Case: Cortez v. United States of America

Complaint - Cortez v. United States

COMPLAINT [CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT] against United States of America filing fee $ 405, receipt number ANYEDC-18436409 Was the Disclosure Statement on Civil Cover Sheet completed -YES,, filed by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Amanat, Farzin) Modified on 10/29/2024 (LJ). (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Proposed Summons. Re 1 Complaint, by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Proposed Summons. Re 1 Complaint, by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

NOTICE of Appearance by Peter Markowitz on behalf of All Plaintiffs (aty to be noticed) (Markowitz, Peter) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

This attorney case opening filing has been checked for quality control. See the attachment for corrections that were made. (LJ) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Clerks Notice Re: Consent. A magistrate judge has been assigned as the presiding judge in this case as part of a Pilot Program, governed by EDNY Administrative Order 2023-23. In accordance with Rule 73 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Local Rule 73.1, the parties are notified that if all parties consent, the assigned Magistrate Judge is available to conduct all proceedings in this action including a (jury or nonjury) trial and to order the entry of a final judgment. Attached to this Notice is a blank copy of the consent form that should be filled out, signed and filed electronically only if all parties wish to consent. The form is also available here: https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/edny-direct-assignment-pilot-program. Any party may withhold its consent without adverse substantive consequences. Do NOT return or file the consent unless all parties have signed the consent. Unless all parties consent to the Magistrate Judge jurisdiction by the deadline set forth in the Administrative Order 2023-23, a District Judge will be assigned to the case. The parties are directed to review the terms of Administrative Order 2023-23 and other materials related to the Pilot Program on the Courts website: https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/edny-direct-assignment-pilot-program. (LJ) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Proposed Summons. Re 1 Complaint, by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Proposed Summons. Re 1 Complaint, by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

NOTICE of Appearance by Mauricio Norona on behalf of Douglas Cortez (aty to be noticed) (Norona, Mauricio) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Case Assigned to Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. Please download and review the Individual Practices of the assigned Judges, located on our website. Attorneys are responsible for providing courtesy copies to judges where their Individual Practices require such. (LJ)

Your proposed summonses were not issued for the following reason: Please include a summons with an address to serve defendant "United States of America" in addition to the addresses provided for the EDNY U.S. Attorney and United States Attorney General. Please correct and resubmit using the event Proposed Summons/Civil Cover Sheet. (LJ)

Summons Issued as to United States of America, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (AMF) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

SCHEDULING ORDER: An Initial Conference is scheduled for January 8, 2025 at 11:00 before Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. See the attached Order for details. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 10/31/2024. c/ecf (RI) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

Notice of MOTION to Certify Class [Plaintiffs' Placeholder Motion for Class Certification, and Request to Hold Motion in Abeyance] by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support) (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 11/21/2024)

NOTICE of Appearance by Robert W. Schumacher, II on behalf of United States of America (aty to be noticed) (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 11/22/2024)

Letter MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by United States of America. (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 12/04/2024)

ORDER granting 14 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. The time for Defendant United States of America to answer, move against or otherwise respond to the Complaint is extended until February 3, 2025. The Initial Conference scheduled for January 8, 2025 is adjourned until February 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The time for Defendant to respond to Plaintiff's motion for class certification is extended until March 3, 2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 12/5/2024. (BJ)

NOTICE by Douglas Cortez : Joint Notice of Lack of All Parties' Consent to have a United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in accordance with 28 USC 636(c). The Clerk of the Court is respectfully requested to assign a United States District Judge to preside over this case. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 12/09/2024)

NOTICE to Assign District Judge: The Clerk of Court is directed to reassign this case to a district judge. c/ecf (RI)

Case Reassigned to Judge Joan M. Azrack and Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. Please download and review the Individual Practices of the assigned Judges, located on our website. Attorneys are responsible for providing courtesy copies to judges where their Individual Practices require such. (LJ)

NOTICE of Appearance by William H. Narwold on behalf of Douglas Cortez (aty to be noticed) (Narwold, William) (Entered: 12/19/2024)

Letter MOTION for pre motion conference for leave to file MTD by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C) (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 17 Letter MOTION for pre motion conference for leave to file MTD, seeking, ON CONSENT of the Government, an extension until Friday February 14 to respond to 17 the Government's premotion letter. Respectfully submitted by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 02/07/2025)

Consent MOTION to Adjourn Conference . With the consent and concurrence of the Government, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court adjourn the initial conference scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and to correspondingly stay discovery in the action, until the parties have completed briefing on the Government's motion to dismiss, and on Plaintiff's placeholder motion for class certification. At the conclusion of said briefing, the parties will meet and confer to assess whether it makes sense to continue the stay of discovery or to ask the Court to schedule a Rule 16(b) conference so that discovery may commence. Respectfully submitted by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 02/07/2025)

