Case: Wattson v. Town of Brookside, Alabama

2:21-cv-00649 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Filed Date: May 7, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This lawsuit challenges the Town of Brookside, Alabama's (the "Town") practice of seizing vehicles and other personal property. Plaintiff, a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama filed this putative class action lawsuit against the Town on May 7, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Four months prior, plaintiff had loaned his car to a friend; while his friend was driving the car, she was pulled over by officers of the Brookside Police Department (the "Department…

This lawsuit challenges the Town of Brookside, Alabama's (the "Town") practice of seizing vehicles and other personal property. Plaintiff, a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama filed this putative class action lawsuit against the Town on May 7, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Four months prior, plaintiff had loaned his car to a friend; while his friend was driving the car, she was pulled over by officers of the Brookside Police Department (the "Department) and arrested, and the car was confiscated.  Plaintiff was not able to retrieve the car despite numerous efforts to contact the Department, and was not given any opportunity to contest its seizure or seek its return. He challenged this seizure and retention of his property as a violation of the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments -- including as a due process violation, unlawful taking without compensation, and excessive fine -- and sought to represent a class of all people who had property seized by the Town within the last six years.  Plaintiff sought certification of the class, return of his vehicle, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys fees and costs. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Anna Marie Manasco. 

The Town filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on June 16, 2021, which the court granted in part and denied in part on November 4, 2021. The court dismissed plaintiff's Fourth Amendment claim, reasoning that he did not challenge the initial seizure of the car but rather its continued retention, which is a Fourteenth Amendment procedural due process issue and not a Fourth Amendment one. In addition, it dismissed the Fourteenth Amendment due process claim, rejecting the plaintiff's assertion that he did not have a prompt opportunity to challenge retention of his vehicle.  The court cited a state statute, Alabama Code Section 6-5-260, which enables the owner of personal property to sue a public official for return of property wrongfully retained, and reasoned that the statute offered an adequate post-deprivation remedy. The court also dismissed plaintiff's Eighth Amendment claim, agreeing with the Town that the alleged seizure was not a fine within the purview of the Eighth Amendment, because it did not seek to extract a payment. Ultimately, the court permitted only plaintiff's Fifth Amendment Takings Clause claim to proceed, explaining that post-seizure retention of a vehicle might become a taking if it continues for an unreasonably long, indefinite period of time.      

Plaintiff filed an amended complaint on August 23, 2022, alleging that his vehicle had not been returned for almost nine months and that it was finally returned in disrepair. The amended complaint also added additional named plaintiffs as well as a claim for tort liability under state law. Of the three new named plaintiffs, two similarly alleged improper retention of vehicles, and the third alleged that when her vehicle was returned to her, a substantial amount of cash was missing from it. On September 21, 2022, plaintiffs filed a motion to consolidate the case with similar cases against the Town, as well as a proposed consolidated complaint. On October 6, 2022, the Town filed a motion to dismiss the then-operative amended complaint in this action. 

On December 7, 2022, the court issued an order directing the parties in this case, Coleman v. Brookside, Thomas v. Town of Brookside, and Harris v. Town of Brookside, Case No. 2:21-cv-1341-AMM, to confer and to submit a status report indicating their views on consolidation. The parties submitted their report on December 21, 2022, and the court, on May 12, 2023, issued an order consolidating the Thomas case with this one, with this case as the lead case. In that same order, the court granted in part and denied in part the pending motion to dismiss in this case. It dismissed with prejudice the Fifth Amendment takings claim, reasoning that retention of a vehicle without allegation that it had been taken for public use did not qualify as a taking. It further ordered the plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint.

The plaintiffs filed their consolidated amended complaint on May 26, 2023, bringing claims against the Town as well as Jetts Towing company. They sought to represent two classes; one of all people who had vehicles towed or impounded by Jett's Towing as the result of a traffic stop by the Town, and had to pay a fine or fee to retrieve the vehicle, and another of all people who were stopped by the town and then had their vehicle towed at the behest of Jett's Towing.  They brought claims for excessive fines in violation of the Eighth Amendment, alleging that the defendants conspired to generate revenue through the traffic stops-to-impound scheme, and for racketeering, against Jett's Towing. They sought class certification, return of vehicles, damages, fees, and costs.  

