Case: Mills v. Connelly

3:22-cv-00193 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana

Filed Date: March 22, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about prolonged detention and invasive searches during traffic stops. On March 22, 2022, a Black woman from Mississippi filed this lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The plaintiff sued the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (WBRSO) and the West Baton Rouge Parish Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness, and 911 (DOHS) under 14 U.S.C. § 1983 and the U.S. Constitution and Louisiana state law. Represented by the ACLU of Louisiana and …

This is a case about prolonged detention and invasive searches during traffic stops. On March 22, 2022, a Black woman from Mississippi filed this lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The plaintiff sued the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (WBRSO) and the West Baton Rouge Parish Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness, and 911 (DOHS) under 14 U.S.C. § 1983 and the U.S. Constitution and Louisiana state law. Represented by the ACLU of Louisiana and the Social Justice Legal Foundation, the plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as punitive, compensatory, and special damages and attorney’s fees. She claimed that her Fourth Amendment rights were violated when officers from WBRSO detained her and her partner for a prolonged period of time and searched their car and belongings. 

On March 26, 2021, Plaintiff and her partner were pulled over for an allegedly minor traffic violation. Officers told them to get out of the car, and after being grabbed by one of the officers, Plaintiff’s partner fled the scene and was later arrested. Plaintiff alleged that one of the defendant officers falsely told her that her partner had been shot and killed. The Plaintiff was then arrested, and officers searched through her car and belongings. Plaintiff’s rental car was impounded, and she was transported to the sheriff’s office, where she was further interrogated. She allowed the officers to search her phone and laptop. After being released by the officers, because her rental car had been impounded, she took an Uber from West Baton Rouge Parish to Jackson, Mississippi. 

The Plaintiff’s original complaint was filed in March of 2022. On September 23, 2022, Defendants filed a motion to stay proceedings until the criminal proceedings against Plaintiff’s partner were finished. The Defendants withdrew that motion on March 6, 2023. 

Plaintiff and her partner filed an amended complaint on March 1, 2023. Because they did not follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with regard to filing an amended complaint, the court struck it and asked Plaintiffs to refile. Plaintiff then sought leave to amend her complaint on March 8, 2023, to add additional claims and to include more claims related to her partner. The court denied some of the amendments because they would not be timely, but allowed Plaintiff to add other claims, including claims regarding unreasonable searches of her purse, Cash App account, and rental car, as well as a claim for unlawful seizure of $3,500 by the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

On August 3, 2023, defendant officers filed a motion for summary judgment and an invocation of qualified immunity. On August 8, 2023, they filed a motion for protected status on the basis of qualified immunity. A hearing was held on the motion for a protective order on September 7, 2023. The judge granted that motion in part on the same date. 

On November 17, 2023, the court granted the motion to dismiss the Plaintiff’s cause of action against one of the defendant officers involved, but all other parties remained in the case. On November 28, 2023, Defendants sought to strike portions of the First Amended Complaint on the basis that they contained character attacks, irrelevant allegations, and facts related to a claim that was voluntarily dismissed. Defendants also filed a motion to dismiss Plaintiff's amended complaint on December 1, 2023. On December 8, 2023, Plaintiff sought reconsideration of the order denying amendment of certain claims. That request was denied on March 21, 2024. 

On March 26, 2024, the court granted in part Defendants’ motion to strike portions of Plaintiff’s first amended complaint. The references to Plaintiff’s partner were not stricken, but allegations related to one of the defendant officer’s histories were stricken as being irrelevant to Plaintiff’s claims against that officer. The court also struck paragraphs related to certain public records requests. Plaintiff’s request for declaratory relief was not stricken. 

As of April 16, 2024, this case is ongoing. Defendant's motion for summary judgment and motion to dismiss are pending before the court. 

