Case: J.B.H. v. Knox County

4:24-cv-04096 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Filed Date: May 28, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case concerns the use of solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities. Named plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. On May 28, 2024, an individual plaintiff, a 17-year-old boy who is currently detained at MDH, filed this lawsuit against the Mary Davis Detention Home (MDH). The plaintiff alleged that children at MDH spend the majority of their time in solit…

This case concerns the use of solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities. Named plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.

On May 28, 2024, an individual plaintiff, a 17-year-old boy who is currently detained at MDH, filed this lawsuit against the Mary Davis Detention Home (MDH). The plaintiff alleged that children at MDH spend the majority of their time in solitary confinement with some spending twenty-three hours per day in confinement. They also alleged youth were placed on “Behavioral Plans” that involve confinement of twenty-one to twenty-two hours per day. Confinement was used without regard to a specific policy. The plaintiffs claimed the defendants violated the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, along with municipal liability. The defendants included the Superintendent of MDH, Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Director of Court Services for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, and Knox County. The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief requiring the defendants to provide constitutionally adequate conditions of confinement at MDH, including mental health and educational services. The requested class includes all children who are currently, or in the future will be, detained in MDH.

On June 11, 2024, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint adding a second plaintiff, a 15-year-old boy. On August 14, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a protective order, which was agreed upon by both parties, because they are minors. The order was granted on August 24, 2024. On October 11, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction. 

On November 17, 2024, any previously scheduled hearings were reset before presiding judge Judge Sara Darrow because the previous judge was confirmed as a district judge. 


The Court entered an order of reassignment on April 8, 2025, to District Judge Colleen R. Lawless for further proceedings. The reassignment was due to the retirement of District Judge James E. Shadid. 


Plaintiffs filed a second amended motion for class certification on May 23, 2025. 


Judge Colleen R. Lawless granted plaintiffs’ second amended motion for class certification and preliminary injunction on September 30, 2025. The class was defined as “all children who are currently, or in the future will be, detained in the Mary Davis Home.” As to the preliminary injunction, the Court immediately enjoined and restrained the defendants for the next 90 days from placing youth at risk of suicide and self-harm in solitary confinement. 


On January 6, 2026, the Court held that a motion to re-enter preliminary injunction was granted and that the preliminary injunction order would remain for an additional 60 days. 


A notice of closure was filed on February 4, 2026 because MDH was closed effective 3/21/2026. On February 13, 2026, the Court acknowledged the closure and In light of the closure of MDH, all pending deadlines were stayed - including the fact discovery deadline. 


The Court held a discussion regarding the case and closure of the facility on February 25, 2026. The Court directed the parties to file a motion to extend the preliminary injunction order if needed.  


As of February 2026, the case is still ongoing but the closure of the facility may impact this case. 

 

Summary Authors

Cara Claflin (1/10/2025)

Ana Lopez (3/24/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68640627/parties/jbh-v-knox-county/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

4:24-cv-04096

Class Action Complaint

May 28, 2024

May 28, 2024

Complaint
105

4:24-cv-04096

Order

Sept. 30, 2025

Sept. 30, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68640627/jbh-v-knox-county/

Last updated July 8, 2026, 5:24 a.m.

Docket for: J.B.H. v. Knox County
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 May 28, 2024

COMPLAINT (Class Action) against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AILCDC-4482029.), filed by J. B. H.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 through 9, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Exhibit Knox County Summons, # 4 Exhibit Cavanaugh Summons, # 5 Exhibit Pletz Summons, # 6 Exhibit Steck Summons)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

Clearinghouse
2 May 28, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Kevin M. Fee, Jr on behalf of J. B. H. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
3 May 28, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Samantha R Reed on behalf of J. B. H. (Reed, Samantha) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
4 May 28, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Alexis Picard on behalf of J. B. H. (Picard, Alexis) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
5 May 28, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Camille E Bennett on behalf of J. B. H. (Bennett, Camille) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
6 May 28, 2024

MOTION to Certify Class by Plaintiff J. B. H.. Responses due by 6/11/2024 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
7 May 28, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Support re 6 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Plaintiff J. B. H.. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

RECAP
8 May 29, 2024

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Originals returned to plaintiff attorney to effectuate service. (SB) (Entered: 05/29/2024)

