Case: Washington v. Smith

2:24-cv-00145 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Filed Date: Jan. 13, 2024

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This is a case about the pretextual stop of a Louisiana citizen. On January 13, 2024, a Louisiana citizen filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The plaintiff sued the sheriff of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO), several officers, and the insurance company that covered the other defendants under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 1988, and 2000(d). The plaintiff’s claim was based on an incident wherein he was stopped for an alleged traffic offense that he was never given a citation for. The plaintiff asserted that the defendants extended the stop and unconstitutionally harassed, questioned, and searched him. Represented by the ACLU Foundation of Louisiana and private counsel, the plaintiff sought injunctive and declaratory relief as well as compensatory and punitive damages.

The case was assigned to Judge Jay C. Zainey and Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault.

The plaintiff claimed that the defendants had violated the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments through an unlawful extension of detention and an unlawful search and seizure. By stopping, frisking, and searching the plaintiff without any reasonable suspicion the defendants had violated his rights. Next, the plaintiff argued that the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments had also been violated through an unlawful search of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff argued that the officer defendants did not have probable cause to search the vehicle, that he had not consented to the search, that their actions exceeded the scope of the object of the search, and that he had been stopped from limiting the scope of the search.

The plaintiff also brought claims of Monell liability and a claim under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that argued the STPSO engaged in racial discrimination. The plaintiff also brought claims of conspiracy to commit §1983 violations of the plaintiff’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Lastly, the plaintiff brought several claims under state law.

On January 23, 2024, the case was transferred to Judge Brandon S. Long and Magistrate Judge Michael North.

On February 2, 2024, the plaintiff submitted an amended complaint. The amended complaint included additional officer defendants as well as another category of defendants referred to as “custodian defendants.” The custodian defendants were authorized to respond to requests for public records and the plaintiff asserted that they had the duty to provide such records in a timely manner. The amended complaint also included additional state law claims.

As of February 8, 2024, this case was ongoing.

Summary Authors

Rhea Sharma (2/9/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68159988/parties/washington-v-smith/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ahmed, Nora Sam (Louisiana)

Lillian, Zoe Hannah (Louisiana)

Raulston, Elizabeth Myers (Louisiana)

Wheeler, Erin Bridget (Louisiana)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ahmed, Nora Sam (Louisiana)

Lillian, Zoe Hannah (Louisiana)

Raulston, Elizabeth Myers (Louisiana)

Wheeler, Erin Bridget (Louisiana)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 2:24-cv-00145	Complaint	Jan. 13, 2024	Jan. 13, 2024 Complaint
15 2:24-cv-00145	Amended Complaint	Feb. 2, 2024	Feb. 2, 2024 Complaint

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68159988/washington-v-smith/

Last updated Sept. 8, 2026, 4:54 a.m.

