Case: Victim Rights Law Center v. U.S. Department of Education

1:25-cv-11042 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: April 21, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged the reduction-in-force (RIF) of the Office of Civil Rights by the Department of Education. On March 11, 2025, the Department of Education announced a massive RIF that reduced its workforce by almost half, including more than half of the workforce in the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The Department also closed seven of OCR's twelve regional offices, terminating all employees who worked in those offices. On April 21, 2025, Victim Rights Law Center, a nonprofit organization se…

This case challenged the reduction-in-force (RIF) of the Office of Civil Rights by the Department of Education. On March 11, 2025, the Department of Education announced a massive RIF that reduced its workforce by almost half, including more than half of the workforce in the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The Department also closed seven of OCR's twelve regional offices, terminating all employees who worked in those offices.

On April 21, 2025, Victim Rights Law Center, a nonprofit organization serving the legal needs of sex-based harassment victims, and multiple minor students and their parents filed suit in the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiffs sued the United States Department of Education and its Secretary, alleging that the RIF was arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and was ultra vires. The defendants' actions, according to the plaintiffs, made it impossible for the OCR to investigate incoming civil rights complaints as required by statute, thereby violating the APA. The plaintiffs asked the court to declare the RIF unlawful, to vacate the RIF and decision to close the regional offices, and to enjoin the defendants from taking action to effectuate the RIF. 

This case was assigned to District Judge Myong J. Joun due to its relation to another case, New York v. McMahon, which also challenged this RIF. In that case, Judge Joun issued a preliminary injunction "enjoining the RIF and ordering that the Department be returned to the pre-RIF status quo," and finding that "Consolidated Plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claims that the mass terminations hamstring the Department’s ability to meet its statutory functions and that the RIF effectively eliminates the Department without Congressional approval, in violation of the APA and the Constitution."

On May 2, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, which the court granted on June 18. 2025 WL 1704311.The court said that, although the case was related to McMahon, in which the court had already granted relief, the "Plaintiffs’ case warrants a separate decision to address the unique harms they are suffering." The court first held that the Civil Service Reform Act did not divest it of jurisdiction in the case, since (as the First Circuit held in McMahon) "Congress did not intend to foreclose the availability of judicial review of mass terminations that effectively incapacitate a statutorily created office." Turning to the merits, the court found that the plaintiffs properly challenged a discrete and final agency action (the defendants' decision to terminate half of OCR's staff) as required by the APA. On the merits of the plaintiffs' claims, the court found that the RIF was arbitrary and capricious since it did not provide a reasoned explanation for the mass terminations, and that it was also contrary to law and ultra vires since OCR will be unable to fulfill its statutory mandates.

The court also found that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm without an injunction, since the student plaintiffs had seen their investigations discontinued since the RIF, and VRLC will continue to have difficulty in accomplishing its mission of providing legal services. Therefore, the court enjoined the defendants from implementing the RIF and ordered OCR to "continue to investigate all complaints alleging violations of federal civil rights laws prohibiting race, sex, and disability-based discrimination under education programs and activities that received federal financial assistance."

On July 21, the defendants filed a motion to vacate the preliminary injunction. In doing so, defendants pointed to another case, New York v. McMahon, which also challenged the attempted RIF. The district court granted a preliminary injunction in McMahon, but on July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court granted a stay of the district court's injunction, thereby reflecting the Court's judgment that "the Defendants were likely to succeed on the merits, and that the other equitable considerations also militated against preliminary relief." The defendants argued that this case was practically identical to McMahon and therefore asked the district court to vacate its order granting a preliminary injunction in this case. The defendants also filed a motion to dismiss the case on July 28, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the plaintiffs had failed to state a claim. 

On August 13, 2025, the district court issued an order denying the defendants' motion to vacate or stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal.  It reasoned, first, that the Supreme Court's grant of a stay in McMahon did not make or signal a change in controlling law warranting the requested relief. The district court further rejected the argument that this case was identical to that one, citing the unique harms faced by the plaintiffs here.  Finally, the court concluded that the defendants had not demonstrated that the equities favored a stay or that they would otherwise suffer harm, citing defendants' failure to substantially comply with the preliminary injunction. 

