Case: K.Y. v. District of Columbia

1:24-cv-03056 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Oct. 28, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a putative class action lawsuit about the District of Columbia's juvenile delinquency system. On October 28, 2024, two minors awaiting placement by the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) filed this lawsuit through their parents in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. They alleged various problems with the DYRS placement process, which determines where minors who have committed juvenile offenses should be sent to best facilitate rehabilitati…

This is a putative class action lawsuit about the District of Columbia's juvenile delinquency system. On October 28, 2024, two minors awaiting placement by the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) filed this lawsuit through their parents in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. They alleged various problems with the DYRS placement process, which determines where minors who have committed juvenile offenses should be sent to best facilitate rehabilitation—including secure facilities, group homes, or family members' residences. The plaintiffs alleged that DYRS had months-long delays in placement—or sometimes failed to make a placement at all—which forced minors to stay in jail-like facilities during the waiting period, rather than getting the rehabilitation the system is meant to provide them. The plaintiffs sued the District of Columbia and the Director of the DYRS under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that D.C. was violating the Fifth Amendment due process rights of the plaintiffs by detaining them in jail-like facilities for extended periods. The plaintiffs also brought claims for violations of D.C. law. Represented by the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia and the ACLU of D.C., the plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. Judge Carl J. Nichols was assigned to the case.

On the same day they filed the complaint, the plaintiffs also moved to certify a class of youth who “currently or will be (1) committed to custody of the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services; (2) detained at the Youth Services Center; and (3) awaiting placement.”

Two days later, on October 30, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, requesting that DYRS ensure all children currently awaiting placement are moved to settings that meet their rehabilitative needs, and that DYRS complete assessments and individualized treatment plans in accordance with timelines set out in D.C. Code § 16-2319. In a joint status report on November 17, 2024, the parties agreed to suspend the defendants’ deadline to respond to the complaint until the motion for preliminary injunction was resolved.

A hearing on the preliminary injunction was held on December 12, 2024. Five days later, the plaintiffs requested the court suspend their motion for preliminary injunction, as the named plaintiffs no longer required preliminary relief, and the court subsequently granted the motion. As of January 2024, the case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Isobel Blakeway-Phillips (1/27/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69315128/parties/ky-v-district-of-columbia/


Judge(s)

Nichols, Carl John (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Chaudhuri, Maya (District of Columbia)

Michelman, Scott (District of Columbia)

Perry, Hanna (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Heath, Brendan Russell (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
2

1:24-cv-03056

Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification and Appointment of Class Counsel

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
1

1:24-cv-03056

Complaint

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

Complaint
7

1:24-cv-03056

Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69315128/ky-v-district-of-columbia/

Last updated July 8, 2025, 6:20 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (Fee Status:Filing Fee Waived) filed by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons D.C. Mayor, # 3 Summons D.C. Attorney General, # 4 Summons Sam Abed)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons D.C. Mayor

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3 Summons D.C. Attorney General

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4 Summons Sam Abed

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Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

Clearinghouse

Payment of Fee - Complaint/Petition

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

PACER
2

MOTION to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Exhibit 1

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3 Exhibit 2

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4 Exhibit 3

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5 Exhibit 4

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6 Exhibit 5

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7 Exhibit 6

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8 Exhibit 7

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9 Exhibit 8

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10 Text of Proposed Order

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Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

Clearinghouse
3

NOTICE of Appearance by Hanna Perry on behalf of K.Y., D.J. (Perry, Hanna) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

PACER
4

NOTICE of Appearance by Scott Michelman on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Michelman, Scott) (Entered: 10/28/2024)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

Clearinghouse

Payment for 1 Complaint. ($405; Receipt number ADCDC-11261846). (Yan, Megan)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Carl J. Nichols. (zmtm)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
5

SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to SAM ABED, District of Columbia Attorney General, and the District of Columbia Mayor. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
6

Unopposed MOTION to Permit Next Friends to Proceed Under Pseudonyms by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
7

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit Index, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit 2, # 5 Exhibit 3, # 6 Exhibit 4, # 7 Exhibit 5, # 8 Exhibit 6, # 9 Exhibit 7, # 10 Exhibit 8, # 11 Exhibit 9, # 12 Exhibit 10, # 13 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Exhibit Index