Summary Authors

Alex Jarecki (2/15/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63177751/parties/mills-v-connelly/


Judge(s)

Jackson, Brian Anthony (Louisiana)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ahmed, Nora (Louisiana)

Domenichelli, Vanessa M. (Louisiana)

Haji, Sara (Louisiana)

Attorney for Defendant

Arcuri, Blake J (Louisiana)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

3:22-cv-00193

Complaint

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

Complaint
162

3:22-cv-00193

Ruling and Order

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 1308058

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63177751/mills-v-connelly/

Last updated Aug. 8, 2025, 4:21 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number BLAMDC-2408603.), filed by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Attachment, # 5 Attachment, # 6 Attachment, # 7 Attachment, # 8 Attachment, # 9 Attachment, # 10 Attachment, # 11 Attachment)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

Clearinghouse
2

First MOTION for Nora Ahmed to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number BLAMDC-2408635) by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment, # 2 Attachment, # 3 Attachment)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
3

Second MOTION for Emily Barber to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number BLAMDC-2408638) by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment, # 2 Attachment, # 3 Attachment)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
4

Third MOTION for Amelia Piazza to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2408640) by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment, # 2 Attachment, # 3 Attachment)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
5

Fourth MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2408641) by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment, # 2 Attachment, # 3 Attachment)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
6

Letter to Attorney Megan E. Snider regarding Nora Ahmed, Joshua Rosenthal, Emily Barber, and Amelia Piazza who are Co-Counsel for party Nia Mills. Attorneys are not admitted to practice in LAMD. (EDC) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 5 Fourth MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2408641), 2 First MOTION for Nora Ahmed to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number BLAMDC-2408635), 3 Second MOTION for Emily Barber to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number BLAMDC-2408638), 4 Third MOTION for Amelia Piazza to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2408640). This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (BLR)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
7

ORDER granting 2, 3, 4 and 5 Motions for Nora Ahmed, Joshua Rosenthal, Emily Barber, and Amelia Piazza to Appear Pro Hac Vice. ATTENTION: Local counsel shall provide the following link to those attorneys granted leave to proceed pro hac vice in the Middle District of Louisiana who choose to register for e-file access www.lamd.uscourts.gov/pro-hac-vice-e-filing-registration. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 3/22/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
8

Summons Issued as to Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Kasey Perrault, Zachary Simmers. (NOTICE: Counsel shall print and serve both the summons and all attachments in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4.) (Attachments: # 1 summons, # 2 summons, # 3 summons, # 4 summons, # 5 summons)(EDC) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
9

SCHEDULING CONFERENCE ORDER: Scheduling Conference set for 6/9/2022 at 10:30 AM in chambers before Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes. Status Report due by 5/26/2022. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 3/22/2022. (BLR) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
10

MOTION to Postpone June 9, 2022 Scheduling Conference and May 26, 2022 Dealine for Submission of the Status Report by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Proposed Order)(Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 5/9/2022 to edit text. (EDC). (Entered: 05/06/2022)

May 6, 2022

May 6, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 10 MOTION to Postpone June 9, 2022 Scheduling Conference and May 26, 2022 Dealine for Submission of the Status Report. This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022

PACER
11

ORDER granting 10 MOTION to Postpone June 9, 2022 Scheduling Conference and May 26, 2022 Dealine for Submission of the Status Report and in light of all defendants having not made an appearance. Status Report due by 6/23/2022. Scheduling Conference reset for 7/7/2022 at 10:00 AM in chambers before Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 5/9/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 05/09/2022)

May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Continue

May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022

PACER
12

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by Nia Mills (Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 5/12/2022 to correct event type. (EDC). (Entered: 05/11/2022)

May 11, 2022

May 11, 2022

PACER
13

ORDER granting 12 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Brian A. Jackson on 5/16/2022. (EDC) (Entered: 05/16/2022)

May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022

PACER
14

There is no record document 14. Entered in error by the Case Administrator (EDC) Modified on 5/17/2022 to edit the text and remove the document. (EDC). (Entered: 05/16/2022)

May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022

PACER

Notice to Counsel - General Order 2019-04

May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022

PACER
15

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Nia Mills. William Allen Connelly waiver sent on 5/18/2022, answer due 7/18/2022. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
16

