Case: Buck v. Goyim Defense League

3:25-cv-00677 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Filed Date: June 17, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In this case, a Black Tennessee resident sought redress after being assaulted during a ten-day rally by a Neo-Nazi organization. In July 2024, a group of Neo-Nazis called the Goyim Defense League (GDL) traveled to Nashville for a ten-day campaign to intimidate and terrorize Jewish and Black residents. The GDL (defendants) wove swastika flags, threatened Black and Jewish people, screamed racist and antisemitic slurs and obscenities, disrupted a public city council meeting, assaulted two young me…

In this case, a Black Tennessee resident sought redress after being assaulted during a ten-day rally by a Neo-Nazi organization. In July 2024, a group of Neo-Nazis called the Goyim Defense League (GDL) traveled to Nashville for a ten-day campaign to intimidate and terrorize Jewish and Black residents. The GDL (defendants) wove swastika flags, threatened Black and Jewish people, screamed racist and antisemitic slurs and obscenities, disrupted a public city council meeting, assaulted two young men, and harassed young Black children. They also passed through the plaintiff’s workplace and allegedly hurled antisemitic and racially charged language at him. The plaintiff is a biracial 19-year-old with a Black father.

 On June 17, 2025, the plaintiff brought an individual complaint against the defendants in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Judge Eli J. Richardson was assigned to the case. First, the plaintiff alleged that the defendants deprived him of Equal Protection under the Klan Act, 42 U.S.C. §1985(3) by violating his Thirteenth Amendment right to be free from racial violence. He alleged that the defendants schemed, coordinated, and executed a plan to target him and Nashville’s Black and Jewish communities during the ten-day event. He also alleged that the leaders of the defendants’ organization violated 42 U.S.C. §1986 by aiding and abetting in the §1985 allegations. He argued that the organization’s leadership was in a position to prevent the ten-day event, but did not. Lastly, the plaintiff alleged state law claims of battery, assault, and malicious harassment.

The plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment, which would indicate that the defendants’ actions deprived the plaintiff of his rights under federal and state law. The plaintiff also sought injunctive relief to enjoin the defendants from violating the plaintiff’s rights in the future. The plaintiff also sought appropriate damages and attorney’s fees. The plaintiff is represented by Raybin & Weissman, P.C. (a private firm), the Southern Poverty Law Center (a civil rights organization), and Joseph Greenwald & Laake, P.A. (also a private firm).

On July 31, 2025 and August 13, 2025, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the case for a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. The defendants argued that they did not conspire to take a federal right away from the plaintiff, thus the plaintiff had no federal claim. Moreover, the defendants argued that without a federal claim, the court could not assert supplemental jurisdiction over the state law battery, assault, and malicious harassment claims.

On November 25, 2025, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss. First, the court held that the plaintiff sufficiently pleaded the §1985(3) claim because, although there is no SCOTUS precedent about a right to be free from racial violence under the Thirteenth Amendment, many lower courts have recognized this right. The court adopted the logic of these lower courts. The court also used a similar logic from lower courts to hold that there is a right to access public amenities and public accommodations under the Thirteenth Amendment. Second, the court held that the plaintiff sufficiently pleaded the §1986 claim. Third, because the court held that there was federal subject-matter jurisdiction based on the §1985(3) and §1986 claims, the court could assert supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims.

As of April 2, 2026, the case is ongoing as discovery continues.

 

Summary Authors

Ameya Kamani (4/2/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70564069/parties/buck-v-goyim-defense-league/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Garcia, Huey Lagarto (Tennessee)

Gordon, Arusha (Tennessee)

Littrell, Elizabeth (Tennessee)

McCoy, Scott D. (Tennessee)

Attorney for Defendant

Justice, Drew (Tennessee)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:25-cv-00677

Complaint

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Complaint
22

3:25-cv-00677

Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction

Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
46

3:25-cv-00677

Memorandum Opinion

Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 3281595

47

3:25-cv-00677

Order

Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70564069/buck-v-goyim-defense-league/

Last updated Sept. 16, 2026, 5:04 a.m.