On August 14, defendants appealed the district court's preliminary injunction ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (USCA Case Number 25-1787). 

On September 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit granted defendants’ motion for a stay of the preliminary injunction pending appeal. 2025 WL 2753708. Judges Montecalvo, Rikelman, and Aframe noted that while the Supreme Court’s stay in McMahon did not provide any explanation, McMahon may be used to inform how a court should act on like cases. The court found that this case is essentially a “subset” of McMahon, as there is substantial overlap in factual and legal issues between the two cases. Therefore, McMahon directs the First Circuit to follow the Supreme Court’s lead and issue a stay pending appeal. Judge Aframe wrote a concurrence to emphasize that a stay of the preliminary injunction was proper under the “unreasoned order in McMahon,” but the McMahon order has little to do with determining the merits of this case as it continues.

On November 5, defendants filed a motion to hold the appeal to the First Circuit in abeyance “in light of the parties’ agreement upon a course of proceedings that will render [the] preliminary injunction appeal moot.” The First Circuit has not yet ruled on the motion.

As of November 26, this case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Jeremiah Price (6/20/2025)

Allison Opheim (10/4/2025)

Related Cases

State of New York v. McMahon, District of Massachusetts (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7332469/parties/victim-rights-law-center-v-united-states-department-of-education/


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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-11042

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Complaint
40

1:25-cv-11042

Memorandum and Order on Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1704311

60

1:25-cv-11042

Order on Defendants' Motion to Vacate or Alternatively Stay the Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2374176

108346430

25-01787

Order of Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7332469/victim-rights-law-center-v-united-states-department-of-education/

Last updated March 18, 2026, 4:16 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: ORDER entered ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen Reason for referral: Pretrial Proceedings as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Gawlik, Cathy)

Feb. 5, 2004

Feb. 5, 2004

Reset Hearings as to Daniel E. Carpenter : Arraignment set for 2/24/2004 02:00 PM in Courtroom 23 before Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. (Simeone, Maria)

Feb. 18, 2004

Feb. 18, 2004

Judge Lawrence P. Cohen : Electronic ORDER entered granting 3 Motion to Continue as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); the arraignment is continued to February 24, 2004, at 2:00 p.m.; the defendant shall report to Pretrial Services at 12:00 Noon, February 24, 2004, prior to the scheduled arraignment (Cohen, Lawrence)

Feb. 19, 2004

Feb. 19, 2004

Attorney update in case as to Daniel E. Carpenter. Attorney A. John Pappalardo for Daniel E. Carpenter added. (Cohen, Lawrence)

Feb. 19, 2004

Feb. 19, 2004

Set Initial status conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter : Status Conference set for 4/6/2004 02:15 PM in Courtroom 23 before Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. (Simeone, Maria)

Feb. 24, 2004

Feb. 24, 2004

electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Lawrence P. Cohen :Arraignment as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) Count 1-14,15-19 held on 2/24/2004. John Pappalardo enters appearance in open court on behalf of deft; Dianne Freirra for govt, filling in for Mike Pineault; Deft arraigned on all counts; Defts pleads not guilty to all counts; deft released on personal recog. Initial status set for 4/6/04 at 2:15. (Court Reporter digital.) (Simeone, Maria) Modified on 2/26/2004 (Simeone, Maria).

Feb. 24, 2004

Feb. 24, 2004

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Endorsed ORDER on Motion entered granting 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Richard S. Order for Daniel E. Carpenter. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)cc/cl (Edge, Eugenia)

March 17, 2004

March 17, 2004

Set status conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter : Status Conference set for 6/3/2004 02:00 PM in Courtroom 23 before Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. (Simeone, Maria)

April 6, 2004

April 6, 2004

electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Lawrence P. Cohen :Initial Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 4/6/2004; Mike Pineault for Govt; John Pappalardo for Deft; Parties agree on more time; Status conference set for 6/3/04 at 2:00; Subject to excludable time; All discovery to be completed by 5/21/04; Dispositive motions by 5/6/04; (Court Reporter digital.) (Simeone, Maria)