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Nia Mills. John Gaudet waiver sent on 5/18/2022, answer due 7/18/2022. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
17

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Nia Mills. Zachary Simmers waiver sent on 5/18/2022, answer due 7/18/2022. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
18

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Nia Mills. Michael B Cazes waiver sent on 5/18/2022, answer due 7/18/2022. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
19

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Nia Mills. Vance Matranga, Jr. waiver sent on 5/18/2022, answer due 7/18/2022. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
20

Notice to Counsel: In light of the Waivers of Service filed (R. Doc. 15 through 19), the Scheduling Conference is reset for 9/1/2022 at 10:00 AM in chambers before Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes. Status Report due by 8/18/2022.(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 05/18/2022)

May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

PACER
21

MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Withdraw as Attorney by Nia Mills. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 21 MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Withdraw as Attorney . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (JEG)

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

PACER
22

ORDER denying without prejudice 21 Motion to Withdraw Appearance of Joshua Rosenthal. The motion is not signed by Joshua Rosenthal, the attorney sought to be withdrawn. To the extent there is a problem obtaining Mr. Rosenthal's signature, movant shall so indicate and state what efforts were undertaken to obtain his signature in any subsequent motion. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 5/25/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

PACER
23

MOTION to Substitute E. Bridget Wheeler in place of Megan E. Snider as Attorney by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Snider, Megan) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 23 MOTION to Substitute E. Bridget Wheeler in place of Megan E. Snider as Attorney . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (JEG)

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

PACER
24

ORDER granting 23 Motion to Substitute Counsel Erin Bridget Wheeler for Nia Mills replacing Megan E. Snider. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 5/26/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 05/26/2022)

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Substitute Attorney

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

PACER
25

Second MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Withdraw as Attorney by Nia Mills. (Barber, Emily) (Entered: 05/31/2022)

May 31, 2022

May 31, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 25 Second MOTION for Joshua Rosenthal to Withdraw as Attorney . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022

PACER
26

ORDER granting 25 Motion to Withdraw Attorney Joshua Rosenthal as Counsel of Record. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 6/2/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 06/02/2022)

June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022

PACER
27

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers.(Arcuri, Blake) (Entered: 07/18/2022)

July 18, 2022

July 18, 2022

PACER
28

Certificate of Interested Parties by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers (Arcuri, Blake) (Entered: 07/21/2022)

July 21, 2022

July 21, 2022

PACER
29

MOTION for Emily Barber to Withdraw as Attorney by Nia Mills (Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 07/28/2022)

July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 29 MOTION for Emily Barber to Withdraw as Attorney . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (LLH)

July 29, 2022

July 29, 2022

PACER
30

ORDER granting 29 Motion to Withdraw Appearance of Attorney Emily Barber as Counsel of Record for Plaintiff Nia Mills. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 8/1/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 08/01/2022)

Aug. 1, 2022

Aug. 1, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

Aug. 1, 2022

Aug. 1, 2022

PACER
31

MOTION for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2464741) by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 08/17/2022)

Aug. 17, 2022

Aug. 17, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 31 MOTION for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2464741). This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

Aug. 18, 2022

Aug. 18, 2022

PACER
32

Notice of Deficiency with Administrative Procedure III(A)(1) as to 31 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pursuant to Administrative Procedure III(A)(1), Each exhibit should be submitted individually in CM/ECF with an exhibit number and short description (e.g., Ex.1 Plaintiff Depo). REQUIRED CORRECTION: The filer is directed to refile the exhibits in the proper format using the event Exhibit located under Other Documents in the CM/ECF system and link the exhibits to the previously filed document. The main document for this event shall be an exhibit list of the exhibits being attached. (EDC) (Entered: 08/18/2022)

Aug. 18, 2022

Aug. 18, 2022

PACER
33

Joint STATUS REPORT by Nia Mills. (Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 08/18/2022)

Aug. 18, 2022

Aug. 18, 2022

PACER
34

ORDER denying without prejudice the 31 Motion to Admit Shubhra Shivpuri Pro Hac Vic for failure to comply with Local Rule 83(b)(8)(B) and Administrative Procedure III(A)(1), Each exhibit should be submitted individually in CM/ECF with an exhibit number and short description. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 8/22/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 08/22/2022)