Docket for: Buck v. Goyim Defense League
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 June 17, 2025

COMPLAINT against Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Colby Alexander Franks, Goyim Defense League, John Does 1-10, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris (Filing fee $405, Receipt number ATNMDC-4345108), filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment - Civil Cover Sheet)(kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

1 Attachment - Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 June 17, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 217 to parties re obligation of counsel to keep Court apprised of current contact information. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
3 June 17, 2025

NOTICE of Business Entity Disclosure Statement filing requirement. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
4 June 17, 2025

NOTICE/INFORMATION regarding Consent of the Parties to the Magistrate Judge. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
5 June 17, 2025

NOTICE of Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is set for 8/13/2025 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
6 June 17, 2025

MOTION for attorney Erika Jacobsen White to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345528) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
7 June 17, 2025

MOTION for attorney Arusha Gordon to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345530) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
8 June 17, 2025

MOTION for attorney Elizabeth Littrell to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345534) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
9 June 17, 2025

MOTION for attorney Huey Fischer Garcia to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345537) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
10 June 17, 2025

MOTION for attorney Scott D. McCoy to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345542) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
11 June 17, 2025

ORDER: This case is REFERRED to the Magistrate Judge for customized case management in accordance with Local Rule 16.01 and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A). This case shall be set for trial upon completion of the initial case management conference by order of the District Court in accordance with the procedures of Local Rule 16.01. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 6/17/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

RECAP
June 17, 2025

Annotation - PHV

June 17, 2025

Annotation - Bar Status

June 17, 2025

TN State Bar status verified as active for Benjamin K. Raybin admitted to this court. (kc)

June 17, 2025

State Bar status verified as active for Scott D. McCoy (FL), Arusha Gordon (DC), Erika Jacobsen White (MD) not admitted to this court - Local counsel secured. (kc)

June 17, 2025

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Scott D. McCoy, Elizabeth Littrell, Arusha Gordon, Huey Fischer Garcia, Erika Jacobsen White: WITHIN 21 DAYS, counsel shall file a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, a Certificate of Good Standing signed by the Clerk of a United States District Court or a U. S. appellate court where admitted, and pay a fee of $150.00 (LR 83.01(b)). PHV due by 7/8/2025. (kc)

June 17, 2025

State Bar status verified as active for Elizabeth Littrell (GA), Huey Fischer Garcia [LA] not admitted to this court - Local counsel secured. (kc)

12 June 26, 2025

ORDER granting 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 : Having satisfied the requirements of Local Rule 83.01(b), the Motions for Erika Jacobsen White, Arusha Gordon, Elizabeth Littrell, Huey Fischer Garcia, and Scott D. McCoy to Appear Pro Hac Vice are granted. Signed by Clerk of Court Lynda M. Hill on 06/26/2025. (lh) (Entered: 06/26/2025)

RECAP
June 26, 2025

Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice

13 June 30, 2025

Additional Attachments to Main Document re: 1 Complaint,. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Summons to Goyim Defense League, # 2 Attachment Summons to Jon Minadeo, # 3 Attachment Summons to Louie Dunn, # 4 Attachment Summons to Nicholas Bysheim, # 5 Attachment Summons to Ryan Scott McCann, # 6 Attachment Summons to Zane Morris, # 7 Attachment Summons to Colby Franks)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

RECAP
July 3, 2025

NOTICE TO FILER re DE# 13 : The wrong event was used. The correct event should be Notice of Summons to be Issued. (ch)

July 3, 2025

Annotation - Deficiency Notice

14 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Goyim Defense League, Jon Minadeo II. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
15 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Jon Minadeo II. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
16 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
17 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Louie Dunn. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
18 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Nicholas Alan Bysheim. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
19 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Ryan Scott McCann. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
20 July 7, 2025

NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Zane Fenton Morris. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

RECAP
21 July 9, 2025

Summons issued as to Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Colby Alexander Franks, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (ch) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

RECAP
22 July 31, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

Clearinghouse
23 July 31, 2025

MEMORANDUM in Support of 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

RECAP
24 Aug. 6, 2025

SUMMONS returned executed by Deago Buck. Ryan Scott McCann served on 7/14/2025. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

RECAP
25 Aug. 6, 2025

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Complaint and Summons executed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office served on Louie Dunn on 07/23/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

RECAP
26 Aug. 6, 2025

Unopposed MOTION to Continue the Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

