS DUE BY 11/10/2023., TRIAL POOL SET FOR 1/15/2024. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 10/18/23. 10/18/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 10/18/2023)

RECAP
67 Nov. 10, 2023

MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder.MEMORANDUM, CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE.(FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 11/10/2023)

RECAP
68 Nov. 10, 2023

RESPONSE in Support re 67 MOTION for Summary Judgment STATEMENT OF UNDISPUTED MATERIAL FACTS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT filed by JOHN CHRISTAKIS, DELAWARE COUNTY, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC, KRISTEN GRADY, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, LEE TATUM, THE GEO GROUP, INC., Jeff Withelder. (FRY, MATTHEW) (Entered: 11/10/2023)

RECAP
69 Dec. 5, 2023

STIPULATION for Extension of Time by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 12/05/2023)

RECAP
70 Dec. 6, 2023

STIPULATION AND ORDER RE 67 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by DELAWARE COUNTY, KRISTEN GRADY, LEE TATUM, Jeff Withelder, THE GEO GROUP, INC., JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRAY, RONALD B. PHILLIPS, GEO SECURE SERVICES, LLC RESPONSES DUE BY 12/20/2023., REPLIES DUE BY 1/12/2024; TRIAL POOL SET FOR 3/15/2024. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 12/6/23. 12/6/23 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 12/06/2023)

RECAP
71 Dec. 11, 2023

Statement of Interest by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (DEBRUICKER, LAUREN) (Entered: 12/11/2023)

Clearinghouse
72 Dec. 20, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Evangeline Wright on behalf of SHAUN STRICKLAND (Wright, Evangeline) (Entered: 12/20/2023)

RECAP
73 Dec. 20, 2023

Statement Of Material Facts, Response to Ds Statement of Material Facts by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Table of Contents, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10, # 12 Exhibit 11, # 13 Exhibit 12, # 14 Exhibit 13, # 15 Exhibit 14, # 16 Exhibit 15, # 17 Exhibit 16, # 18 Exhibit 17, # 19 Exhibit 18, # 20 Exhibit 19, # 21 Exhibit 20, # 22 Exhibit 21, # 23 Exhibit 22, # 24 Exhibit 23, # 25 Exhibit 24, # 26 Exhibit 25, # 27 Exhibit 26, # 28 Exhibit 27, # 29 Exhibit 28, # 30 Exhibit 29, # 31 Exhibit 30, # 32 Exhibit 31, # 33 Exhibit 32, # 34 Exhibit 33, # 35 Exhibit 34, # 36 Exhibit 35, # 37 Exhibit 36, # 38 Exhibit 37, # 39 Exhibit 38, # 40 Exhibit 39)(YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 12/20/2023)

RECAP
74 Dec. 20, 2023

RESPONSE in Opposition re 67 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 12/20/2023)

RECAP
75 Jan. 17, 2024

STIPULATION of Dismissal (Partial) for Ds Christakis, Grady, Phillips, Withelder by SHAUN STRICKLAND. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(YEH, SU MING) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
76 Jan. 17, 2024

STIPULATION AND ORDER THE PARTIES AGREED FOR THE DISMISSAL, WITH PREJUDICE, OF ALL CLAIMS AGAINST NAMED DEFENDANTS JOHN CHRISTAKIS, KRISTEN GRADY, RONALD PHILLIPS, AND JEFF WITHELDER, IT IS HEREBY SO ORDERED. DEFENDANTS CHRISTAKIS, GRADY, PHILLIPS, AND WITHELDER ARE DISMISSED FROM THIS ACTION WITH PREJUDICE AND THE CLERK SHALL DULY TERMINATE THESE DEFENDANTS FROM THE DOCKET. THIS CASE SHALL PROCEED AS TO ALL OTHER REMAINING NAMED DEFENDANTS. SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 1/17/24. 1/17/24 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(bw) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

RECAP
77 Jan. 18, 2024

ORDER DISMISSING ACTION WITH PREJUDICE PURSUANT TO LOCAL RULE 41.1(b). SIGNED BY HONORABLE MICHAEL M. BAYLSON ON 1/18/24. 1/18/24 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(rf, ) (Entered: 01/18/2024)

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 17, 2021

Closing Date: Jan. 18, 2024

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A pretrial detainee at George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County, Pennsylvania who was forcibly withdrawn from methadone during his approximately six-week incarceration pursuant to the jail's blanket policy of providing methadone only to pregnant individuals.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

Delaware County

Private Entity/Person

The GEO Group, Inc

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Pennsylvania 2:21-cv-04141

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief request withdrawn/mooted

Issues

General/Misc.:

Conditions of confinement

Pattern or Practice

Disability and Disability Rights:

Effective Communication (ADA)

Opioid disorder/medication

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Modifications

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Recommended Citation