Aug. 22, 2022

Aug. 22, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Aug. 22, 2022

Aug. 22, 2022

PACER
35

Notice to Counsel: The Scheduling Conference is set for 9/1/2022 is CANCELED pending review of the 33 Status Report. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 08/29/2022)

Aug. 29, 2022

Aug. 29, 2022

PACER
36

NOTICE of TELEPHONE CONFERENCE: A Telephone Conference is set or 9/12/2022 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes to discuss the 33 Status Report. Counsel participating in the Conference shall call 877-336-1839 using access code 9565780 five minutes prior to conference. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.)(BLR) (Entered: 09/06/2022)

Sept. 6, 2022

Sept. 6, 2022

PACER
37

Exhibit(s) to Motions Referred, 31 MOTION for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2464741), 32 Notice of Deficiency with Administrative Procedures III(A)(1),, by Nia Mills. (Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 09/08/2022)

Sept. 8, 2022

Sept. 8, 2022

PACER
38

Minute Entry/Telephone Scheduling Conference Report and Order for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes: Telephone Conference held on 9/12/2022 to discuss the Status Report submitted to the Court. As to the information in the Status Report regarding Defendants request that this matter be stayed pending resolution of Cory Catchings underlying criminal proceedings, Defendants were advised that, if a stay is sought, they must file a motion with proper support. The parties were advised that a scheduling order will be issued with dates selected by the Court as the parties did not agree to scheduling order deadlines. A scheduling order will issue. (EDC) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
39

SCHEDULING ORDER: In accordance with FRCP 16(b), the following discovery deadlines are established. Amended Pleadings due by 3/3/2023. Discovery due by 8/25/2023. Plaintiff`s Expert Witness List due by 9/22/2023. Defendant`s Expert Witness List due by 10/27/2023. Plaintiff`s Expert Reports due by 10/27/2023. Defendant`s Expert Reports due by 11/27/2023. Discovery from Experts due by 1/19/2024. Proposed Findings of Facts due by 9/27/2024. Dispositive and Daubert Motions shall be filed by 3/29/2024. Proposed Pretrial Order due by 7/19/2024. Pretrial Conference set for 8/8/2024 at 03:30 PM in chambers before Judge Brian A. Jackson. Motions In Limine shall be filed by 8/16/2024. Affidavit of Settlement Efforts due by 8/30/2024. Two day Bench Trial set for 10/7/2024 - 10/8/2024 at 08:30 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Brian A. Jackson. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 9/15/2022. (EDC) (Entered: 09/15/2022)

Sept. 15, 2022

Sept. 15, 2022

PACER
40

SCHEDULING ORDER: In accordance with FRCP 16(b), the following discovery deadlines are established. Amended Pleadings due by 3/3/2023. Discovery due by 8/25/2023. Plaintiff`s Expert Witness List due by 9/22/2023. Defendant`s Expert Witness List due by 10/27/2023. Plaintiff`s Expert Reports due by 10/27/2023. Defendant`s Expert Reports due by 11/27/2023. Discovery from Experts due by 1/19/2024. Proposed Findings of Facts due by 9/27/2024. Motions shall be filed by 3/29/2024. Proposed Pretrial Order due by 7/19/2024. Pretrial Conference set for 8/8/2024 at 03:30 PM in chambers before Judge Brian A. Jackson. Motions In Limine shall be filed by 8/16/2024. Affidavit of Settlement Efforts due by 8/30/2024. 2-day Bench Trial set for 10/7/2024 at 08:30 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Brian A. Jackson. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 9/15/2022. (LLH) (Entered: 09/15/2022)

Sept. 15, 2022

Sept. 15, 2022

PACER
41

MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit A-Court minutes, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit B- Correspondence)(Wixom, Jason) Modified on 9/26/2022 to edit the text (NLT). (Entered: 09/23/2022)