Docket for: Washington v. Smith

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Jan. 13, 2024	COMPLAINT Against All Defendants (Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ALAEDC-10360286) filed by Bruce Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Notice of Manual Attachment, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Summons, # 15 Summons, # 16 Summons, # 17 Summons, # 18 Summons, # 19 Summons, # 20 Summons, # 21 Summons, # 22 Summons, # 23 Summons, # 24 Summons)Attorney Erin Bridget Wheeler added to party Bruce Washington(pty:pla).(Wheeler, Erin) (Attachment 1 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 14 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 15 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 16 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 17 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 18 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 19 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 20 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 21 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 22 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 23 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). (Attachment 24 replaced on 1/16/2024) (mmm). Modified/flattened attachments on 1/16/2024 (mmm). (Entered: 01/13/2024)	RECAP
2	Jan. 16, 2024	Initial Case Assignment to Judge Jay C. Zainey and Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault. (cc) (Entered: 01/16/2024)	RECAP
3	Jan. 16, 2024	Civil Cover Sheet Submitted (Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 01/16/2024)	RECAP
4	Jan. 16, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 1 Complaint. Filing attorney did not properly format the pdf of Civil Cover Sheet and Summons. **IMPORTANT: When using a FORM, fill in the applicable fields then click the red PRINT button at the bottom to print the document to pdf format. Clerk has taken corrective action. (mmm) (Entered: 01/16/2024)	RECAP
5	Jan. 16, 2024	Summons Issued as to Jeremy Church, Chance Cloud, George Cox, Curtis Finn, Frank J Francois, Jr, Dale Galloway, Taylor Lewis, OneBeacon Insurance Group, Richard Palmisano, Douglas Searle, Randy Smith. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons, # 10 Summons)(mmm) (Entered: 01/16/2024)	RECAP
	Jan. 16, 2024	Initial Case Assignment
	Jan. 16, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
6	Jan. 17, 2024	EXPARTE/CONSENT MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Zoe Lillian (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ALAEDC-10364895) by Bruce Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 01/17/2024)	RECAP
7	Jan. 18, 2024	Manual Attachment Received re 1 Complaint, Exhibit 8, filed by Bruce Washington. (mmm) (Entered: 01/18/2024)	RECAP
	Jan. 18, 2024	Manual Attachment Received
8	Jan. 19, 2024	EXPARTE/CONSENT MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Elizabeth Raulston (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ALAEDC-10369093) by Bruce Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Elizabeth Raulston, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 01/19/2024)	RECAP
9	Jan. 22, 2024	ORDER GRANTING 6 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Zoe Hannah Lillian. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 1/18/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Pro Hac Notice) (jls) (Entered: 01/22/2024)	RECAP
10	Jan. 22, 2024	ORDER GRANTING 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Elizabeth Myers Raulston. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 1/22/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Pro Hac Notice) (jls) (Entered: 01/22/2024)	RECAP
11	Jan. 23, 2024	EXPARTE/CONSENT MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Nora Ahmed (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ALAEDC-10372561) by Bruce Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Nora Ahmed, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Consent to Electronic Filing, # 4 Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 01/23/2024)	RECAP
12	Jan. 23, 2024	ORDER TRANSFERRING CASE. Case transferred to Judge Brandon S. Long and Magistrate Judge Michael North. Judge Jay C. Zainey, Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault no longer assigned to case. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 1/23/2024.(mmm) (Entered: 01/23/2024)	RECAP
13	Jan. 24, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 11 MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Nora Ahmed (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number ALAEDC-10372561). Document contains incorrect Section and Magistrate Judge. All future pleadings must reflect Section O Judge Brandon S. Long and Magistrate Judge (5) Michael B. North. (cs) (Entered: 01/24/2024)	RECAP
	Jan. 24, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
14	Jan. 26, 2024	ORDER granting 11 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Nora Sam Ahmed. Signed by Judge Brandon S. Long on 01/25/2024. (Attachments: # 1 PHV Notice) (js) (Entered: 01/26/2024)	RECAP
15	Feb. 2, 2024	Amended Complaint	RECAP
16	Feb. 5, 2024	Summons Issued	RECAP
	Feb. 29, 2024	Manual Attachment Received
18	March 19, 2024	Appear Pro Hac Vice	RECAP
19	March 22, 2024	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice	RECAP
20	April 9, 2024	Extension of Deadlines	RECAP
	April 10, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
22	April 11, 2024	Order on Motion for Extension of Deadlines	RECAP
23	May 1, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
24	May 1, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
25	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
26	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
27	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
28	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
29	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
30	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
31	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
32	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
33	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
34	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
35	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
36	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
37	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
38	May 2, 2024	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
39	May 17, 2024	Dismiss AND Strike	RECAP
	May 20, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
41	June 4, 2024	Response/Memorandum in Opposition to Motion	RECAP
42	June 7, 2024	Continue AND Expedite AND Leave to File Document	RECAP
43	June 11, 2024	Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions	RECAP
44	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
45	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
46	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
47	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
48	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
49	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
50	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
51	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
52	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
53	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
54	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
55	June 13, 2024	Affidavit of Service	RECAP
56	June 13, 2024	Waiver of Service Executed	RECAP
57	June 13, 2024	Waiver of Service Executed	RECAP
58	June 13, 2024	Extension of Deadlines	RECAP
59	June 17, 2024	Order on Motion for Extension of Deadlines	RECAP
60	June 18, 2024	Leave to File Document	RECAP
61	June 20, 2024	Miscellaneous Relief	RECAP
63	June 20, 2024	Request for Summons Issued	RECAP
	June 20, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
64	June 21, 2024	Request for Summons Issued	RECAP
65	June 21, 2024	Summons Issued	RECAP
66	June 25, 2024	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Motion to Expedite	RECAP
67	July 1, 2024	Substitute Attorney	RECAP
68	July 1, 2024	Order on Motion to Substitute Attorney	RECAP
69	July 10, 2024	Continue AND Expedite	RECAP
	July 11, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
71	July 16, 2024	Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions	RECAP
72	July 26, 2024	Miscellaneous Relief	RECAP
73	July 30, 2024	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief	RECAP
74	Aug. 5, 2024	Withdraw Document	RECAP
75	Aug. 6, 2024	Order on Motion to Withdraw	RECAP
76	Aug. 6, 2024	Withdraw Document	RECAP
77	Aug. 8, 2024	Order on Motion to Withdraw	RECAP
78	Aug. 20, 2024	More Definite Statement AND Strike	RECAP
79	Aug. 20, 2024	File Excess Pages	RECAP
80	Aug. 20, 2024	Leave to File Document	RECAP
83	Aug. 21, 2024	Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings	RECAP
	Aug. 21, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
	Aug. 22, 2024	Manual Attachment Received
85	Aug. 23, 2024	Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages	RECAP
86	Aug. 23, 2024	Dismiss/Failure to State a Claim/FRCP12(b)(6)	RECAP
87	Sept. 10, 2024	Response/Memorandum in Opposition to Motion	RECAP
88	Sept. 10, 2024	Extension of Time to File Response/Reply	RECAP
89	Sept. 10, 2024	Expedite	RECAP
	Sept. 13, 2024	Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk
91	Sept. 16, 2024	Reply to Response to Motion	RECAP
92	Sept. 18, 2024	Order on Motion to Expedite	RECAP
93	Sept. 18, 2024	Response/Memorandum in Opposition to Motion	RECAP
94	Sept. 19, 2024	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply	RECAP
95	Sept. 20, 2024	Motion Hearing AND Order on Motion for Leave to File	RECAP
96	Sept. 20, 2024	Amended Complaint	RECAP
97	Sept. 20, 2024	Summons Issued	RECAP