On February 2, 2024, the Wattson plaintiff filed a motion to sever his claims from the other claims in the case, as well as for withdrawal of his attorney. The court, on March 21, 2024, granted the motion to withdraw, but reserved judgment on severance. The court denied the motion to sever on August 15, 2024.  As of September 2024, this lawsuit is still pending.

 

 

 

Summary Authors

Muiz Wani (3/25/2024)

Tessa Bialek (9/26/2024)

Related Cases

Thomas v. Town of Brookside, Alabama, Northern District of Alabama (2022)

Coleman v. Brookside, Northern District of Alabama (2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60837095/parties/wattson-v-town-of-brookside-alabama/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Armstrong, Allan L (Alabama)

Baxley, William J (Alabama)

Cartwright, Darrell L (Alabama)

Clark, Brian M (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Clanton, Margaret Holmes (Alabama)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:21-cv-00649

Class Action Complaint

Wattson v. Town of Brookeside, Alabama

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

Complaint
12

2:21-cv-00649

Order on Motion to Dismiss

Nov. 4, 2021

Nov. 4, 2021

Order/Opinion
1

2:22-cv-00157

Class Action Complaint

Feb. 6, 2022

Feb. 6, 2022

Complaint
26

2:21-cv-00649

First Amended Class Action Complaint

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

Complaint
40

2:21-cv-00649

Order

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

Order/Opinion
41

2:21-cv-00649

Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Complaint

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60837095/wattson-v-town-of-brookside-alabama/

Last updated Jan. 30, 2025, 8:49 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT against Town of Brookside, Alabama, filed by Sean Wattson.(MRR, ) (Entered: 05/07/2021)

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

RECAP

Certified Mail Request

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

PACER

Filing Fee - Pay.gov

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

PACER

Request for service by certified mail within the body of the complaint filed by Sean Wattson. (MRR, )

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

PACER
2

Request for service by certified mail filed by Sean Wattson. (Clark, Brian) (Entered: 05/07/2021)

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

PACER

Filing Fee: Filing fee $ 402, receipt_number 1126-3835680 (B4601113243). related document 1 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT against Town of Brookside, Alabama, filed by Sean Wattson.(MRR, ). (Clark, Brian) Modified on 5/11/2021 (MRR, ).

May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021

PACER
3

Summons Issued as to Town of Brookside, Alabama. Mailed certified mail. (MEB2) (Entered: 05/10/2021)

May 10, 2021

May 10, 2021

PACER
4

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Sean Wattson. Town of Brookside, Alabama served on 5/26/2021 (no date on green card), answer due 6/16/2021. (MRR, ) (Entered: 05/26/2021)

May 26, 2021

May 26, 2021

PACER
5

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Sean Wattson. filed by Sean Wattson (Clark, Brian) (Entered: 05/27/2021)

May 27, 2021

May 27, 2021

PACER
6

MOTION to Dismiss and Supporting Brief by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) Modified docket text on 6/16/2021 (MRR, ). (Entered: 06/16/2021)

June 16, 2021

June 16, 2021

PACER
7

TEXT ORDER- Any response to the motion to dismiss, Doc. 6, is due on or before JULY 12, 2021. Any reply is due on or before JULY 26, 2021. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 6/21/21. (MRR, ) (Entered: 06/21/2021)

June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

PACER

Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

PACER

Set Deadlines as to 6 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint. Responses due by 7/12/2021 Replies due by 7/26/2021. (MRR, )

June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by K Mark Parnell on behalf of All Defendants (Parnell, K) (Entered: 06/24/2021)

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

PACER
9

RESPONSE to re 6 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss filed by Sean Wattson. (Lightner, Hansel) (Entered: 07/12/2021)

July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by James W Porter, II on behalf of Town of Brookside, Alabama (Porter, James) (Entered: 07/22/2021)

July 22, 2021

July 22, 2021

PACER
11

REPLY Brief filed by Defendant Town of Brookside, Alabama re: 1 Complaint, 6 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint, 9 Response (other) filed by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 07/23/2021)