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3 Exhibit 1

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4 Exhibit 2

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5 Exhibit 3

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6 Exhibit 4

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7 Exhibit 5

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8 Exhibit 6

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9 Exhibit 7

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10 Exhibit 8

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11 Exhibit 9

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12 Exhibit 10

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13 Text of Proposed Order

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Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Clearinghouse
8

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by K.Y., D.J. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit Index, # 3 Exhibit 9, # 4 Exhibit 10, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

PACER
9

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the District of Columbia Attorney General. Date of Service Upon District of Columbia Attorney General 10/30/2024. Answer due for ALL D.C. DEFENDANTS by 11/20/2024. (Yan, Megan) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER

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

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER
10

STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on October 31, 2024. (lccjn2) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 6 and 8 Unopposed Motions are GRANTED. It is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiffs' next friends be permitted to proceed under pseudonyms in this litigation. It is further ORDERED that the declarations attached as sealed exhibits to Plaintiffs' 8 Motion shall be deemed filed. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on October 31, 2024. (lccjn2)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. In light of Plaintiffs' 7 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, it is ORDERED that on or before November 7, 2024, the Parties shall meet, confer, and file a Joint Status Report addressing the following issues: (1) a proposed briefing schedule for Plaintiffs' 7 Motion; (2) a statement addressing whether a hearing on Plaintiffs' 7 Motion is necessary, and if so, a proposed date and time for such a hearing; and (3) a statement addressing whether the Parties anticipate factual disputes between affiants. The Parties may also address any other issues that they believe will be helpful to the Court. Any disagreements should be noted in the Joint Status Report. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiffs shall provide a copy of this Minute Order to Defendants. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on October 31, 2024. (lccjn2)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Amanda Catherine Pescovitz on behalf of DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Brendan Russell Heath on behalf of DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (Heath, Brendan) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

Oct. 31, 2024

Oct. 31, 2024

PACER
13

NOTICE of Appearance by Maya Chaudhuri on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Chaudhuri, Maya) (Main Document 13 replaced on 11/5/2024) (zdp). (Entered: 11/04/2024)

Nov. 4, 2024

Nov. 4, 2024

PACER
14

Joint STATUS REPORT by K.Y., D.J., DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED. (Yan, Megan) (Entered: 11/07/2024)

Nov. 7, 2024

Nov. 7, 2024

RECAP
15

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Aditi Shah, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11289320. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by K.Y., D.J.. (Michelman, Scott) (Entered: 11/08/2024)

Nov. 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

Clearinghouse

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

Nov. 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the 14 Joint Status Report, it is ORDERED that Defendants shall file their opposition to the 7 Motion for Preliminary Injunction on or before November 22, 2024, and Plaintiffs shall file their reply on or before December 4, 2024. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall appear for a hearing on the motion in Courtroom 17 on December 12, 2024, at 12:00 PM. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on November 8, 2024. (lccjn2)

Nov. 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

PACER
16

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel, Consent MOTION to Hold in Abeyance Defendants' Deadline to Respond to the Complaint by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Heath, Brendan) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 16 Consent Motion for Extension of Time is GRANTED. It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants' deadline to respond to the Complaint is held in abeyance pending further order of the Court. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall respond to the 2 Motion to Certify Class on or before January 7, 2025, and that Plaintiffs shall file their reply in support of that motion on or before January 14, 2025. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on November 14, 2024. (lccjn2)

Nov. 14, 2024

Nov. 14, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Order on Motion to Hold in Abeyance AND Set/Reset Deadlines

Nov. 14, 2024

Nov. 14, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The December 12, 2024 hearing scheduled for 12:00 PM is hereby rescheduled to 2:00 PM. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on November 21, 2024. (lccjn2)

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The Court having considered the 15 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, and it appearing to the Court that the attorney referenced therein meets the requirements for pro hac vice admission under Local Civil Rule 83.2(c), it is hereby ORDERED that the Motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that attorney Aditi Shah is ADMITTED to practice before the Court pro hac vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on November 21, 2024. (lccjn2)

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER
17

NOTICE of Appearance by Aditi Shah on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Shah, Aditi) (Main Document 17 replaced on 11/22/2024) (zdp). (Entered: 11/21/2024)