Sept. 23, 2022

Sept. 23, 2022

PACER
42

MEMORANDUM in Opposition to 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings filed by Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Amelia Piazza, # 3 Exhibit 2 - Catchings Criminal Docket, # 4 Exhibit 3 - Plaintiff's Discovery Requests)(Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 10/17/2022 to rotate and replace exhibit #3 (LLH). (Entered: 10/14/2022)

Oct. 14, 2022

Oct. 14, 2022

PACER
43

MOTION for Leave to File Response to Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Pleading; Proposed Order, # 2 Proposed Pleading; Proposed Response)(Wixom, Jason) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

Oct. 28, 2022

Oct. 28, 2022

PACER
44

ORDER granting 43 MOTION for Leave to File Response to Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay. Signed by Judge Brian A. Jackson on 11/1/2022. (EDC) (Entered: 11/01/2022)

Nov. 1, 2022

Nov. 1, 2022

PACER
45

Response to 42 Memorandum in Opposition to 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings filed by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers. (EDC) (Entered: 11/01/2022)

Nov. 1, 2022

Nov. 1, 2022

PACER
46

First MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendants' Response to Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Proposed Order, # 2 Proposed Pleading; Plaintiff's Surreply to Defendants' Response to Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay)(Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 11/10/2022)

Nov. 10, 2022

Nov. 10, 2022

PACER
47

ORDER granting 46 MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendants' 41 Motion to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings. Signed by Judge Brian A. Jackson on 11/15/2022. (LLH) (Entered: 11/15/2022)

Nov. 15, 2022

Nov. 15, 2022

PACER
48

SURREPLY to 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings filed by Nia Mills. (LLH) (Entered: 11/15/2022)

Nov. 15, 2022

Nov. 15, 2022

PACER
49

MOTION for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2506885) by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Declaration, # 2 Attachment Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Attachment Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 11/22/2022)

Nov. 22, 2022

Nov. 22, 2022

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 49 MOTION for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2506885). This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (LLH)

Nov. 22, 2022

Nov. 22, 2022

PACER
50

ORDER granting 49 Motion for Shubhra Shivpuri to Appear Pro Hac Vice. ATTENTION: Local counsel shall provide the following link to those attorneys granted leave to proceed pro hac vice in the Middle District of Louisiana who choose to register for e-file access www.lamd.uscourts.gov/pro-hac-vice-e-filing-registration. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 11/28/2022. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 11/28/2022)

Nov. 28, 2022

Nov. 28, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Nov. 28, 2022

Nov. 28, 2022

PACER
51

MOTION for Vanessa Domenichelli to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2542874) by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Exhibit Proposed Order)(Wheeler, Erin) (Entered: 02/14/2023)

Feb. 14, 2023

Feb. 14, 2023

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 51 MOTION for Vanessa Domenichelli to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee $100.00, Receipt Number ALAMDC-2542874). This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

Feb. 15, 2023

Feb. 15, 2023

PACER
52

ORDER granting 51 Motion for Vanessa Domenichelli to Appear Pro Hac Vice. ATTENTION: Local counsel shall provide the following link to those attorneys granted leave to proceed pro hac vice in the Middle District of Louisiana who choose to register for e-file access www.lamd.uscourts.gov/pro-hac-vice-e-filing-registration. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 2/15/2023. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 02/15/2023)

Feb. 15, 2023

Feb. 15, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Feb. 15, 2023

Feb. 15, 2023

PACER
53

STRICKEN FROM THE RECORD First Amended Complaint against Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers, John Does 1-10, filed by Nia Mills, Cory Catchings. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit List, # 5 Cazes Summons, # 6 Connelly Summons, # 7 Gaudet Summons, # 8 Matranga Summons, # 9 Simmers Summons)(Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 3/2/2023 to edit text, replace Attachments 5-9 and flatten documents. (EDC). Modified on 3/6/2023 to remove document as it has been stricken by Order #60 (LLH). (Entered: 03/01/2023)

