Case: Jackson v. City of Fort Lauderdale

0:24-cv-60935 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Filed Date: May 31, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case involved police dispersal of Black Lives Matter protestors in Fort Lauderdale on May 31, 2020. Four years later, on May 31, 2024, several protestors filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the City of Fort Lauderdale and individual Fort Lauderdale Police Department (“FLPD”) officers under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Florida state law. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiffs alleged that FLPD officers used tear gas and kinetic impact p…

This case involved police dispersal of Black Lives Matter protestors in Fort Lauderdale on May 31, 2020. Four years later, on May 31, 2024, several protestors filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the City of Fort Lauderdale and individual Fort Lauderdale Police Department (“FLPD”) officers under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Florida state law. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiffs alleged that FLPD officers used tear gas and kinetic impact projectiles to disperse the crowd without warning or dispersal order. According to the plaintiffs, this police action violated the protestors’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants restricted the protestors’ ability to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights and unconstitutionally retaliated against the protestors’ demonstration. The plaintiffs also claimed that the defendants violated the protestors’ procedural and substantive Fourteenth Amendment rights by indiscriminately deploying tear gas and less lethal munitions without notice. The plaintiffs sought class action certification for a damages class and an injunctive relief class. The case was assigned to District Judge Rodney Smith.


On October 22, 2024, several officer defendants filed a motion to dismiss and on October 28, 2024, the City of Fort Lauderdale and additional officer defendants also filed a motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs subsequently amended their complaint on November 12, 2024. This amended complaint rescinded the plaintiffs’ initial Fourth Amendment claim, added a Fourteenth Amendment substantive due process claim, removed several individual officer defendants, and included additional factual allegations. In response, several officer defendants amended their motion to dismiss on November 25, 2024. The City of Fort Lauderdale and additional officer defendants amended their motion to dismiss the day after, on November 26, 2024. As of February 18, 2025, the case was ongoing.

Summary Authors

Maddie Turk (2/22/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68819697/parties/jackson-v-city-of-fort-lauderdale-florida/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Boldt, Kimberly Lynn (Florida)

Davis, Michael T. (Florida)

Kuehne, Benedict P. (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Alexander, Scott David (Florida)

Lawley, Jeffery Rodman (Florida)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

0:24-cv-60935

Class Action Complaint

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

Complaint
23

0:24-cv-60935

First Amended Class Action Complaint

Nov. 12, 2024

Nov. 12, 2024

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68819697/jackson-v-city-of-fort-lauderdale-florida/

Last updated April 10, 2025, 12:18 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Complaint pursuant to 42 USC 1983 against ZACHARY BARO, CAMERON BURDICK, JAMIE CHATMAN, CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE, A Florida Municipality,, paul CRISTAFARO, ROBERT DEITRICH, KEVIN DUPREE, Jesus Fernandez, ANDREW GOTTSTEIN, Steve GREENLAW, RYAN IJAMES, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Douglas MacDoughall, Ronald Magno, ELIEZER Ramos, Aryo Rezaie, Remy Rodriguez, FRANCO SMITH, ROBERT SMITH, DAVID SOIKA, Steven Smith, SEAN WALTERS, Rick maglione. Filing fee $ 405.00 receipt number AFLSDC-17574055, filed by JAYANNA JACKSON, Scott Ross, MIKE GABELUS. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Davis, Michael) (Entered: 05/31/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

Clearinghouse
2

Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Judge Rodney Smith. Pursuant to 28 USC 636(c), the parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt is available to handle any or all proceedings in this case. If agreed, parties should complete and file the Consent form found on our website. It is not necessary to file a document indicating lack of consent. (wce) (Entered: 06/03/2024)

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

PACER
3

Clerk's Notice to Filer re: Electronic Case. Parties Not Added. The Filer failed to add all parties associated with the case. The Clerk has added all parties associated with the case. It is not necessary to re-file this document. (wce) (Entered: 06/03/2024)

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

PACER

Clerk's Notice of Docket Correction - ELECTRONIC CASE

June 3, 2024

June 3, 2024

PACER

Clerk's Notice of Judge Assignment and Optional Consent

June 3, 2024

June 3, 2024

PACER
4

NOTICE of Filing Proposed Summons(es) Notice of Summons by Jayanna Jackson (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Summons in Civil Action) (Davis, Michael) (Entered: 06/06/2024)

June 6, 2024

June 6, 2024

PACER
5

Summons Issued as to Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Avery Figueras, Andrew Gottstein, Steven Greenlaw, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Douglas Macdoughall, Rick Maglione, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Aryo Rezaie, Remy Rodriguez, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, Steven Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters. (scn) (Entered: 06/07/2024)