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER
18

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Certificate of Service, # 3 Text of Proposed Order, # 4 Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 5 Exhibit List, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 11/22/2024)

Nov. 22, 2024

Nov. 22, 2024

PACER

Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal

Dec. 3, 2024

Dec. 3, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 18 Sealed Motion for Leave to File is GRANTED. The documents attached thereto shall be deemed filed. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on December 3, 2024. (lccjn2)

Dec. 3, 2024

Dec. 3, 2024

PACER
19

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by K.Y., D.J. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Reply in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 12/04/2024)

Dec. 4, 2024

Dec. 4, 2024

PACER
20

REPLY to opposition to motion re 7 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by K.Y., D.J.. (Yan, Megan) (Entered: 12/04/2024)

Dec. 4, 2024

Dec. 4, 2024

PACER
21

MOTION to Seal Hearing on Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Heath, Brendan) (Entered: 12/11/2024)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 11, 2024

Dec. 11, 2024

RECAP
22

Memorandum in opposition to re 21 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief filed by K.Y., D.J.. (Chaudhuri, Maya) (Entered: 12/11/2024)

Dec. 11, 2024

Dec. 11, 2024

RECAP

Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Preliminary Injunction

Dec. 12, 2024

Dec. 12, 2024

PACER

Minute Entry and Order for Proceedings held before Judge Carl J. Nichols: Preliminary Injunction held on 12/12/2024. Motion 7 for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiffs; Taken Under Advisement by the Court. Defense shall file a Declaration. Court Reporter: Lorraine Herman. (zcam)

Dec. 12, 2024

Dec. 12, 2024

PACER
23

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service, # 4 Notice, # 5 Declaration)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 12/13/2024)

Dec. 13, 2024

Dec. 13, 2024

PACER
24

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service, # 4 Notice, # 5 Declaration)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion to Hold in Abeyance

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal AND Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal AND Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER
25

MOTION to Hold in Abeyance re 7 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by K.Y., D.J.. (Chaudhuri, Maya) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 19, 23, and 24 Sealed Motion for Leave to File are GRANTED. The documents attached thereto shall be deemed filed. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on December 17, 2024. (lccjn2)

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 25 Motion to Hold in Abeyance is GRANTED. Given Plaintiffs' concession that the named plaintiffs no longer require preliminary relief, the 7 Motion for Preliminary Injunction shall be held in abeyance pending briefing on the 2 Motion to Certify Class. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on December 17, 2024. (lccjn2)

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

PACER
26

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 01/02/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Jan. 2, 2025

Jan. 2, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines

Jan. 3, 2025

Jan. 3, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 26 Consent Motion for Extension of Time is GRANTED. Defendants shall file their response to the 2 Motion to Certify Class on or before January 10, 2025. Plaintiffs shall file their reply in support of the motion on or before January 17, 2025. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on January 3, 2025. (lccjn2)

Jan. 3, 2025

Jan. 3, 2025

PACER
27

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Opposition to Motion for Class Certification, # 4 Certificate of Service)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 01/10/2025)

Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

PACER
28

Memorandum in opposition to re 2 Motion to Certify Class, filed by DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SAM ABED. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Pescovitz, Amanda) (Entered: 01/10/2025)

Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

PACER
29

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 01/13/2025)

Jan. 13, 2025

Jan. 13, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal AND Set/Reset Deadlines

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER. The 27 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal is GRANTED. The exhibits attached to the motion shall be deemed filed. The 29 Consent Motion for Extension is also GRANTED. Plaintiffs shall file their reply in support of the 2 Motion to Certify Class on or before January 21, 2025. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on January 14, 2025. (lccjn2)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

PACER
30

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by K.Y., D.J. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Reply in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

PACER
31

REPLY to opposition to motion re 2 Motion to Certify Class, and Appoint Class Counsel filed by K.Y., D.J.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index, # 2 Exhibit 7)(Yan, Megan) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

1 Exhibit Index

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2 Exhibit 7

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Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

PACER
32

Leave to File Document

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal AND Set/Reset Deadlines

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

PACER
33

Response to (non-motion) Document

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

PACER
34

Supplemental Memorandum

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

PACER

Case Details