April 6, 2004

April 6, 2004

electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Lawrence P. Cohen :Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 6/3/2004: Mike Pineault for Govt;E. Geogopolous; J. Poppolardo for deft; Motions due by 7/1/2004. govt responses due by 7/15/04; Status Conference tenatively set for 7/8/2004 02:30 PM in Courtroom 23 before Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. subject to excludable time. (Court Reporter digital.) (Simeone, Maria)

June 3, 2004

June 3, 2004

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 22 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)cc/cl (Lyness, Paul)

June 25, 2004

June 25, 2004

electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Lawrence P. Cohen :Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/8/2004; Evan Georgopolus for defense; Mike Pineault for Govt; defense states status of the case and req opportunity to submit further brief subject to excludable time; case to be reported back up to district judge. brief due by 8/20/2004. govt response due 9/10/04; all subject to excludable time. (Court Reporter digital.) (Simeone, Maria)

July 8, 2004

July 8, 2004

Case as to Daniel E. Carpenter no longer referred to Lawrence P. Cohen. (Cohen, Lawrence)

July 12, 2004

July 12, 2004

NOTICE OF HEARING as to Daniel E. Carpenter Pretrial Conference set for 9/21/2004 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before George A. O'Toole Jr.. Counsel is also to be prepared, if necessary, to argue the pending motion(s). Please mark your calendars accordingly. (Lyness, Paul)

Aug. 30, 2004

Aug. 30, 2004

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 9/21/2004 re 27 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, 13 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Daniel E. Carpenter. The court takes the motions under advisement. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

Sept. 21, 2004

Sept. 21, 2004

Reset arraignment as to Daniel E. Carpenter : Arraignment reset for 10/7/2004 01:45 PM in Courtroom 23 before Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. (Simeone, Maria)

Oct. 1, 2004

Oct. 1, 2004

Case as to Daniel E. Carpenter no longer referred to Magistrate Judge Lawrence P. Cohen. (Hurley, Virginia)

Oct. 7, 2004

Oct. 7, 2004

electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Lawrence P. Cohen :Arraignment as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) Count 1s-14s,15s-19s held on 10/7/2004 ; John Pappalardo for deft; Mike Pineault for Govt; deft is arraigned on superseding indictment and pleads not guilty; (Court Reporter digital.) (Simeone, Maria)

Oct. 7, 2004

Oct. 7, 2004

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Start of Excludable Time corrected because: Time has not been excluded as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 5, 2004

Nov. 5, 2004

NOTICE OF HEARING as to Daniel E. Carpenter Pretrial Conference set for 11/15/2004 02:30 PM in Courtroom 9 before George A. O'Toole Jr.. Please mark your calendars accordingly. (Lyness, Paul) Modified on 11/5/2004 (Lyness, Paul).

Nov. 5, 2004

Nov. 5, 2004

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 42 Motion for Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 43 Motion to Exclude as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 5, 2004

Nov. 5, 2004

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 31 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 12 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 16 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 9, 2004

Nov. 9, 2004

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Pretrial Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 11/15/2004. Government to have their disclosure due by 11/22/04. Jury Selection set for 12/6/2004 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before George A. O'Toole Jr.. Jury Trial set for 12/6/2004 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before George A. O'Toole Jr..Final Pretrial Conference set for 11/29/2004 02:15 PM in Courtroom 9 before George A. O'Toole Jr.. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 15, 2004

Nov. 15, 2004

Motions terminated as to Daniel E. Carpenter : 43 MOTION for Excludable Delay to filed by USA. (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 29, 2004

Nov. 29, 2004

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Pretrial Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 11/29/2004 Jury Selection set for 4/4/2005 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Jury Trial set for 4/4/2005 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/24/2005 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. All time between 11/29/04 and 4/4/05 is excluded in the interest of justice.(Court Reporter Lee Mazilli.) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 29, 2004

Nov. 29, 2004

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 45 Motion to Continue as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 46 Motion to Exclude as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 29, 2004