July 23, 2021

July 23, 2021

PACER
12

ORDER; The motion to dismiss by Defendant The Town of Brookside, AlabamaDoc 6 is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. Plaintiff Sean Wattson's claims under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE, and his claim under the Eighth Amendment is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. The Town's motion to dismiss Mr. Wattson's claim under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment is DENIED. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/4/2021. (DNW, ) (Entered: 11/04/2021)

Nov. 4, 2021

Nov. 4, 2021

RECAP
13

INITIAL ORDER Governing All Further Proceedings - with Appendices I, II, and III attached. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 2/3/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 02/03/2022)

Feb. 3, 2022

Feb. 3, 2022

PACER
14

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. Plaintiff perfected service on defendant Town of Brookside, Alabama on May 26, 2021. No answer has been filed by defendant, nor has plaintiff applied for an entry of default by the Clerk of Court. Plaintiff is ORDERED to show cause in writing by February 14, 2022, why this case should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 2/3/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 02/03/2022)

Feb. 3, 2022

Feb. 3, 2022

PACER
15

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Town of Brookside, Alabama.(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 02/03/2022)

Feb. 3, 2022

Feb. 3, 2022

PACER
16

RESPONSE to re 14 filed by Sean Wattson. (Lightner, Hansel) (Entered: 02/15/2022)

Feb. 15, 2022

Feb. 15, 2022

PACER
17

NOTICE of Appearance by Hope S Marshall on behalf of Sean Wattson (Marshall, Hope) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

PACER
18

NOTICE of Appearance by Laura S Gibson on behalf of Sean Wattson (Gibson, Laura) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

PACER
19

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Sean Wattson. (Lightner, Hansel) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

PACER
20

TEXT ORDER. The court GRANTS 19 . Attorney Hansel Eli Lightner, II terminated. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 2/22/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 02/22/2022)

Feb. 22, 2022

Feb. 22, 2022

PACER
21

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Clark, Brian) (Entered: 02/25/2022)

Feb. 25, 2022

Feb. 25, 2022

PACER
22

INITIAL SCHEDULING ORDER. Certain deadlines and time limits apply as set out herein. Discovery prior to Class Certification due by 12/15/2022; Motion for Class Certification due by 12/15/2022; Joint Status Report due by 12/5/2022; Status Conference set for 12/12/2022 at 11:00 AM by Zoom, before Judge Anna M Manasco. The court will provide the zoom information to the parties by email. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 3/1/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 03/01/2022)

March 1, 2022

March 1, 2022

PACER
23

TEXT ORDER: This case is before the court on a sua sponte review of cases against Defendant The Town of Brookside, Alabama. Discovery in this action is STAYED. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 4/19/2022. (DNW) (Entered: 04/19/2022)

April 19, 2022

April 19, 2022

PACER
24

MOTION to Amend/Correct 1 Complaint by Sean Wattson. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement First Amended Class Action Complaint)(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 08/15/2022)

Aug. 15, 2022

Aug. 15, 2022

PACER
25

TEXT ORDER:The motion for leave to amend, 24, is GRANTED. The proposed amended complaint must be filed on or before AUGUST 26, 2022. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 08/18/2022. (AKD) (Entered: 08/18/2022)

Aug. 18, 2022

Aug. 18, 2022

PACER
26

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Town of Brookside Alabama, filed by Sean Wattson.(Clark, Brian) Modified on 8/23/2022 (AKD). (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

RECAP
27

MOTION for Extension of Time by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 09/01/2022)

Sept. 1, 2022

Sept. 1, 2022

PACER
28

TEXT ORDER-The motion for extension of time is GRANTED. 27 . Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 09/01/2022. (AKD) (Entered: 09/01/2022)

Sept. 1, 2022

Sept. 1, 2022

PACER
29

MOTION to Consolidate Cases by Sean Wattson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 09/21/2022)

Sept. 21, 2022

Sept. 21, 2022

PACER
30

NOTICE by Brittany Coleman, Brandon Jones, Chekeithia Grant, Alexis Thomas re Filing Motion for Case Reassignment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Motion for Case Reassignment)(Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 10/03/2022)