RECAP
May 29, 2024

Order Reassigning Case

May 29, 2024

TEXT ORDER OF REASSIGNMENT. This case and the corresponding hearings are reassigned to Judge James E. Shadid for further proceedings due to the nature of the case. Entered by Chief Judge Sara Darrow on 5/29/2024. (SAG)

9 June 11, 2024

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by J. B. H.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Civil Cover Sheet, # 13 Exhibit Knox County Summons, # 14 Exhibit Cavanaugh Summons, # 15 Exhibit Pletz Summons, # 16 Exhibit Steck Summons)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/11/2024)

RECAP
10 June 12, 2024

Amended MOTION to Certify Class by Plaintiffs J.B.H. and A.M. by Plaintiff J. B. H.. Responses due by 6/26/2024 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/12/2024)

RECAP
11 June 12, 2024

MEMORANDUM re 10 Amended MOTION to Certify Class by Plaintiffs J.B.H. and A.M. by J. B. H.. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/12/2024)

RECAP
12 June 13, 2024

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Returned to counsel to effect service. (RES) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

RECAP
13 June 20, 2024

SUMMONS Returned Executed by J. B. H., A. M.. Knox County served on 6/18/2024, answer due 7/9/2024. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

RECAP
14 June 20, 2024

SUMMONS Returned Executed by J. B. H., A. M.. Bridget E. Pletz served on 6/18/2024, answer due 7/9/2024. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

RECAP
15 June 20, 2024

SUMMONS Returned Executed by J. B. H., A. M.. Wendi L. Steck served on 6/18/2024, answer due 7/9/2024. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

RECAP
16 June 24, 2024

SUMMONS Returned Executed by J. B. H., A. M.. Raymond A. Cavanaugh served on 6/20/2024, answer due 7/11/2024. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 06/24/2024)

RECAP
17 June 25, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Elizabeth Jordane Andonova Mallory on behalf of Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck (Andonova Mallory, Elizabeth) (Entered: 06/25/2024)

RECAP
June 28, 2024

Order AND Order on Motion to Certify Class AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

June 28, 2024

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 6/28/2024. On May 28, 2024, Plaintiff J.B.H. filed a Complaint 1 under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 along with a Motion for Class Certification 6 and a Memorandum in Support of Motion for Class Certification 7 . Subsequently, Plaintiffs J.B.H. and A.M. filed an Amended Complaint 9, an Amended Motion for Class Certification 10, and a Memorandum in Support of Amended Motion for Class Certification 11 . In their Amended Motion for Class Certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(a) and (b)(2), Plaintiffs seek to certify a class of children who are currently, or in the future will be, detained in the Mary Davis Detention Home (the "Class"). Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of themselves and the Class, including an order compelling Defendants to develop and implement a plan to remedy the conditions at the Mary Davis Detention Home, which allegedly violate the rights of Plaintiffs and the Class under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Due to the filing of their Amended Motion for Class Certification 10, the initial Motion for Class Certification 6 is MOOT. Defendants have been served, but their answers or responsive pleadings are not yet due. (See Docs. 13-16). As such, the Court sua sponte extends the deadline for Defendants to respond to Plaintiffs' Amended Motion for Class Certification 10 to August 12, 2024. (SAG)

18 July 9, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Hal Brandon Dworkin on behalf of Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck (Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 07/09/2024)

RECAP
19 July 9, 2024

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 9 Amended Complaint, (Unopposed), MOTION to Stay re 10 Amended MOTION to Certify Class by Plaintiffs J.B.H. and A.M. stay briefing on Plaintiffs' motion for class certification (unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 7/23/2024 (Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 07/09/2024)

RECAP
July 10, 2024

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Order on Motion to Stay AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

July 10, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 19 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint and to Stay briefing on Plaintiffs' motion for class certification. Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz and Wendi L. Steck shall file their responsive pleading in re 9 Amended Complaint by 9/6/24. Court STAYS any briefing on Plaintiffs' Motion for class certification. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 7/10/24. (WG)

20 July 12, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Timothy R Farrell on behalf of J. B. H. (Farrell, Timothy) (Entered: 07/12/2024)

RECAP
21 July 12, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Catherine E. Conroy on behalf of J. B. H. (Conroy, Catherine) (Entered: 07/12/2024)

RECAP
22 July 23, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Bhairav Radia on behalf of Knox County (Radia, Bhairav) (Entered: 07/23/2024)