Nov. 29, 2004

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Pretrial Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 3/24/2005. A status conference is scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2005 at 2:00pm. Please mark your calendars accordingly. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

March 24, 2005

March 24, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 3/28/2005 Jury Selection is now set for 5/9/2005 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Jury Trial is now set for 5/9/2005 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

March 28, 2005

March 28, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 3/31/2005 re 53 MOTION to Continue filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, The motion is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART., The jury trial has been continued until 7/11/05 at 9:00am. Motions terminated as toDaniel E. Carpenter: (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 55 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 56 Motion to Take Deposition as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

April 25, 2005

April 25, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 50 Motion to Exclude as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

April 29, 2005

April 29, 2005

NOTICE OF HEARING as to Daniel E. CarpenterFinal Pretrial Conference set for 6/30/2005 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Please mark your calendars accordingly. cc/cl(Lyness, Paul)

May 11, 2005

May 11, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered terminating 47 Motion for the issuance of a rule 17 subpoena duces tecum to the govts expert witness for the pre-trial production of certain documents and data as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

May 12, 2005

May 12, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting nunc pro tunc 64 Motion for Leave to File; denying 66 Motion to Transfer Case; granting 68 Motion to Exclude; denying 71 Motion to Transfer Case; granting 72 Motion for Leave to File.As to the motion to transfer the case to Connecticut, the defendant has not shown that the balance of considerations bearing on either convenience or the interests of justice tips in favor of a transfer. Additionally, there is no sufficient reason to transfer the case to the Western Division of this District. As to the motion to exclude the time between the former trial date and the new trial date, the defendant's position is contradictory and untenable. A brief resume of prior consideration and setting of the trial date in this case is in order. On November 15, 2004, the defendant's motions to dismiss having been denied, the court set the case for trial to begin on December 6, 2004. A factor in the selection of the date was the defendant's position that he would not waive his right to a trial within the time limits established under the Speedy Trial Act. Two days later, however, on November 17, 2004,the parties filed a joint motion to continue the trial to a date in March and to exclude the intervening time from the Speedy Trial Act calculation. After a hearing, both motions were granted and the trial was set to commence on April 4, 2005. The trial was then continued further at the defendant's request to May 9, 2005. The parties again submitted a joint motion to exclude the intervening time from the Speedy Trial Act calculation, which was eventually granted. The defendant then sought a further continuance of the trial date and again the court granted the request, though the continuance was not as long as the defendant wanted. All of the continuances of the trial date have either been sought or concurred in by the defendant. The continuances have been granted to permit the defendant the time to prepare his case and to arrange for trial counsel. Under these circumstances, the interests of justice justify the continuance and consequently justify the exclusion of the intervening time from the calculation of the allowable time to trial under the Speedy Trial Act. Put another way, the same considerations that justified the continuance of the trial from May 9 justify the exclusion of the time under the Speedy Trial Act. (O'Toole, George)

May 17, 2005

May 17, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered Final PreTrial Conference held. after hearing on the several pending motion and for the reasons stated on the record, the court makes the following orders: granting 78 Motion to Inspect as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 79 Motion to Dismiss for Speedy Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 80 Motion for Discovery as to Daniel E. Carpenter. The government is to submit the disputed documents to the Court for in camera review (1); denying 82 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter the Court will not categorically exclude the evidence but will consider objections to individual pieces of evidence during the trial (1); denying 83 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 84 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 85 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 86 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 87 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 88 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter. The Court will not categorically exclude the evidence but will consider objections to individual pieces of evidence during the trial (1); reserving ruling on 89 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 90 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 91 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter. The Court will not categorically exclude the evidence but will consider objections to individual pieces of evidence during the trial (1); denying 92 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 93 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); reserving ruling on 94 Motion to Strike as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 101 Motion to Continue as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)In addition, the defendant's oral motion to stay the action was denied. the parties are to submit to the Court by 7/8/05 a proposed description of the case to be read to the jury. (Lyness, Paul)

June 30, 2005

June 30, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered. The government is directed to file a response to 104 defendant's MOTION to Dismiss for an Unconstitutional Grand Jury not later than 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 7, 2005. A hearing will be held on the motion at 9:00 am on Friday, July 8, 2005, in Courtroom 9, John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse. (O'Toole, George)

July 5, 2005

July 5, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/8/2005 re 104 MOTION to Dismiss for an Unconstitutional Grand Jury filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,, 107 MOTION to Dismiss for Grand Jury Bias filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,,After a hearing, the court denied No. 104 for the reasons stated on the record. With regard to No. 107, as stated on the record, the court ordered the government to produce to the defendant all exhibits and transcripts of witness testimony presented to the grand jury. Further ruling on No.107 is reserved. Motions terminated as toDaniel E. Carpenter: (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 8, 2005

July 8, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/11/2005 re 123 MOTION to Dismiss for Violations of the Grand Jury's Independence filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,, 107 MOTION to Dismiss for Grand Jury Bias filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, The court takes the arguments under advisement. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 11, 2005

July 11, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Selection as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/11/2005 (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 11, 2005

July 11, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Voir Dire begun on 7/11/2005 Daniel E. Carpenter (1) on Count 1s-14s,15s-19s (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 11, 2005

July 11, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/12/2005. The jury is empanelled and sworn. Opening statements are made. Testimony of witness Eliot Snider given. Testimony of witness Linda Jokinen begins. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 12, 2005

July 12, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/13/2005. Testimony of witness Linda Jokinen concluded. Testimony of witnesses Byron Darling, Brian Fitzgerald and Matthew Kameron given. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 13, 2005

July 13, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/14/2005. Testimony of witnesses Marjorie Adams, Joseph Iantosca, David Eaton, Albert Bellemore given. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 14, 2005

July 14, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/15/2005. Testimony of witnesses Gary Stern and Gerald Levine given. Testimony of witness Mitchell Rock begins. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 15, 2005

July 15, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered denying 129 Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 131 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) Jury trial held on 7/18/05. Testimony of witness Mitchell Rock concluded. Testimony of witness Laurie Enright begins. Evidence Presented. (Lyness, Paul)

July 18, 2005

July 18, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/19/2005. Testimony of witnesses Jackie Spielman and Thomas Rasmussen given. Testimony of witness Martin Paley begins. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 19, 2005

July 19, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/20/2005. Testimony of witness Martin Paley continues. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 20, 2005

July 20, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/21/2005. Testimony of witness Martin Paley concludes. Testimony of witness David Patterson given. Testimony of witness Thomas Zappala begins. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 21, 2005

July 21, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/22/2005. Testimony of witness Thomas Zappala completed. Testimony of witnesses Mike Allaire, Ralph Ventresco, Claudia Breslin, David Commito, Linda Farris, Helen Flanders, Paul Sheehan and Melissa Morgantizizza given. Evidence presented. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 22, 2005

July 22, 2005

Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/25/2005. Testimony of witnesses JoAnne Cheneil, Michael Bergeron, Robert Barrett, Susan Walsh, Gail Cohaly, Jeffrey Johnston, John Caldwell and James Hisgins given. Evidence concluded. Both sides rest. Charging conference held. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 25, 2005

July 25, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/26/2005. Closing arguments are given. The court charges the jury. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 26, 2005

July 26, 2005

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Jury Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 7/27/2005. Jury deliberations begin and conclude. (Court Reporter Shelly Killian.) (Lyness, Paul)

July 27, 2005

July 27, 2005

Electronic notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Attorney Robert M. Goldstein's record updated to permit e-mail noticing. (Hurley, Virginia)

Aug. 15, 2005

Aug. 15, 2005

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 171 Motion for Extension of Time as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Aug. 22, 2005

Aug. 22, 2005

NOTICE OF HEARING as to Daniel E. CarpenterHearing on post-trial motions set for 10/31/2005 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Please mark your calendars accordingly.(Lyness, Paul)

Oct. 13, 2005

Oct. 13, 2005

Set/Reset Hearings as to Daniel E. Carpenter: Sentencing set for 12/19/2005 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. (Abaid, Kim)

Oct. 31, 2005

Oct. 31, 2005

ElectronicClerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.:Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 10/31/2005 re 158 MOTION for New Trial with incorporated memorandum filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,, 160 MOTION for Acquittal Post-Verdict filed by Daniel E. Carpenter. Attorneys Goldstein, Weinberg and Robinson for the Defendant. Attorneys Pineault and Mitchell for the Government. Attorneys argue post trial motions re: new trial. The matters before the court are to be taken under advisement. Sentencing has been continued to December 19, 2005 at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole. (Court Reporter Debra Joyce.) (Abaid, Kim)

Oct. 31, 2005

Oct. 31, 2005

190

SENTENCING MEMORANDUM by USA as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Exhibit 2)(Pineault, Michael) (Entered: 12/14/2005)

Dec. 14, 2005

Dec. 14, 2005

192

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: MEMORANDUM & ORDER entered. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. The defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal (dkt. no. 160) is DENIED. His motion to set aside the verdict and for a new trial (dkt. no. 158) is GRANTED. (Lyness, Paul) (Entered: 12/15/2005)

Dec. 15, 2005

Dec. 15, 2005

Motions terminated as to Daniel E. Carpenter: 158 MOTION for New Trial with incorporated memorandum filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,, 160 MOTION for Acquittal Post-Verdict filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,. (Lyness, Paul)

Dec. 15, 2005

Dec. 15, 2005

REMARK: The sentence date of December 19, 2005 at 2:00pm for Daniel Carpenter is cancelled. (Lyness, Paul)

Dec. 15, 2005

Dec. 15, 2005

NOTICE CANCELLING DEADLINE as to Daniel E. Carpenter. Deadline cancelled: The sentence scheduled for 12/19/05 is to be cancelled (Lyness, Paul)

Dec. 16, 2005

Dec. 16, 2005

197

REPLY TO RESPONSE to Motion by Daniel E. Carpenter re 194 MOTION for Reconsideration of Denial of Rule 29 Motion on the Issue of Causation (Goldstein, Robert) (Entered: 01/13/2006)

Jan. 13, 2006

Jan. 13, 2006

FILING FEE PAID $ 255.00 regarding Cross Appeal (#198) Notice of Appeal as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Edge, Eugenia)

Jan. 19, 2006

Jan. 19, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered denying 194 Motion for Reconsideration as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (O'Toole, George)

Feb. 3, 2006

Feb. 3, 2006

FILING FEE PAID $ 255 regarding Notice of Appeal (#201) as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Edge, Eugenia)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered denying Nunc Pro Tunc 80 Motion for Discovery as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); terminating 86 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 87 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 89 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 90 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 93 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 94 Motion to Strike as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; granting at trial 106 Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying at trial 107 Motion to Dismiss as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying at trial 108 Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying at trial 122 Motion for Disclosure as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying at trial 123 Motion to Dismiss as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); terminating 125 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 127 Motion to Quash as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 130 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 135 Motion to Quash as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 136 Motion to Quash as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; terminating 137 Motion in Limine as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; denying Nunc Pro Tunc 140 Motion to Dismiss as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying Nunc Pro Tunc 142 Motion for Acquittal as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying Nunc Pro tunc 143 Motion for Acquittal as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying Nunc Pro tunc 146 Motion for Acquittal as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); terminating 147 Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1)as it was resolved by rulings at trial; granting 159 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 173 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); granting 176 Motion for Leave to File as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); terminating as a non motion 177 Motion for New Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); terminating as a non motion 178 Motion for Acquittal as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); finding as moot 187 Motion to Continue as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1); denying 189 Motion for New Trial as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul) Modified on 2/21/2006 (Edge, Eugenia).