June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024

PACER
6

NOTICE of Filing Proposed Summons(es) City of Fort Lauderdale by Mike Gabelus, Jayanna Jackson, Scott Ross (Attachments: # 1 Summon(s)) (Davis, Michael) (Entered: 08/27/2024)

Aug. 27, 2024

Aug. 27, 2024

PACER
7

Summons Issued as to City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (cqs) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

PACER
8

Summons Issued as to City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.(Corrected). (cqs) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

PACER
9

Plaintiff's MOTION for Extension of Time extension for service of summonses With Incorporated Memorandum of Law re 1 Complaint 42 USC 1983 or Bivens,, 4 Notice of Filing Proposed Summons(es), 5 Summons Issued, 6 Notice of Filing Proposed Summons(es) by Jayanna Jackson. Responses due by 9/11/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion For Extension of Time To Serve Process)(Davis, Michael) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

PACER
10

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 9 Plaintiffs' Motion for Extension of Time to Serve Process. Plaintiffs shall serve the Complaint and summons on all Defendants by October 13, 2024. Signed by Judge Rodney Smith on 8/28/2024. (kv00) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

PACER
11

(STRICKEN PER DE 12 ) NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Scott David Alexander on behalf of Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Andrew Gottstein, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Aryo Rezaie, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters. Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Zachary Baro(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Cameron Burdick(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Jan Caldera(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Jamie Chatman(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Kevin Dupree(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Jesus Fernandez(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Andrew Gottstein(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Ryan Ijames(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Jeffrey Jenkins(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Raymond Ketchmark(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Ronald Magno(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Eliezer Ramos(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Aryo Rezaie(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Franco Smith(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Robert Smith(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party David Soika(pty:dft), Attorney Scott David Alexander added to party Sean Walters(pty:dft). (Alexander, Scott) Modified Text on 9/10/2024 (wce). (Entered: 08/29/2024)

Aug. 29, 2024

Aug. 29, 2024

PACER
12

NOTICE of Striking 11 Notice of Attorney Appearance,,,,,, filed by Ryan Ijames, Jamie Chatman, Jan Caldera, Cameron Burdick, Jeffrey Jenkins, Zachary Baro, Raymond Ketchmark, Aryo Rezaie, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, Ronald Magno, Andrew Gottstein, Jesus Fernandez, David Soika, Sean Walters, Eliezer Ramos, Kevin Dupree by Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Andrew Gottstein, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Remy Rodriguez, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters (Alexander, Scott) (Entered: 09/10/2024)

Sept. 10, 2024

Sept. 10, 2024

PACER
13

ORDER REQUIRING JOINT SCHEDULING REPORT, CERTIFICATES OF INTERESTED PARTIES AND CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS: By November 1, 2024, the parties shall: Prepare and file a Joint Scheduling Report and File Certificates of Interested Parties and Corporate Disclosure Statements. Signed by Judge Rodney Smith on 9/27/2024. See attached document for full details. (wce) (Entered: 09/27/2024)

Sept. 27, 2024

Sept. 27, 2024

PACER
14

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Jayanna Jackson, Scott Ross, Mike Gabelus. City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Paul Cristafaro waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Robert Deitrich waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Avery Figueras waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Steven Greenlaw waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Douglas Macdoughall waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Steven Smith waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024. (Davis, Michael) (Entered: 10/04/2024)

Oct. 4, 2024

Oct. 4, 2024

PACER
15

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Jayanna Jackson, Scott Ross, Mike Gabelus. Zachary Baro waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Cameron Burdick waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Jan Caldera waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Jamie Chatman waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Kevin Dupree waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Jesus Fernandez waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Andrew Gottstein waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Ryan Ijames waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Jeffrey Jenkins waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Raymond Ketchmark waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Ronald Magno waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Eliezer Ramos waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Aryo Rezaie waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Remy Rodriguez waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Franco Smith waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Robert Smith waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; David Soika waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024; Sean Walters waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024. (Davis, Michael) (Entered: 10/04/2024)

Oct. 4, 2024

Oct. 4, 2024

PACER
16

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Jayanna Jackson, Scott Ross, Mike Gabelus. Rick Maglione waiver sent on 8/29/2024, response/answer due 10/28/2024. (Davis, Michael) (Entered: 10/04/2024)