Oct. 3, 2022

Oct. 3, 2022

PACER
31

TEXT ORDER; Any response to the motion to consolidate, 29, must be filed on or before OCTOBER 26, 2022. Any reply is due within fourteen days of any response. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 10/05/2022. (AKD) (Entered: 10/05/2022)

Oct. 5, 2022

Oct. 5, 2022

PACER
32

MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Killings Citations)(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 10/06/2022)

Oct. 6, 2022

Oct. 6, 2022

PACER
33

RESPONSE in Opposition re 29 MOTION to Consolidate Cases filed by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 10/26/2022)

Oct. 26, 2022

Oct. 26, 2022

PACER
34

TEXT ORDER; Any response to the motion to dismiss must be filed on or before NOVEMBER 30, 2022. Any reply is due within fourteen days of any response. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/09/2022. (AKD) (Entered: 11/09/2022)

Nov. 9, 2022

Nov. 9, 2022

PACER

Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

Nov. 9, 2022

Nov. 9, 2022

PACER

Set/Reset Deadlines as to 32 MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint. Response due by 11/30/2022 (AKD)

Nov. 9, 2022

Nov. 9, 2022

PACER
35

REPLY to Response to Motion re 29 MOTION to Consolidate Cases filed by Sean Wattson. (Clark, Brian) Modified on 12/8/2022 (FNC). docket entry corrected to clarify the actual document filed. (Entered: 11/09/2022)

Nov. 9, 2022

Nov. 9, 2022

PACER
36

RESPONSE in Opposition re 32 MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint filed by Sean Wattson. (Clark, Brian) (Entered: 11/30/2022)

Nov. 30, 2022

Nov. 30, 2022

PACER
37

ORDER-This case is one of three putative class actions pending against the Town of Brookside, Alabama (the Town). The other putative class actions are Coleman v. Town of Brookside et al., Case No. 2:22-cv-423-AMM, and Thomas v. Town of Brookside et al., Case No. 2:22-cv-157-AMM. A fourth case asserting similar but non-class claims against the Town, Harris v. Town of Brookside et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-1341-AMM, also is assigned to the undersigned.The status conference set for December 12, 2022, is CANCELLED. The parties in all four cases are ORDERED to meet and confer and submit a joint status report stating their views regarding consolidation of all four above-named cases within fourteen days. A status conference is SET for JANUARY 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., in Courtroom 5B, Hugo L. Black U.S. Courthouse, Birmingham, Alabama. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 12/07/2022. (AKD) (Entered: 12/07/2022)

Dec. 7, 2022

Dec. 7, 2022

PACER
38

REPLY Brief filed by Defendant Town of Brookside, Alabama re: 36 Response in Opposition to Motion, 32 MOTION to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint filed by Town of Brookside, Alabama. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Church Criminal Records, # 2 Exhibit Burks Arrest Report)(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 12/14/2022)

Dec. 14, 2022

Dec. 14, 2022

PACER
39

STATUS REPORT by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas. filed by Brittany Coleman, Chekeithia Grant, Brandon Jones, Alexis Thomas (Tsitsuashvili, Jaba) (Entered: 12/21/2022)

Dec. 21, 2022

Dec. 21, 2022

PACER

Status Conference

Jan. 5, 2023

Jan. 5, 2023

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Anna M Manasco: Status Conference held on 1/5/2023. (Court Reporter Teresa Roberson.) (FNC)

Jan. 5, 2023

Jan. 5, 2023

PACER
40

ORDER-For the foregoing reasons, the motion to consolidate is GRANTED and the above-styled cases are CONSOLIDATED. Wattson 29 . The motions to dismiss are GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. Wattson 32 ; Thomas Docs. 74, 75, 76, 77 . The request for leave to amend is GRANTED as to: claims that survive dismissal; and claims that are dismissed without prejudice because of pleading defects. The request for leave to amend is DENIED as to claims that are dismissed with prejudice because repleading those claims would be futile.Plaintiffs are ORDERED to file a consolidated class action complaint that complies with this order WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 05/12/2023. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 05/12/2023)