Feb. 17, 2006

Feb. 17, 2006

206

Memorandum regarding Certification of United States re: Transcripts as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Pineault, Michael) (Entered: 02/23/2006)

Feb. 23, 2006

Feb. 23, 2006

207

REPLY TO RESPONSE to Motion by Daniel E. Carpenter re 203 MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release and return of passport (Goldstein, Robert) (Entered: 02/24/2006)

Feb. 24, 2006

Feb. 24, 2006

208

Joint MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Jack E. Robinson, Richard S. Order, and Edward A. McDonald. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Robinson, Jack) (Entered: 02/25/2006)

Feb. 25, 2006

Feb. 25, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 203 Motion to Modify Conditions of Release as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1). The conditions of release are modified as follows: The defendant shall report by telephone mnonthly to Pretrial Services. The request for the return of the defendant's passport is denied without prejudice to the defendant's right to seek the temporary return of his passport for specific travel. (O'Toole, George)

Feb. 27, 2006

Feb. 27, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered granting 208 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Feb. 27, 2006

Feb. 27, 2006

209

Certified and Transmitted Record on Appeal as to Daniel E. Carpenter to US Court of Appeals re 195 Notice of Appeal, (Ramos, Jeanette) (Entered: 03/01/2006)

March 1, 2006

March 1, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered terminating 204 Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1), as it is a notice and not a motion (Lyness, Paul)

March 23, 2006

March 23, 2006

TRANSCRIPT ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM received from USCA and addressed to Shelly M. Killian as to Daniel E. Carpenter' Transcript order form filed in USCA on 3/15/06. Transcript due by 5/30/2006. Transcripts Ordered: 6/30/05 Final Pretrial Hearing and 7/11/05 Jury Voir Dire.(Scalfani, Deborah)

March 31, 2006

March 31, 2006

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Electronic ORDER entered terminating as moot 193 Sealed Motion as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

April 10, 2006

April 10, 2006

ELECTRONIC NOTICE OF HEARING as to Daniel E. Carpenter Status Conference set for 11/26/2007 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Please mark your calendars accordingly. (Lyness, Paul)

Oct. 3, 2007

Oct. 3, 2007

Electronic Clerk Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.: Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 11/26/2007. For Gov't: Jonathan Mitchell; For Deft.: Robert Goldstein and Jack Robinson. Jury Trial set for 5/5/2008 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. Final Pretrial Conference set for 4/24/2008 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. All time between 11/26/07 and 5/5/08 is excluded in the interest of justice.(Court Reporter Marcia Patrisso.) (Lyness, Paul)

Nov. 26, 2007

Nov. 26, 2007

**leave to withdraw granted on 3/31/05** Attorney update in case as to Daniel E. Carpenter. Attorney Evan Georgopoulos terminated. (Edge, Eugenia)

Nov. 28, 2007

Nov. 28, 2007

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Electronic ORDER entered granting 224 Motion for Extension of Time, until 1/14/08, to File Response/Reply as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

Dec. 19, 2007

Dec. 19, 2007

231

REPLY TO RESPONSE to Motion by Daniel E. Carpenter re 229 MOTION to Dismiss on Speedy Trial (Robinson, Jack) (Entered: 02/12/2008)

Feb. 12, 2008

Feb. 12, 2008

Attorney update in case as to Daniel E. Carpenter. Attorney Robert M. Goldstein terminated. (Edge, Eugenia)

March 11, 2008

March 11, 2008

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Electronic ORDER entered granting 233 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

March 12, 2008

March 12, 2008

235

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Martin Weinberg. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Weinberg, Martin) (Entered: 03/17/2008)

March 17, 2008

March 17, 2008

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Electronic ORDER entered granting 235 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1) (Lyness, Paul)

March 18, 2008

March 18, 2008

236

Motion for Hearing (status conference) by USA as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Mitchell, Jonathan) Modified on 3/20/2008 (Edge, Eugenia). (Entered: 03/19/2008)

March 19, 2008

March 19, 2008

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Status report docket entry #236 corrected because: converted entry(see attached document) to a Motion for Hearing (status conference) as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Edge, Eugenia)

March 20, 2008

March 20, 2008

Electronic Notice of Hearing: Status Conference set for 3/26/2008 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. OToole Jr.. (Edge, Eugenia) Modified on 3/24/2008 (Edge, Eugenia).

March 21, 2008

March 21, 2008

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Electronic ORDER entered granting 236 Motion for Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter (1). Status Conference set for 3/26/08 at 2:00pm. (Edge, Eugenia)

March 21, 2008

March 21, 2008

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Electronic Order entered scheduling Status Conference. corrected because: To modify entry to read Notice of Hearing. as to Daniel E. Carpenter (Edge, Eugenia)

March 24, 2008

March 24, 2008

Electronic Clerk Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Motion Hearing as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 3/26/2008 re 237 Second MOTION to Dismiss for Grand Jury Irregularities filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, 229 MOTION to Dismiss on Speedy Trial filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, 223 MOTION to Transfer Case for Convenience filed by Daniel E. Carpenter, 238 MOTION for Return of Property/PreTrial (Passport) filed by Daniel E. Carpenter,The court DENIES defendant's motion to Transfer Case (#223). The court RESERVES decision with respect to the Motion to Dismiss on Speedy Trial grounds. Counsel to file further briefs within a week addressing the speedy trial question. With respect to defendant's Motion to Dismiss for Grand Jury (#237) and for Return of Property(#238), the court will wait until any opposition is filed. Motions terminated as toDaniel E. Carpenter:. (Court Reporter Marcia Patrisso.)(Attorneys present: For Government: Jonathan Mitchell and Jack Pirozzolo; For Defendant: Jack Robinson) (Lyness, Paul)

March 26, 2008

March 26, 2008

243

Opposition by USA as to Daniel E. Carpenter re 237 Second MOTION to Dismiss for Grand Jury Irregularities (Mitchell, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/08/2008)

April 8, 2008

April 8, 2008

245

MOTION Reassignment of Case Under LR 40.1(K)(1) as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Robinson, Jack) (Entered: 04/18/2008)

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

248

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Alan Dershowitz. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Weinberg, Martin) (Entered: 04/23/2008)

April 23, 2008

April 23, 2008

249

MOTION in Limine to Permit the Introduction of Prior Testimony as to Daniel E. Carpenterby USA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Mitchell, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/24/2008)

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

250

AMENDED MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Alan M.Dershowitz. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Lyness, Paul) (Entered: 04/24/2008)

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

Electronic Clerk Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. OToole, Jr: Status Conference as to Daniel E. Carpenter held on 4/24/2008, ( Final Pretrial Conference set for 5/22/2008 02:00 PM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. OToole Jr.., Jury Trial set for 6/2/2008 09:00 AM in Courtroom 9 before Judge George A. OToole Jr..), Defendant's Second Motion to Dismiss for Grand Jury Irregularities(237)is DENIED. Defendant's Motion for Return of Property/Pretrial (238) is DENIED. Defendant's Motion for Reassignment of Case under LR 40.1 (K)(1)(245) is DENIED. Defendant's Motion to Continue Trial (247) will be GRANTED upon the filing of an appearance from attorney John Pappalardo. Defendant's Amended Motion to Withdraw as Attorney (250) is GRANTED. In light of the Amended Motion, the Motion to Withdraw as attorney (248) is MOOT. The court will hold off on making any ruling with respect to the Government's Motion in Limine to Permit the Introduction of Prior Testimony (249). Motions terminated as toDaniel E. Carpenter:. (Court Reporter Marcia Patrisso.)(Attorneys present: For Government: Jonathan Mitchell and Jack Pirozzolo; For Defendant: Jack Robinson) (Lyness, Paul)

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

252

NOTICE of Dismissal of Petition for Mandamus by Daniel E. Carpenter re 244 Notice (Other) (Robinson, Jack) (Entered: 04/25/2008)

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

253

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Jack E. Robinson. as to Daniel E. Carpenter. (Robinson, Jack) (Entered: 04/25/2008)

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 21, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

One organization that provides legal counsel to victims of sex-based harassment and two minors and their parents with pending complaints at OCR.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Public Justice

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Department of Education

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:25-cv-11042

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 25-01787

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

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:

National / Universal injunction

Preliminary relief granted

Reinstatement (job, contract, grant, etc.)

Issues

General/Misc.:

Funding

Government services

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Civil Service

Recommended Citation