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

PACER
54

Certificate of Interested Persons by Cory Catchings, Nia Mills. (Piazza, Amelia) (Main Document 54 replaced on 3/2/2023) (EDC). Modified on 3/2/2023 to flatten document. (EDC). (Entered: 03/01/2023)

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

PACER
55

Summons Issued as to Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers. (NOTICE: Counsel shall print and serve both the summons and all attachments in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4.) (Attachments: # 1 summons, # 2 summons, # 3 summons, # 4 summons)(EDC) (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

PACER
56

Notice of Deficiency with Administrative Procedure III(A)(1) as to 53 Amended Complaint. Pursuant to Administrative Procedure III(A)(1), Each exhibit should be submitted individually in CM/ECF with an exhibit number and short description (e.g., Ex.1 Plaintiff Depo). REQUIRED CORRECTION: The filer is directed to refile the exhibits in the proper format using the event Exhibit located under Other Documents in the CM/ECF system and link the exhibits to the previously filed document. The main document for this event shall be an exhibit list of the exhibits being attached. (EDC) (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

PACER
57

NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY with LR 7.1 as to 54 Certificate of Interested Persons. Failure to add interested persons to CM/ECF upon filing of Certificate of Interested Persons REQUIRED CORRECTION: Within one business day, the filer shall add all interested persons listed on the certificate using the event Add Interested Person located under Notices in the CM/ECF system. (EDC) (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

PACER
58

STRICKEN FROM THE RECORD Exhibit(s) to 53 Amended Complaint,, by Cory Catchings, Nia Mills. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Request 1, # 2 Exhibit Request 2, # 3 Exhibit Request 3)(Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 7/17/2023 to remove exhibits as they are stricken by Order #60 (LLH). (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

PACER
59

Certificate of Interested Persons by Cory Catchings, Nia Mills identifying Affiliate/Interested Person Michael B Cazes, Affiliate/Interested Person Nia Mills, Affiliate/Interested Person William Allen Connelly, Affiliate/Interested Person Vance Matranga, Jr., Affiliate/Interested Person Zachary Simmers, Affiliate/Interested Person Louisiana Sheriffs' Law Enforcement Program, Affiliate/Interested Person Jason P. Wixom, Affiliate/Interested Person Laura C. Rodrigue, Affiliate/Interested Person Blake J. Arcuri, Affiliate/Interested Person American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Louisiana, Affiliate/Interested Person Social Justice Legal Foundation, Affiliate/Interested Person Frosch, Rodrigue, Arcuri LLC, Affiliate/Interested Person Cory Catchings, Affiliate/Interested Person John Gaudet for Cory Catchings, Nia Mills. (Piazza, Amelia) (Main Document 59 replaced on 3/3/2023) (EDC). Modified on 3/3/2023 to flatten document. (EDC). (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

PACER
60

NOTICE AND ORDER: On March 1, 2023, Plaintiffs Nia Mills and Cory Catchings (collectively, "Plaintiffs") filed a 53 First Amended Complaint in this matter. Under Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 15(a)(2), a party may amend its pleading only with the opposing party's written consent or with the courts leave, unless the party is permitted to amend as a matter of course under Rule 15(a)(1), which is not the case here. Accordingly, the Clerk of Court is ordered to STRIKE the 53 First Amended Complaint from the record. Plaintiffs may file a Motion for Leave to Amend Complaint that complies with Rule 15 and Local Civil Rule 7(e) by stating whether Defendants oppose the leave to amend. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 3/6/2023. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.)(BLR) (Entered: 03/06/2023)

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

PACER

Order

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

PACER
61

MOTION to Withdraw 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr., Zachary Simmers (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Pleading; Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit Court Minutes)(Wixom, Jason) (Entered: 03/06/2023)

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

PACER
62

ORDER granting 61 Motion to Withdraw 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings, and 41 MOTION to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Parallel Criminal Proceedings is hereby TERMINATED AS WITHDRAWN. Signed by Judge Brian A. Jackson on 3/7/2023. (EDC) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