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

RECAP
41

AMENDED COMPLAINT Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint against Town of Brookside, Alabama, filed by Sean Wattson.(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 05/26/2023)

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

RECAP
42

MOTION for Entry of Judgment under Rule 54(b) To Certify Claim for Interlocutory Appeal by Sean Wattson, Angela Crawford, Zackery Harris, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Brittany Todd. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 06/08/2023)

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

PACER
43

TEXT ORDER:Any response to the motion for entry of judgment, Doc. 42, is due within TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS of the issuance of this order. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 06/09/2023. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 06/09/2023)

June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023

PACER
44

ANSWER to (41 in 2:21-cv-00649-AMM) Amended Complaint by Town of Brookside, Alabama, The.Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 06/09/2023)

June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023

PACER
45

RESPONSE to Motion re (42 in 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 89 in 2:22-cv-00157-AMM) MOTION for Entry of Judgment under Rule 54(b) To Certify Claim for Interlocutory Appeal filed by Jon Atkinson, Dalton Brody, William Bynum, John Campbell, DeShawn Cook, Richard Jaynes, Michael Jones, Benjamin Loebler, Wendy Long, Maresha Moses, Ivory Price, Anthony Ragsdale, Justin Reeser, Christopher Robertson, James Savelle, III, Marcus Sellers, Billy Shoults, Bradley Singleton, Robert Stewart, Sydni Thompson, Timothy Turner. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Hale, Thomas) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
46

RESPONSE in Opposition re (42 in 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 89 in 2:22-cv-00157-AMM) MOTION for Entry of Judgment under Rule 54(b) To Certify Claim for Interlocutory Appeal filed by Kyle Efferson, Patrick Howell. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Voss, Mickey) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
47

ORDER DENYING 42 Motion for Entry of Judgment under Rule 54(b) in case 2:21-cv-00649-AMM; The parties in these consolidated actions as well as the parties in Coleman are ORDERED to meet and confer regarding coordinating pretrial proceedings and are DIRECTED to submit a joint proposed scheduling order within TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS of the issuance of this order. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 07/21/2023. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

PACER
48

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 08/11/2023)

Aug. 11, 2023

Aug. 11, 2023

PACER
49

SCHEDULING ORDER-Certain time limits and deadlines apply as set out herein. Discovery due by 11/18/2024. Dispositive Motions due by 1/3/2025. Joint Status Report due by 11/5/2024. Status Conference set for 11/12/2024 11:00 AM before Judge Anna M Manasco by Zoom. The parties shall be ready for trial by June 2025. Trial will be scheduled by separate order. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 09/18/2023. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

Sept. 18, 2023

Sept. 18, 2023

PACER
50

STIPULATION TO EXTEND EXPERT REPORT AND REBUTTAL DEADLINES by Sean Wattson, Ben Blackwell, Angela Crawford, James Donahue, Roger Grace, Zackery Harris, Tinetta Jackson, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Gerald Smith, Keyarah Smith, Corey Thomas, Brittany Todd, John J.D. Walker. filed by Sean Wattson, Ben Blackwell, Angela Crawford, James Donahue, Roger Grace, Zackery Harris, Tinetta Jackson, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Gerald Smith, Keyarah Smith, Corey Thomas, Brittany Todd, John J.D. Walker Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 01/25/2024)

Jan. 25, 2024

Jan. 25, 2024

PACER
51

NOTICE of Filing Letter To The Court by Sean Wattson Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 01/26/2024)

Jan. 26, 2024

Jan. 26, 2024

PACER
52

MOTION to Sever Claim, MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Sean Wattson, Ben Blackwell, Angela Crawford, James Donahue, Roger Grace, Zackery Harris, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Gerald Smith, Corey Thomas, Brittany Todd, John J.D. Walker. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 02/02/2024)