RECAP
23 July 23, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Joseph Bracey on behalf of Knox County (Bracey, Joseph) (Entered: 07/23/2024)

RECAP
24 July 25, 2024

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 9 Amended Complaint, DEFENDANT KNOX COUNTYS UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE ANSWER by Defendant Knox County. Responses due by 8/8/2024 (Bracey, Joseph) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

RECAP
July 26, 2024

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

July 26, 2024

Set/Reset Deadlines (including Answer ddl)

July 26, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 24 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. DEFENDANT KNOX COUNTY'S Responsive pleading in re 9 Amended Complaint is due 9/6/2024. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 7/26/24. (WG)

July 26, 2024

Set/Reset Deadlines: Raymond A. Cavanaugh answer due 9/6/2024; Bridget E. Pletz answer due 9/6/2024; Wendi L. Steck answer due 9/6/2024. (SAG)

25 Aug. 14, 2024

Joint MOTION for Protective Order by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 8/28/2024 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 08/14/2024)

RECAP
Aug. 15, 2024

Order on Motion for Protective Order

Aug. 15, 2024

TEXT ORDER denying with leave to renew 25 the parties' Agreed Motion for Entry of Protective Order. First, the signature blocks for each attorney at the end of the proposed Protective Order remain blank. Second, Paragraph 7 of the proposed Protective Order specifically refers to the courtroom procedures of the Honorable James E. Shadid. The parties are directed to review Judge Hawley's Standing Order, Section XII., Attachment B (Model Protective Order, Paragraph 3(a)) which omits reference to a particular judge. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 8/15/2024. (KZ)

26 Aug. 23, 2024

Second MOTION for Protective Order by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 9/6/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 08/23/2024)

RECAP
27 Aug. 24, 2024

ORDER granting 26 Motion for Protective Order. The signed Protective Order is attached to this Docket Entry. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 8/24/24. (Hawley, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/24/2024)

RECAP
28 Sept. 5, 2024

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 9 Amended Complaint, (Unopposed) by Defendant Knox County. Responses due by 9/19/2024 (Bracey, Joseph) (Entered: 09/05/2024)

RECAP
29 Sept. 5, 2024

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer (Unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 9/19/2024 (Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 09/05/2024)

RECAP
Sept. 6, 2024

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Sept. 6, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 28 Defendant Knox County's Second Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer. Knox County answer due 9/20/2024. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 9/6/24. (FDS)

Sept. 6, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 29 Defendants Cavanaugh, Pletz, and Steck's Unopposed Second Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, and Wendi L. Steck answer due 9/20/2024. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 9/6/24. (FDS)

30 Sept. 20, 2024

ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint, ANSWER TO PLAINTIFFS AMENDED COMPLAINT BY KNOX COUNTY by Knox County.(Radia, Bhairav) (Entered: 09/20/2024)

RECAP
31 Sept. 20, 2024

ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint, by Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck.(Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 09/20/2024)

RECAP
32 Sept. 23, 2024

TEXT ORDER: This case is set for a Rule 16 scheduling conference before Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 10/25/24 at 10:00 AM via telephone. Counsel are to phone into conference by calling (551) 285-1373 and enter the Meeting ID: 16009516536 when prompted to do so. Please announce your name each prior to speaking unless the judge asks a question directly to you so time that the speaker may be identified by all. A discovery plan pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f)(3) shall be filed on or before 10/22/24. The parties may, but are not required to, follow the format of the sample discovery plan set forth as Attachment A to the standing order attached to this text order. If the complaint makes allegations on behalf of a class, the proposed discovery plan should include a deadline for filing a motion to certify class at a stage early in the case. The Discovery Plan event may be found in the CM/ECF system within the other Documents category. All counsel must read and be familiar with the standing order attached to this text order prior to their Rule 26(f) planning meeting. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 9/23/2024. (WG) (Entered: 09/23/2024)

RECAP
33 Oct. 10, 2024

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 10/24/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 10/10/2024)

RECAP
34 Oct. 10, 2024

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 10/24/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 10/10/2024)

RECAP
35 Oct. 11, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Support regarding 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff J. B. H.. (ANW) (Entered: 10/11/2024)

RECAP
36 Oct. 11, 2024

MOTION to Expedite Limited Discovery by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 10/25/2024 (Picard, Alexis) (Entered: 10/11/2024)