RECAP
63

MOTION for Leave to File the Attached First Amended Complaint by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Pleading; First Amended Complaint, # 2 Attachment Memorandum in Support of Motion, # 3 Exhibit List Exhibit List, # 4 Exhibit Request 1, # 5 Exhibit Request 2, # 6 Exhibit Request 3, # 7 Attachment Proposed order granting leave to amend)(Piazza, Amelia) Modified on 3/9/2023 to edit text. (EDC). Modified on 3/29/2023 to replace document as per Order #69 (LLH). (Entered: 03/08/2023)

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

PACER
64

Summons Submitted as to Michael B. Cazes; William Allen Connelly; John Gaudet; Vance Matranga, Jr.; Zachary Simmers (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Summons for Defendant Connelly, # 2 Attachment Summons for Defendant Gaudet, # 3 Attachment Summons for Defendant Matranga, # 4 Attachment Summons for Defendant Simmers)(Piazza, Amelia) (Main Document 64 and Attachments 1-4 replaced on 3/9/2023) (EDC). Modified on 3/9/2023 to flatten documents. (EDC). (Entered: 03/08/2023)

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 63 MOTION for Leave to File the Attached First Amended Complaint. This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

March 9, 2023

March 9, 2023

PACER
65

MEMORANDUM in Opposition to 63 MOTION for Leave to File the Attached First Amended Complaint filed by Michael B Cazes, William Allen Connelly, John Gaudet, Vance Matranga, Jr.. (Wixom, Jason) (Entered: 03/15/2023)

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

PACER
66

MOTION for Leave to File Reply to Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to Amend by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Reply to Defendants' Opposition to Motion for Leave to Amend, # 2 Attachment Proposed Order Granting Leave to File Reply)(Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

PACER
67

MOTION to Substitute First Amended Complaint by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Pleading; Corrected First Amended Complaint, # 2 Attachment Proposed Order)(Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion to Substitute Pleading (In Order to Correct Deficiency)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 66 MOTION for Leave to File Reply to Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to Amend . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (BLR)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER
68

ORDER granting 66 MOTION for Leave to File Reply to Defendants' 65 Opposition to Plaintiff's 63 Motion for Leave to Amend. The Clerk is directed to file R. Doc. 66-1 into the record. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 3/28/2023. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 03/28/2023)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 67 MOTION to Substitute Proposed Pleading. This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (BLR)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER
69

ORDER granting 67 MOTION to Substitute Proposed Pleading. The clerk is directed to replace R. Doc. 63-1 with 67-1. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 3/28/2023. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 03/28/2023)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

PACER
70

REPLY Memorandum in Support of 63 MOTION for Leave to File the Attached First Amended Complaint filed by Nia Mills. (LLH) Modified on 7/17/2023 to edit the text (NLT). (Entered: 03/29/2023)

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

PACER
71

Joint STIPULATION Regarding the Use and Disclosure of Discovery and Protective Order by Nia Mills. (Piazza, Amelia) (Main Document 71 replaced on 7/14/2023 to rotate pages.) (EDC). Modified on 8/4/2023 to edit the text (NLT). (Entered: 07/14/2023)

July 14, 2023

July 14, 2023

PACER
72

MOTION for Amelia Piazza to Withdraw as Attorney by Nia Mills (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Proposed Order)(Piazza, Amelia) (Entered: 07/14/2023)

July 14, 2023

July 14, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023

PACER

MOTION(S) REFERRED: 72 MOTION for Amelia Piazza to Withdraw as Attorney . This motion is now pending before the USMJ. (EDC)

July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023

PACER
73

ORDER granting 72 Motion to Withdraw Appearance of Attorney Amelia Piazza. Signed by Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes on 7/17/2023. (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no hyperlink or PDF document associated with this entry.) (BLR) (Entered: 07/17/2023)

July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Louisiana

Case Type(s):

Policing

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 22, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Black woman from Mississippi who was traveling through Louisiana

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office (West Baton Rouge), County

West Baton Rouge Parish Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness, and 911 (West Baton Rouge), County

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Unreasonable search and seizure

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Records Disclosure

Policing:

Traffic Stops