Feb. 2, 2024

Feb. 2, 2024

RECAP
53

ORDER-This case is before the court on a Motion to Sever Claim and to Withdraw as Attorney, ( Doc. 52 in 2:21 CV 649), ( 100 in 2:22 CV 157), filed by Plaintiff Sean Wattsons counsel in Wattson v. Town of Brookside. The motion to withdraw as Mr. Wattsons counsel is GRANTED. Mr. Wattson has SIXTY (60) days to secure new counsel. The court RESERVES ruling on the motion to sever Mr. Wattson's claims from the other plaintiffs in this case. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 03/21/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 03/21/2024)

March 21, 2024

March 21, 2024

PACER
54

MOTION for Protective Order Joint by Town of Brookside, Alabama, The. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/01/2024)

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

PACER
55

TEXT ORDER. The court sets a Telephone Conference for 5/13/2024 at 12:45 PM before Judge Anna M Manasco. The court will provide the call in information to the parties by separate email. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 5/6/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(FNC) (Entered: 05/06/2024)

May 6, 2024

May 6, 2024

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Anna M Manasco: Telephone Conference held on 5/13/2024. (Court Reporter None.) Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(FNC)

May 13, 2024

May 13, 2024

PACER
56

Second MOTION for Protective Order Joint by Town of Brookside, Alabama. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Kinney, Richard) (Entered: 05/22/2024)

May 22, 2024

May 22, 2024

PACER
57

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time of Discovery & Other Deadlines by Sean Wattson, Angela Crawford, Roger Grace, Zackery Harris, Tinetta Jackson, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Gerald Smith, Keyarah Smith, Corey Thomas, Brittany Todd, John J.D. Walker. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

PACER
58

TEXT ORDER:. A status conference is SET for Friday, May 31, 2024, at 9 AM on Zoom. The court will provide Zoom information to the parties by separate email. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 05/24/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 05/24/2024)

May 24, 2024

May 24, 2024

PACER
59

PROTECTIVE ORDER. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 5/31/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(FNC) (Entered: 05/31/2024)

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

PACER
60

TEXT ORDER. The court DENIES AS MOOT 54 and 102. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 5/31/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(FNC) (Entered: 05/31/2024)

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

PACER
61

MOTION for Extension of Time by Sean Wattson, Ben Blackwell, Angela Crawford, James Donahue, Roger Grace, Zackery Harris, Tinetta Jackson, Sean Jones, Daniel Kilgore, Darren LeCroy, Gerald Smith, Keyarah Smith, Corey Thomas, Brittany Todd, John J.D. Walker. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(Clark, Brian) (Entered: 06/14/2024)

June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024

PACER
62

REVISED SHCEDULING ORDER-Before the court is the parties' Joint Motion to Extend Discovery and Other Deadlines. 57 and 105 respectively. Upon review, the court finds that the motions are due to be and are hereby GRANTED. Discovery due by 8/18/2025. Dispositive Motions due by 10/3/2025. Joint Status Report due by 8/4/2025. Status Conference set for 8/11/2025 at 11:00 AM before Judge Anna M Manasco by Zoom. The parties shall be ready for trial by March 2026. Trial will be scheduled by separate order. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 06/14/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 06/14/2024)

June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024

PACER
63

NOTICE of filing Letter to the Court by Sean Wattson Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(AKD) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

PACER
64

ORDER. This case is before the court on the Motion To Sever Claim and To Withdraw, Doc. 52, filed by former counsel for Plaintiff Sean Wattson. Mr. Wattson may continue to pursue his claims pro se, and if new counsel appears, he or she may file a new motion to sever if appropriate. The motion to sever is DENIED. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 8/15/2024. Associated Cases: 2:21-cv-00649-AMM, 2:22-cv-00157-AMM(KAM) (Entered: 08/15/2024)

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Policing

Special Collection(s):

Fines/Fees/Bail Reform (Criminalization of Poverty)

Traffic Stop Litigation

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 7, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A resident of Jefferson County, Alabama whose car was seized by the Town of Brookside, seeking to represent a class of all persons who had property seized by the Town within the last 6 years.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Town of Brookside (Jefferson), City

Jett's Towing (Adamsville, Jefferson), Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Excessive Bail/Fines

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

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.:

Fines/Fees/Bail/Bond

Policing:

Traffic Stops