ORDER granting 18 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 2/10/2025. (AJS)

ORDER re 19 : The February 12, 2025 conference is adjourned and discovery is stayed until the parties have completed their briefing schedule. The parties are directed to submit a joint status letter on or before March 25, 2025.Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 2/10/2025. c/ecf (RI)

ORDER re 19: The February 12, 2025 conference is adjourned and discovery is stayed until the parties have completed their briefing schedule. The parties are directed to submit a joint status letter on or before March 25, 2025.Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 2/10/2025. c/ecf (RI)

RESPONSE in Opposition re 17 Letter MOTION for pre motion conference for leave to file MTD filed by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RESPONSE to Motion re 12 Notice of MOTION to Certify Class [Plaintiffs' Placeholder Motion for Class Certification, and Request to Hold Motion in Abeyance] filed by United States of America. (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

REPLY in Support re 21 Response to Motion, 12 Notice of MOTION to Certify Class [Plaintiffs' Placeholder Motion for Class Certification, and Request to Hold Motion in Abeyance] [Letter to Judge Azrack in response to Government's letter of March 3] filed by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

AMENDED COMPLAINT [First Amended Class Action Complaint] against United States of America, filed by Douglas Cortez, NELL B. ARCHER. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 03/14/2025)

Letter to Judge Azrack accompanying filing of Amended Complaint by NELL B. ARCHER, Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 03/14/2025)

STATUS REPORT (JOINT) by NELL B. ARCHER, Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 03/25/2025)

ORDER re 25 : The parties are directed to submit a further status letter by April 25, 2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 3/26/2025. c/ecf (RI)

Consent MOTION to Withdraw 23 Amended Complaint Consent Motion to Withdraw Amended Complaint and Reinstate Initial Complaint by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

ORDER re 26 : The motion to withdraw the amended complaint and reinstate the initial complaint as the operative pleading is granted. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 4/16/2025. c/ecf (RI)

STATUS REPORT by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

ORDER re 27 : The parties are directed to submit a further status letter by June 27, 2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 4/28/2025. c/ecf (RI)

ORDER granting 17 Motion for Pre Motion Conference. A telephone pre motion conference is set for 7/15/2025 at 3:30 PM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 6/24/2025. (AJS)

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by NELL B. ARCHER, Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 06/27/2025)

ORDER re 28 : The parties are directed to submit a further status report by July 25, 2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 6/30/2025. c/ecf (RI)

Letter MOTION to Adjourn Conference by United States of America. (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 07/03/2025)

ORDER granting 29 Motion to Adjourn Conference. The telephone pre motion conference is rescheduled for 7/22/2025 at 3:30 PM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 7/3/2025. (AJS)

SCHEDULING ORDER: Due to a change in this Court's calendar, the telephone pre-motion conference scheduled for 7/22/2025 will be held at 3:00 PM. Dial-in remains the same. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 7/16/2025. (LP)

STATUS REPORT by United States of America (Schumacher, Robert) Modified on 7/18/2025 (LC). STRICKEN pursuant to 7/18/2025 Order of Judge Joan M. Azrack. This entry has been modified on 7/18/2025 to indicate Status Report 30 has been stricken. (LC). Modified on 7/18/2025 (LC). (Entered: 07/17/2025)

STATUS REPORT with Exhibit by United States of America (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 07/17/2025)

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Letter MOTION to Strike 30 Status Report by United States of America. (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 07/18/2025)

ORDER granting 32 Motion to Strike. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 7/18/2025. (AJS)

ORDER denying 31 Motion to Stay/Adjourn Conference. The telephone pre-motion conference scheduled for 7/22/2025 at 3:00 PM will take place as previously ordered. Dial-in remains the same. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 7/18/2025. (AJS)

Letter Status Report Response Letter by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 07/21/2025)

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 200, receipt number ANYEDC-19260894 by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Administrative Record Certificate of Good Standing) (Scott-Railton, Thomas) (Entered: 07/21/2025)

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas Scott-Railton on behalf of Douglas Cortez (notification declined or already on case) (Scott-Railton, Thomas) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Joan M. Azrack: Civil Cause for PRE-MOTION CONFERENCE (Tel) held on 7/22/2025. APPEARANCES: For Plaintiff: Peter Markowitz, Frank Amanat, Thomas Scott-Railton, Mauricio Norona; For Defendants: Robert Schumacher. Case called. Counsel present for all sides. A telephone status conference is scheduled for 11/18/2025 at 2:30 PM and will be conducted through the CISCO teleconference center. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Parties may file a status report prior to the conference. Other: Motion is held in abeyance. (Time Log #CISCO.) (LC) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

ORDER granting 34 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 7/22/2025. c/ecf (RI)