RECAP
Oct. 11, 2024

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

Oct. 11, 2024

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 10/11/2024. Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Memorandum in Excess of Fifteen Pages 34 in support of their Motion for Preliminary Injunction is GRANTED. The Clerk is directed to file Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Doc. 34-1). (ANW)

37 Oct. 22, 2024

DISCOVERY PLAN - PROPOSED/Report of Rule 26(f)Planning Meeting by J. B. H., A. M.. (Picard, Alexis) (Entered: 10/22/2024)

RECAP
Oct. 23, 2024

Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

Oct. 23, 2024

TEXT ORDER: Due to a conflict in the Court's calendar, the Rule 16 Scheduling Conference set for 10/25/2024 at 10:00 AM is CHANGED IN TIME ONLY to 9:30 AM via telephone before Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley. Counsel are to phone into conference by calling (551) 285-1373 and enter the Meeting ID: 16009516536 when prompted to do so. Entered by Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley on 10/23/24. (WG)

38 Oct. 24, 2024

BRIEF Statement of Interest re 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by United States. (Jean-Johnson, Ariona) (Entered: 10/24/2024)

RECAP
39 Oct. 25, 2024

PDF with attached Audio File. Court Date & Time [10/25/2024 09:33:33 AM]. File Size [ 1953 KB ]. Run Time [ 00:04:01 ]. (admin). (Entered: 10/25/2024)

RECAP
Oct. 25, 2024

Order on Motion to Expedite AND Scheduling Conference - Rule 16 AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Oct. 25, 2024

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley: Parties present via telephone by Attorneys Alexis Picard, Kevin Fee, and Samantha Reed for Plaintiff and Attorney Hal Dworkin (counsel for Know County Defendants failing to appear) for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference held on 10/25/24. Discussion held regarding 36 Plaintiff's Motion for Limited Expedited Discovery. Plaintiff withdraws their motion. Discussion held regarding 37 Expedited Discovery Plan for Preliminary Injunction and Class Certification. Court adopts 37 Discovery Plan including the 1/31/25 deadline for Defendants' to file their response to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction as discussed on the record. (Tape #PRC: 9:33 a.m.) (FDS)

Nov. 17, 2024

Order Removing JEH as MJ Re DJ Hawley Apt

Nov. 17, 2024

TEXT ORDER entered by Chief Judge Sara Darrow on 11/17/2024. Due to Judge Jonathan E. Hawley's confirmation as a District Judge, this case is no longer referred to Judge Jonathan E. Hawley. Any previously scheduled hearings are reset before the presiding judge.

40 Nov. 19, 2024

MOTION for Protective Order Motion for Entry of Agreed HIPPA and MHDDA Protective Order (Unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 12/3/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 11/19/2024)

RECAP
41 Nov. 20, 2024

AGREED QUALIFIED HIPAA AND MHDDCA PROTECTIVE ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 11/20/2024. SEE WRITTEN ORDER.(SAG) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

RECAP
42 Jan. 9, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Matthew Paul Banach on behalf of Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 01/09/2025)

RECAP
43 Jan. 9, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Bernard James Slater, Jr on behalf of Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck (Slater, Bernard) (Entered: 01/09/2025)

RECAP
44 Jan. 29, 2025

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 2/12/2025 (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

RECAP
45 Jan. 29, 2025

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Unopposed) by Defendant Knox County. Responses due by 2/12/2025 (Bracey, Joseph) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

RECAP
46 Jan. 29, 2025

MOTION for Leave to File an Amended Answer to Plaintiff's Amended Class Action Complaint (Unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 2/12/2025 (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

RECAP
47 Jan. 29, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 2/12/2025 (Andonova Mallory, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

RECAP
48 Jan. 30, 2025

AMENDED ANSWER to 9 Amended Complaint, AND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES by Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck.(SAG) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

RECAP
Jan. 30, 2025

Order AND Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Jan. 30, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 1/30/2025. Defendants Cavanaugh, Pletz, Steck, and Knox County file Unopposed Motions for Extension of Time 44, 45 requesting an additional 14 days to file their Responses to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction. 44 and 45 are GRANTED. Defendants are directed to file their Responses to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction 33, 35 by February 14, 2025. As such, Plaintiffs are to file their Reply, subject to leave of Court, along with any supplement to the Motion for Preliminary Injunction incorporating new evidence (if any) by March 21, 2025. Defendants are to file a Response to any Supplement in Support of the Motion for Preliminary Injunction by April 4, 2025. Defendants Cavanaugh, Pletz, and Steck also file an Unopposed Motion for Leave to File an Amended Answer to Plaintiffs' Amended Class Action Complaint 46 requesting leave to amend their Answer to include additional affirmative defenses. 46 is GRANTED. The Clerk is directed to file Defendants Cavanaugh, Pletz, and Steck's Amended Answer to Plaintiffs' Amended Class Action Complaint (Doc. 46 at pp. 9-76). Defendants' Motion to Withdraw as Counsel 47 is GRANTED. The Clerk is directed to terminate Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth J. Andonova Mallory as counsel.(SAG)

49 Feb. 7, 2025

DISCOVERY PLAN - PROPOSED/Report of Rule 26(f)Planning Meeting by J. B. H., A. M.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit EXHIBIT 1)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 02/07/2025)

RECAP
Feb. 10, 2025

1 - Terminate Deadlines and Hearings AND Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Feb. 10, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 2/10/2025. The Court adopts the parties' agreed 49 Revised Expedited Discovery Plan for Preliminary Injunction and Class Certification. After the Court rules on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Motion for Class Certification, the Court will schedule an additional conference with the parties to address entering a new discovery order, any additional merits discovery, and dispositive motions.(SAG)

50 Feb. 14, 2025

MOTION for Leave to File Response in Excess of 15 Pages (Unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 2/28/2025 (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
51 Feb. 14, 2025

MOTION for Leave to File Document Under Seal (Unopposed) by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 2/28/2025 (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
52 Feb. 14, 2025

RESPONSE to Motion re 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Wendi Steck, # 2 Exhibit 1 - Mary Davis Home Policy Procedure 2025, # 3 Exhibit Declaration of Mark Bronke, # 4 Exhibit 2 - 2024.11.20 AOIC letter, # 5 Exhibit 3 - 2024.09.19 AOIC approved action plan, # 6 Exhibit 4 - 2024.09.10 AOIC letter, # 7 Exhibit 5 - 2024.08.15 AOIC letter and report, # 8 Exhibit 6 - IDJJ report form, # 9 Exhibit 7 - OIJO signage, # 10 Exhibit 8 - MDH General Information sheet, # 11 Exhibit 9 - prior Grievance policy, # 12 Exhibit Declaration of Bridget Pletz, # 13 Exhibit 10, # 14 Exhibit 11, # 15 Exhibit 12)(Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
53 Feb. 14, 2025

+++ SEALED DOCUMENT.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Bridget Pletz, # 2 Exhibit 10 - Orientation sheets, # 3 Exhibit 11 - 2024.04.23 JBH grievance, # 4 Exhibit 12 - 2024.05.26 JBH grievance)(Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
54 Feb. 14, 2025

CERTIFICATE of Service - Sealed Documents regarding Response to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction. (Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
55 Feb. 14, 2025

RESPONSE to Motion re 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendant Knox County. (Bracey, Joseph) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
Feb. 18, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal

Feb. 18, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 2/18/2025. Defendants Steck, Pletz, and Cavanaugh's unopposed Motion for Leave to File Response in Excess of Fifteen Pages 50 and Motion for Leave to File Documents Under Seal 51 are GRANTED. The Declaration of Defendant Bridget Pletz and Exhibits 10-12 of Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction contain personal identity information regarding the minor Plaintiffs and will remain sealed (Doc. 53 ). (SAG)

56 March 3, 2025

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Protocol Regarding Discovery and Production of Electronically Stored Information by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 3/17/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Appendix A, # 3 Appendix B)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

RECAP
57 March 4, 2025

PROTOCOL REGARDING DISCOVERY AND PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONICALLY STORED INFORMATION entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 3/4/2025. (SAG) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

RECAP
58 March 4, 2025

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Second Revised Expedited Discovery Plan by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 3/18/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

RECAP
March 5, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to File

March 5, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 3/5/2025. The parties filed an Agreed Motion for Entry of Second Revised Expedited Discovery Plan for Preliminary Injunction and Class Certification 58 asking the Court to adopt their proposed Second Revised Expedited Discovery Plan. 58 is GRANTED. The Court adopts the parties' Discovery Plan (Doc. 58-1). (SAG)