Oct. 4, 2024

Oct. 4, 2024

PACER
17

MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint 42 USC 1983 or Bivens,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Andrew Gottstein, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Aryo Rezaie, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters. Responses due by 11/5/2024. (Alexander, Scott) (Entered: 10/22/2024)

Oct. 22, 2024

Oct. 22, 2024

PACER
18

Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint 42 USC 1983 or Bivens,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Avery Figueras, Rick Maglione, Steven Greenlaw, Douglas MacDoughall, Steven Smith and by City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich. Attorney Jeffery Rodman Lawley added to party City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida(pty:dft), Attorney Jeffery Rodman Lawley added to party Paul Cristafaro(pty:dft), Attorney Jeffery Rodman Lawley added to party Robert Deitrich(pty:dft). Responses due by 11/12/2024. (Lawley, Jeffery) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

PACER
19

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Jeffery Rodman Lawley on behalf of City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich (Lawley, Jeffery) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

PACER
20

Certificate of Other Affiliates/Corporate Disclosure Statement by Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Andrew Gottstein, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Aryo Rezaie, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters (Alexander, Scott) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
21

Joint SCHEDULING REPORT - Rule 16.1 by Jayanna Jackson (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Scheduling Order)(Davis, Michael) (Entered: 11/05/2024)

Nov. 5, 2024

Nov. 5, 2024

PACER
22

Certificate of Other Affiliates/Corporate Disclosure Statement - NONE disclosed by City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich, Avery Figueras, Steven Greenlaw, Douglas Macdoughall, Rick Maglione, Steven Smith (Lawley, Jeffery) (Entered: 11/08/2024)

Nov. 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

PACER
23

First AMENDED COMPLAINT against Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich, Jesus Fernandez, Avery Figueras, Andrew Gottstein, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Rick Maglione, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Remy Rodriguez, Robert Smith, Steven Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters, filed by Jayanna Jackson, Scott Ross, Mike Gabelus.(Davis, Michael) (Entered: 11/12/2024)

Nov. 12, 2024

Nov. 12, 2024

Clearinghouse
24

MOTION TO DISMISS 23 Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Count VI) by Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jamie Chatman, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno. Responses due by 12/9/2024. (Alexander, Scott) (Entered: 11/25/2024)

Nov. 25, 2024

Nov. 25, 2024

PACER
25

ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint with Jury Demand by Zachary Baro, Cameron Burdick, Jan Caldera, Jamie Chatman, Kevin Dupree, Jesus Fernandez, Andrew Gottstein, Ryan Ijames, Jeffrey Jenkins, Raymond Ketchmark, Ronald Magno, Eliezer Ramos, Franco Smith, Robert Smith, David Soika, Sean Walters. (Alexander, Scott) (Entered: 11/25/2024)

Nov. 25, 2024

Nov. 25, 2024

PACER
26

Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 23 Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Avery Figueras, Rick Maglione, Steven Smith by City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Cristafaro, Robert Deitrich. Responses due by 12/10/2024. (Lawley, Jeffery) (Entered: 11/26/2024)

Nov. 26, 2024

Nov. 26, 2024

RECAP
27

Response in Opposition to Motion

Dec. 9, 2024

Dec. 9, 2024

PACER
28

Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer

Dec. 10, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024

PACER
29

Reply to Response to Motion

Dec. 14, 2024

Dec. 14, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer

Dec. 16, 2024

Dec. 16, 2024

PACER
31

Response in Opposition to Motion

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER
32

Reply to Response to Motion

Dec. 26, 2024

Dec. 26, 2024

PACER
33

Notice of Unavailability

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim AND Order on Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
35

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge AND Scheduling Order

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
36

Order Referring Case to Mediation

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
37

GENERAL ORDER ON DISCOVERY OBJECTIONS AND PROCEDURES. Signed by Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt on 3/24/2025. See attached document for full details. (mhr)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

RECAP
38

Notice of CHANGE OF ADDRESS, Email or Law Firm Name

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

PACER

Clerk's Notice - Attorney Admissions

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
40

Notice of Attorney Appearance

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
41

Notice of Attorney Appearance

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
42

Notice (Other)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

PACER

Clerk's Notice of Docket Correction and Instruction to Filer - Attorney

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Florida

Case Type(s):

Policing

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Police Violence Protests

Litigation Against Federal Police (2020)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 31, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The putative class are protestors who were dispersed by Fort Lauderdale Police Department officers using tear gas and kinetic impact projectiles without warning or dispersal order.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

City of Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, Broward), City

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Freedom of speech/association

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.:

Failure to supervise

Failure to train

Personal injury

Retaliation

Policing:

Excessive force

Restraints : chemical (policing)

Restraints : physical (policing)