RECAP
27 Aug. 7, 2025

ORDER: On August 6, 2025, Plaintiff Deago Buck filed an unopposed motion to continue the initial case management conference set on August 13, 2025. (Doc. No. 26 ). The motion is GRANTED. The initial case management conference is CONTINUED to September 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 8/7/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 08/07/2025)

RECAP
Aug. 7, 2025

Set/Reset Hearings

Aug. 7, 2025

Reset Hearing: Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is reset for 9/22/2025 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (ch)

28 Aug. 13, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Louie Dunn. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

RECAP
29 Aug. 14, 2025

RESPONSE in Opposition re 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Deago Buck. (Littrell, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

RECAP
30 Aug. 21, 2025

MEMORANDUM in Support of 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris REPLY MEMORANDUM. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

RECAP
31 Aug. 25, 2025

NOTICE of Alias Summons to be Issued as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

RECAP
32 Aug. 26, 2025

ALIAS SUMMONS ISSUED as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (ch) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

RECAP
33 Aug. 27, 2025

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to to file Sur-reply in Opposition to Defendants' Motions to Dismiss re 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Brief)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

1 Attachment Brief

View on PACER

RECAP
34 Aug. 27, 2025

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Zane Fenton Morris on 08/04/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

RECAP
35 Aug. 28, 2025

ORDER: This motion (Doc. No. 33 ), being unopposed, is GRANTED. The Clerk shall enter the attached sur-reply (Doc. No. 33 -1) in opposition to Defendants Motions to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction (Doc. Nos. 22 and 28 ). Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 8/28/2025. (ch) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

RECAP
36 Aug. 28, 2025

SUR-REPLY filed by Deago Buck re 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction.(ch) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

RECAP
37 Sept. 12, 2025

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Deago Buck executed by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

RECAP
38 Sept. 14, 2025

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint via Refusal of Delivery served on Jon Minadeo II on 07/15/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. A -- Envelope & Green Card, # 2 Exhibit Ex. B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/14/2025)

1 Exhibit Ex. A -- Envelope & Green Card

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Ex. B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking

View on PACER

RECAP
39 Sept. 14, 2025

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint via Refusal of Delivery served on Goyim Defense League on 07/15/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A -- Envelope & Green Card, # 2 Exhibit B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/14/2025)

RECAP
40 Sept. 15, 2025

Second MOTION to Continue Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

RECAP
41 Sept. 15, 2025

MOTION for Extension of Time to Serve Defendant Colby Alexander Frank by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A -- Unsworn Declaration of Huey Fischer Garcia, # 2 Attachment Proposed Order)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

RECAP
42 Sept. 16, 2025

ORDER: Plaintiff Deago Buck has filed a second motion to continue the initial case management conference now set on September 22, 2025 (Doc. No. 40 ) and a motion to extend the time to serve Defendant Colby Alexander Frank under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m) (Doc. No. 41 ). The Court GRANTS Buck's motion to continue the initial case management conference and GRANTS IN PART his motion to extend the service deadline as follows: The deadline to serve Defendant Frank is EXTENDED to November 17, 2025. The initial case management conference is RESET for December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 9/16/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

RECAP
Sept. 16, 2025

Set/Reset Hearings

Sept. 16, 2025

Reset Hearing: Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is reset for 12/15/2025 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (ch)

43 Oct. 24, 2025

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Execute Alternative Service upon Defendant Colby Alexander Frank by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Unsworn Declaration of Huey Fischer Garcia, # 2 Attachment Proposed Order)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

RECAP
44 Nov. 7, 2025

SUMMONS returned executed by Deago Buck. Colby Alexander Franks served on 11/5/2025. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

RECAP
45 Nov. 25, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Insufficient Process & Service of Process by Colby Alexander Franks. (ch) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

RECAP
46 Nov. 25, 2025

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 11/25/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch)

Clearinghouse
47 Nov. 25, 2025

ORDER: Pending before the Court is a "Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction" (Doc. No. 22, "GDL Motion") filed by Defendant GDL, Defendant Minadeo, Defendant McCann, Defendant Bysheim, and Defendant Morris, and a "Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction" (Doc. No. 28, "Dunn Motion," and, collectively with the GDL Motion, "Motions"), filed by Defendant Dunn and asserting the same grounds as the GDL Motion. For the reasons stated herein, the Motions are DENIED. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 11/25/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) Modified on 11/25/2025 (lh). (Entered: 11/25/2025)