59 March 7, 2025

MOTION for Protective Order by Defendants Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 3/21/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Updated Dep Notice State Defendants Steck Pletz, # 2 Exhibit B - Dep Notice Aaron VanMiddlesworth, # 3 Exhibit C - re Deposition Schedule - Redacted, # 4 Exhibit D - JBH v. Knox County Expedited Dep Notice)(Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

RECAP
60 March 10, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw 59 MOTION for Protective Order by Defendants Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 3/24/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit E - Updated Deposition Notice - State Defendants Steck & Pletz)(Banach, Matthew) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

RECAP
March 11, 2025

Order on Motion for Protective Order AND Order on Motion to Withdraw

March 11, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 3/11/2025. Defendants file a Motion to Withdraw Defendants Pletz and Steck's Motion for Protective Order 60 requesting to withdraw their Motion for Protective Order. Defendants state that on March 10, 2025, Plaintiffs issued a revised deposition notice changing the location of their depositions to a mutually agreeable location. 60 is GRANTED. Defendants' Motion for Protective Order 59 is WITHDRAWN. (ANW)

61 March 21, 2025

MOTION for Leave to File Document Under Seal Exhibits to their Combined Reply and Supplemental Evidentiary Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Unopposed) by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 4/4/2025 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

RECAP
62 March 21, 2025

STRICKEN PURSUANT TO TEXT ORDER ENTERED ON 4/14/2025 +++ SEALED DOCUMENT.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, Part 1, # 13 Exhibit L, Part 2, # 14 Exhibit M, # 15 Exhibit N, # 16 Exhibit O, # 17 Exhibit P, # 18 Exhibit Q, # 19 Exhibit R, # 20 Exhibit S, # 21 Exhibit T, # 22 Exhibit U, # 23 Exhibit V, # 24 Exhibit W, # 25 Exhibit X, # 26 Exhibit Y, # 27 Exhibit Z, # 28 Exhibit AA, # 29 Exhibit BB, # 30 Exhibit CC, # 31 Exhibit DD, # 32 Exhibit EE, # 33 Exhibit 2, # 34 Exhibit 3, # 35 Exhibit 4, # 36 Exhibit 5, # 37 Exhibit 6, # 38 Exhibit 7, # 39 Exhibit 8, # 40 Exhibit 9, # 41 Exhibit 10, # 42 Exhibit 11, # 43 Exhibit 12, # 44 Exhibit 13, # 45 Exhibit 14)(Fee, Kevin) Modified on 4/14/2025 (VH). (Entered: 03/21/2025)

RECAP
63 March 21, 2025

MOTION for Leave to File Combined Reply and Supplemental Evidentiary Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Excess of Fifteen Pages (Unopposed) by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. Responses due by 4/4/2025 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

RECAP
64 March 21, 2025

STRICKEN PURSUANT TO TEXT ORDER ENTERED ON 4/14/2025 REPLY to Response to Motion re 33 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Combined Reply and Supplemental Evidentiary Memorandum in Support) filed by Plaintiffs A. M., J. B. H.. (Fee, Kevin) Modified on 4/14/2025 (VH). (Entered: 03/22/2025)

RECAP
March 25, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal

March 25, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge James E. Shadid on 3/25/2025. Plaintiffs filed an Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Exhibits to Their Combined Reply and Supplemental Evidentiary Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction Under Seal 61 requesting seeking leave to file all exhibits to their Combined Reply and Supplemental Memorandum under seal because the exhibits contain sensitive information about the Plaintiffs, declarants, and other minors detained at the Mary Davis Home. 61 is GRANTED. Plaintiffs' exhibits will remain sealed. Plaintiffs also filed an Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Combined Reply and Supplemental Evidentiary Memorandum in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Excess of Fifteen Pages 63 requesting leave to file a 57-page Combined Reply and Supplemental Memorandum in support of their Motion for Preliminary Injunction. 63 is GRANTED. (VH)

65 March 26, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Defendants Raymond A. Cavanaugh, Bridget E. Pletz, Wendi L. Steck. Responses due by 4/9/2025 (Dworkin, Hal) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Juvenile Institution

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 28, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A 15-year-old and 17-year-old boy who is currently detained at MDH.

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

County

Chief Judge

Knox County

Private Entity/Person

Director of Court Services

Superintendent

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

Central District of Illinois 4:24-cv-04096

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Administrative segregation

Commitment procedure

Disciplinary segregation

Solitary confinement/Supermax (conditions or process)

Recommended Citation