ORDER: This case is stayed for four months pending the Government's ongoing efforts to address the backlog of cash bonds identified in Plaintiff's complaint. A telephone conference is scheduled for 11/18/2025 at 2:30 PM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. At the telephone conference, the Government shall be prepared to provide a status report as to the clearing of this backlog. Plaintiffs' Placeholder Motion for Class Certification at ECF No. 12 will be held in abeyance pending the status report provided by the Government at the 11/18/2025 telephone conference. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 7/22/2025. (AJS)

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Jonathan E. Taylor Filing fee $ 200, receipt number ANYEDC-19541518 by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Pro Hac Vice Affidavit, # 2 New York Bar Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 District of Columbia Bar Certificate of Good Standing) (Scott-Railton, Thomas) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Deepak Gupta Filing fee $ 200, receipt number ANYEDC-19541708 by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Pro Hac Vice Affidavit, # 2 DC Bar Certificate of Good Standing) (Scott-Railton, Thomas) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

ORDER re 37 : The Motion of Jonathan E. Taylor for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice is granted. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 10/17/2025. c/ecf (RI)

ORDER re 38 : The Motion of Douglas Cortez for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice is granted. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 10/17/2025. c/ecf (RI)

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

NOTICE of Appearance by Jonathan Taylor on behalf of Douglas Cortez (aty to be noticed) (Taylor, Jonathan) (Entered: 10/22/2025)

NOTICE of Appearance by Deepak Gupta on behalf of Douglas Cortez (aty to be noticed) (Gupta, Deepak) (Entered: 10/22/2025)

SCHEDULING ORDER: Due to a conflict with this Court's trial calendar, the telephone conference set 11/18/2025 is RESCHEDULED for 12/4/2025 at 9:45 AM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Dial-in remains the same. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 11/5/2025. (LP)

Letter MOTION to Adjourn Conference . With consent of the Government, Plaintiffs respectfully move to adjourn the December 4 telephonic status conference to January 7. Respectfully submitted by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

ORDER granting 41 Motion to Adjourn Conference. The telephone status conference is rescheduled for 1/7/2026 at 11:30 AM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Dial-in remains the same. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 11/25/2025. (LP)

STATUS REPORT by United States of America (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

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Letter to Judge Azrack in response to government status report by Douglas Cortez (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

Letter supplementing Defendant's January 5, 2026 status report by United States of America (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Joan M. Azrack: Civil Cause for STATUS CONFERENCE (Tel) held on 1/7/2026. APPEARANCES: For Plaintiff: Peter Markowitz, Thomas Scott-Railton, Frank Amanat; For Defendants: Robert Schumacher. Case called. Counsel present for all sides. A further telephone status conference is scheduled for 3/18/2026 at 4:45 PM and will be conducted through the CISCO conference center. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Other: Plaintiffs to provide any inquiries to ICE within one week. A status update should be provided to the Court by 3/6/2026. (Time Log #CISCO.) (LC) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

Letter MOTION for Extension of Time to File Status Update/Declaration by United States of America. (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

ORDER granting 46 Motion for Extension of Time to File. The telephone status conference scheduled for 3/18/2026 is ADJOURNED to 3/26/2026 at 9:30 AM. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 3/16/2026. (LP)

STATUS REPORT by United States of America (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Declaration) (Schumacher, Robert) (Entered: 03/20/2026)

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2 Declaration

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NOTICE of Appearance by Nicole M. Zito on behalf of United States of America (aty to be noticed) (Zito, Nicole) (Entered: 03/20/2026)

Letter to Judge Azrack in response to 47 Government's Letter of March 20, 2026, submitted in advance of March 26 status conference by Douglas Cortez (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (01/13/26 Questions for ICE)) (Amanat, Farzin) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

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SCHEDULING ORDER: An Initial Conference is scheduled for April 23, 2026 at 11:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. See the attached Order for details. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 3/25/2026. (RI) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

ORDER. Having reviewed the Government's Status Report (ECF No. 47) and Plaintiff's Letter in response (ECF No. 49), the Court concludes that this case should proceed to discovery forthwith. The telephone status conference scheduled for 3/26/2026 at 9:30 AM is CANCELLED. The parties are directed to appear before Judge Lindsay for a Rule 16 conference within 30 days of this Order. The parties are further directed to notify the Court when the Rule 16 conference has been scheduled. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 3/25/2026. (TRN)

ORDER. Having reviewed the Government's Status Report (ECF No. 47 ) and Plaintiff's Letter in response (ECF No. 49 ), the Court concludes that this case should proceed to discovery forthwith. The telephone status conference scheduled for 3/26/2026 at 9:30 AM is CANCELLED. The parties are directed to appear before Judge Lindsay for a Rule 16 conference within 30 days of this Order. The parties are further directed to notify the Court when the Rule 16 conference has been scheduled. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 3/25/2026. (TRN)

MOTION for pre motion conference re: Defendant's motion to dismiss the Complaint pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1) or, in the alternative, 12(b)(6) by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Cortez - I-352, # 2 Exhibit B - Cortez - I-305) (Zito, Nicole) (Entered: 04/16/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Cortez - I-352

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2 Exhibit B - Cortez - I-305

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Letter MOTION for Extension of Time to File Joint Letter to Magistrate Judge Lindsay Re Request for Extension of Time to File Rule 26(f) Report by Douglas Cortez. (Narwold, William) (Entered: 04/16/2026)

Letter MOTION for Extension of Time to File Letter to Judge Azrack Re Request for Extension of Time by Douglas Cortez. (Narwold, William) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

ORDER granting 52 : The April 23, 2026, conference is adjourned to May 14, 2026, at 11:45 AM. Conference call instructions will be provided in advance of the conference date. The deadline to submit the Rule 26(f) Meeting Plan is extended to May 8, 2026. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 4/17/2026. (RI)

ORDER granting 53 Motion for Extension of Time to File. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 4/17/2026. (TRN)

RESPONSE to Motion re [51] MOTION for pre motion conference re: Defendant's motion to dismiss the Complaint pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1) or, in the alternative, 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Amanat, Farzin)

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting (Narwold, William)

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Charlotte Eleanor Dougherty Filing fee $ 200, receipt number ANYEDC-20210195 by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # (1) Affidavit, # (2) SC Certificate of Good Standing, # (3) NC Certificate of Good Standing, # (4) TX Certificate of Good Standing) (Dougherty, Charlotte)

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2 SC Certificate of Good Standing

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3 NC Certificate of Good Standing

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4 TX Certificate of Good Standing

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MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice Meghan Shea Blaszak Oliver Filing fee $ 200, receipt number ANYEDC-20210302 by Douglas Cortez. (Attachments: # (1) Affidavit, # (2) DC Certificate of Good Standing, # (3) SC Certificate of Good Standing, # (4) VA Certificate of Good Standing) (Oliver, Meghan)

MOTION to Stay discovery pending resolution of Defendant's anticipated motion to dismiss [50] by United States of America. (Zito, Nicole)

ORDER re 56 : The Motion of Charlotte Eleanor Dougherty for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice is granted. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 5/13/2026. (RI)

Order(Other)

ORDER re 57 : The Motion of Meghan Shea Blaszak Oliver for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice is granted. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 5/13/2026. (RI)

ORDER re 57: The Motion of Meghan Shea Blaszak Oliver for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice is granted. The attorney shall register for ECF, registration is available online at www.pacer.gov. Once registered, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance to ensure electronic notification of activity in this case. Also, the attorney shall ensure the 200 admission fee be submitted to the Clerks Office via filing the event Pro Hac Vice Filing Fee. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 5/13/2026. (RI)

ORDER: With respect to the conference scheduled for May 14, 2026 at 11:45 AM, the conference call instructions are as follows: The parties are directed to dial 571-353-2301 prior to the scheduled time to access the call center. At the prompt enter Meeting ID 865150587. The Host will admit all from the waiting room. If there is a delay, please remain on the line until the Host admits you as the Court may be concluding a prior proceeding. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay on 5/13/2026. (RI)

NOTICE of Appearance by Charlotte Eleanor Dougherty on behalf of Douglas Cortez (notification declined or already on case) (Dougherty, Charlotte)

NOTICE of Appearance by Meghan S.B. Oliver on behalf of Douglas Cortez (notification declined or already on case) (Oliver, Meghan)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay held on 5/14/2026. Conference held. The parties are directed to file a revised Rule 26(f) meeting plan, which may include a bifurcated/phased schedule for discovery, by May 29, 2026. (RI)

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to [58] MOTION to Stay discovery pending resolution of Defendant's anticipated motion to dismiss [50] by Douglas Cortez. (Dougherty, Charlotte)

ORDER granting 62 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. The deadline for Plaintiff to respond to 58 motion to stay discovery is extended to May 22, 2026. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 5/19/2026. (TRN)

ORDER granting 62 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. The deadline for Plaintiff to respond to 58 motion to stay discovery is extended to May 22, 2026. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 5/19/2026. (TRN)

RESPONSE in Opposition re [58] MOTION to Stay discovery pending resolution of Defendant's anticipated motion to dismiss [50] filed by Douglas Cortez. (Amanat, Farzin)

ORDER granting 51 Motion for Pre Motion Conference; denying 58 Motion to Stay. A telephone pre-motion conference is set for 6/30/2026 at 1:00 PM before Judge Joan M. Azrack. Counsel shall dial 571-353-2301 and enter access code 279933568 at the prompt. Defendant's motion to stay discovery is denied. Ordered by Judge Joan M. Azrack on 5/27/2026. (TRN)