RECAP
48 Dec. 1, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Insufficient Process & Service of Process by Colby Alexander Franks. (ch) (Entered: 12/02/2025)

RECAP
49 Dec. 8, 2025

ORDER: Due to a conflict with the Court's schedule, the initial case management conference is RESET for December 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 12/8/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

RECAP
50 Dec. 8, 2025

RESPONSE in Opposition re 48 MOTION to Dismiss, 45 MOTION to Dismiss for Insufficient Process and Insufficient Service of Process filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Fischer Garcia Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Colby Alexander Frank Voter Registration, # 3 Exhibit Timothy Frank vs Firestone Civil Cover Sheet, # 4 Exhibit Timothy Frank vs Firestone Motion for Summons, # 5 Exhibit UCC Statement, # 6 Exhibit Florida SOS Registration Alexanders Enterprises LLC (Colby Frank), # 7 Exhibit Emerald Breeze Rental Website, # 8 Exhibit Colby Frank's e-mails to Plaintiff's counsel, # 9 Exhibit Drew Justice's e-mail to Plaintiff's counsel, # 10 Exhibit Minadeo vs Icon Entertainment Summons, # 11 Exhibit Service of Process Photograph)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

RECAP
51 Dec. 9, 2025

COUNTERCLAIM (and ANSWER) against Deago Buck, filed by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Jon Minadeo, II, Louie Dunn, Zane Fenton Morris, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann.(Justice, Drew) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
52 Dec. 12, 2025

PROPOSED CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER Joint filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Electronic Stored Information Protocol)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

RECAP
53 Dec. 16, 2025

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 51 Counterclaim by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Proposed Order)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

RECAP
54 Dec. 18, 2025

ORDER granting 53 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 51 Counterclaim. Deago Buck answer due 1/13/2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 12/18/2025. (ch) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

RECAP
55 Dec. 18, 2025

ORDER: An initial case management conference in this matter was set to be held by telephone on December 17, 2025. The conference is RESET for December 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 12/18/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

RECAP
56 Dec. 19, 2025

INITIAL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: Amended Pleadings due by 4/10/2026. Discovery due by 7/27/2026. Dispositive Motions due by 9/28/2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 12/19/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

RECAP
Dec. 19, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern: Case Management Conference by Telephone held on 12/19/2025. (Hearing lasted 00:30)(sd)

Dec. 19, 2025

Case Management Conference by Telephone

57 Jan. 7, 2026

NOTICE of Filing by Deago Buck regarding Electronic Stored Information Agreement (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Electronic Stored Information Protocol, # 2 Attachment ESI Checklist)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

RECAP
58 Jan. 13, 2026

ANSWER to 51 Counterclaim by Defendants Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Jon Minadeo, II, Louie Dunn, Zane Fenton Morris, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann by Deago Buck.(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

RECAP
59 Feb. 4, 2026

NOTICE by Deago Buck OF WITHDRAWAL AS COUNSEL (Littrell, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

RECAP
60 Feb. 5, 2026

ORDER SETTING CASE FOR TRIAL: Jury Trial set for 3/9/2027 09:00 AM in Courtroom 5C before District Judge Eli J. Richardson. Pretrial Conference set for 3/1/2027 08:30 AM in Courtroom 5C before District Judge Eli J. Richardson. Joint Proposed Pretrial Order due by 2/22/2027. Exhibit List due by 2/22/2027. Witness List due by 2/22/2027. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 2/5/2026. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 02/05/2026)

RECAP
Feb. 24, 2026

Add and Terminate Judges

Feb. 24, 2026

Due to the resignation of Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern, Magistrate Judge Luke A. Evans added. Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern no longer assigned to case. (hb)

61 March 27, 2026

ORDER: Pursuant to Rule 72 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B), this case is referred to the Magistrate Judge for entry of a scheduling order; for decision on all pretrial, non-dispositive motions; and for reports and recommendations on all dispositive motions. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 3/27/2026. (ch) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

RECAP
62 March 27, 2026

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Certain Deadlines by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Proposed Scheduling Order)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

RECAP
63 March 27, 2026

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION: [T]he Court respectfully recommends that Frank's motion to dismiss (Doc. Nos. 45, 48 ) be DENIED and that Buck's motion for alternative service (Doc. No. 43 ) be DENIED AS MOOT. Signed by Magistrate Judge Luke A. Evans on 3/27/2026. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

RECAP
64 March 30, 2026

SCHEDULING ORDER: Before the Court is Plaintiff Deago Buck's Motion for Extension of Certain Deadlines. The motion is unopposed by the represented defendants. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. Signed by Magistrate Judge Luke A. Evans on 3/30/2026. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

RECAP
65 April 17, 2026

ORDER: Absent objection, the R&R (Doc. No. 63 ) is adopted and approved. Accordingly, the Motion (Doc. Nos. 45 , 48 ) is DENIED. Additionally, the Court - in keeping with the Magistrate Judge's recommendation - finds that Defendant Frank w as properly served under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(e)(2)(B), and accordingly the Buck Motion (Doc. No. 43 ) is DENIED as moot. Finally, and for the reasons explained in the footnote above, the Clerk of the Court is DIRECTED to update Defendant Frank' ;s name on the ECF docket sheet from Colby Alexander Franks to Colby Alexander Frank. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 4/17/2026. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch)

RECAP
66 April 21, 2026

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 04/21/2026)

RECAP
67 April 21, 2026

MOTION for Sanctions by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 04/21/2026)

RECAP
68 April 21, 2026

COUNTERCLAIM against Deago Buck, Shandar, LLC, Southern Poverty Law Center Inc, filed by Colby Alexander Frank.(ch) (Entered: 04/21/2026)

RECAP
69 April 22, 2026

Request for Judicial Notice by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 04/22/2026)

RECAP
70 April 26, 2026

MOTION to Stay Discovery by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

RECAP
71 May 5, 2026

RESPONSE in Opposition re 67 MOTION for Sanctions filed by Deago Buck. (Gordon, Arusha) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

RECAP
72 May 5, 2026

MOTION for attorney Brant Levine to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4561389) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

RECAP
73 May 5, 2026

MOTION for attorney Joseph Yarbough to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4561394) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

RECAP
74 May 5, 2026

RESPONSE in Opposition re 66 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

RECAP
75 May 6, 2026

REPLY to Response to re 66 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 05/06/2026)

RECAP
76 May 6, 2026

REPLY to Response to re 67 MOTION for Sanctions filed by Colby Alexander Frank. (ch) (Entered: 05/06/2026)

RECAP
May 6, 2026

DC State Bar status verified as active for Brant Levine and Joseph Yarbough not admitted to this court - Local counsel secured. (ch)

May 6, 2026

Annotation - Bar Status

77 May 8, 2026

MOTION for attorney Arthur Ago to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4564841) by Southern Poverty Law Center Inc,. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 05/08/2026)

RECAP
78 May 11, 2026

RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 MOTION to Stay filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Email concerning Colby Frank, # 2 Exhibit Discovery Requests sent to Colby Frank)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 05/11/2026)

1 Exhibit Email concerning Colby Frank

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Discovery Requests sent to Colby Frank

View on PACER

RECAP
79 May 12, 2026

MOTION to Strike 68 Counterclaim and Motion to Dismiss Counter-Plaintiff Colby Frank's Counterclaims by Southern Poverty Law Center Inc,. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

RECAP
80 May 12, 2026

MOTION to Strike 68 Counterclaim and 12(b)(6) Motion to Dismiss Counterclaim by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Minadeo v. Florida Emergency Request, # 2 Exhibit Minadeo v. Florida IFP Certificate of Service, # 3 Exhibit West Virginia v. Harris, # 4 Exhibit Minadeo v. Icon Entertainment Summons, # 5 Exhibit Timothy Frank v. Firestone Motion to Appoint Frank, # 6 Exhibit Timothy Frank v. Firestone Civil Cover Sheet)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

RECAP
May 12, 2026

Annotation - Bar Status

Case Details

State / Territory:

Tennessee

Case Type(s):

Public Accommodations/ Contracting/ Organizational Discrimination

Special Collection(s):

Litigation Against Hate Groups

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 17, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

19-year-old Black Tennessee resident

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1985

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Slavery/Involuntary servitude

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Tennessee 3:25-cv-00677

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Aggressive behavior

Pattern or Practice

Racial profiling

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation