Case: Augustin v. Jablonsky

0:99-cv-03126 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Filed Date: June 3, 1999

Closed Date: 2017

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On June 3, 1999, a plaintiff represented by New York attorney Robert L. Herbst filed a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiff challenged the blanket strip search policy of the Nassau County Correctional Center. Under the policy, all misdemeanor and minor offense arrestees were allegedly strip-searched without any suspicion that they were concealing weapons or other contraband. The plaintiff claimed that the poli…

On June 3, 1999, a plaintiff represented by New York attorney Robert L. Herbst filed a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiff challenged the blanket strip search policy of the Nassau County Correctional Center. Under the policy, all misdemeanor and minor offense arrestees were allegedly strip-searched without any suspicion that they were concealing weapons or other contraband. The plaintiff claimed that the policy violated the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments and sought declaratory and injunctive relief, monetary damages, and class certification. This case, which was styled Augustin v. Jablonsky, followed another case, Shain v. Ellison, 96-CV-3774, that was filed against Nassau County by attorney Herbst and also challenged the County's strip-search policy. This case was filed just days after the Court in Shain v. Ellison issued an order finding the Nassau County strip search policy unconstitutional. See Shain v. Ellison, 53 F.Supp.2d 564, 565 (E.D. N.Y. 1999).

In addition to the Augustin case, two similar suits—O'Day v. Nassau County, 99-cv-2844, and Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau, 99-cv-4238—had also been filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, challenging the blanket strip search policy of the Nassau County Correctional Center. All plaintiffs moved to consolidate the cases and for class certification for a class defined as "all persons arrested for or charged with non-felony offenses who have been admitted to the Nassau County Correctional Center and strip searched without particularized reasonable suspicion." The District Court (Judge Denis J. Hurley) consolidated the cases but denied class certification. 2001 WL 770839 (E.D. N.Y. Mar. 08, 2001).

The plaintiffs renewed the motion for class certification several times, and each one was denied.

The parties eventually entered into a stipulation for settlement, under which the defendants agreed to pay the lump sum of $350,000 to the ten named plaintiffs in the consolidated cases, who agreed to split the fund equally and receive $35,000 each. The stipulation reserved plaintiffs' right to appeal the District Court's orders denying class certification and, in the event that the orders were overturned, the defendants agreed that the named plaintiffs could continue to pursue the class claims and be entitled to receive up to $1,000 more in incentive payments if a class was eventually certified. If the orders denying certification were not overturned on appeal, the plaintiffs would be allowed to request attorneys' fees up to $125,000. Judge Hurley approved the settlement on July 5, 2005. The plaintiffs then appealed the certification denial.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case with instructions to certify a class as to liability and consider certifying a damages class as well. In re Nassau County Strip Search Cases, 461 F.3d 219 (2nd Cir. 2006).

On remand, the District Court certified a liability class and the parties briefed the issue of certification of a damages class. The liability class consisted of all persons arrested for misdemeanor and non-criminal offenses in Nassau County who thereafter were strip searched upon entry to Nassau County Correctional Center, from May 20, 1996, to June 1, 1999.

On March 27, 2008, the Court granted the plaintiffs' motion to extend class certification to include damages. The Court held a hearing in March 2009 and set the trial for September 2009. Following the hearing, the Court issued an opinion holding that the parties could select their own witnesses from the class, but that each witness would only be able to testify as to the facts of the strip search (and not their personal feelings about their experiences). 2009 WL 706252. The plaintiffs moved for the Court to reconsider the order that witnesses only testify as to the facts of their experiences, but the Court denied the motion. 2009 WL 1312909. The defendants, on the other hand, requested access to class members in order to select witnesses, but the Court also denied this request, stating that there was no need for access because witnesses would only testify as to the details of search procedures. 2009 WL 1456011.

On February 25, 2010, the Court allowed the defendants to reduce the class size. 2010 WL 680988.

Trial was held in late 2009, and on September 22, 2010, the Court held that the defendants had unlawfully strip searched people arrested for misdemeanor and non-criminal offenses after admitting them to the correctional center. The Court ordered the defendants to pay $500 per strip search in general damages to compensate each person affected by the unlawful searches. 742 F. Supp. 2d 304. The Court held that the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) was inapplicable to this case and thus did not limit recovery, since the PLRA's recovery limitation applied only when a plaintiff was incarcerated at the time of bringing suit, and the named plaintiffs in this case were not incarcerated at the time of bringing suit. 2010 WL 3781563.

On October 19, 2011, the Court decertified the class on the defendants' motion, holding that special damages must be determined on an individual basis. 819 F. Supp. 2d 153.

On July 18, 2013, the defendants moved the Court to reconsider the January 16, 2007 order granting summary judgment on liability in favor of plaintiffs. The defendants based their argument on the Supreme Court's 2012 decision in Florence v. Bd. Of Chosen Freeholders. In that case, the Supreme Court decided that new-admit strip searches did not violate constitutional rights. This court followed Florence and granted the defendants' motion with respect to constitutional claims, but upheld its grant of summary judgment based on state claims against strip searches. 958 F. Supp. 2d 339.

On April 2, 2014, the court awarded $4,018,030.25 in attorney fees and costs to the plaintiffs' class counsel. 2014 WL 1338426. On April 10, 2014 the court entered final judgment for the defendant on Federal constitutional claims, and for the plaintiff class on state constitutional claims, awarding $11,508,000 in damages as well as attorney's fees. Both the plaintiff class and the defendant filed appeals.

The defendant filed for additional time to make the deposit necessary for the disbursement of compensatory damages. On April 30, 2014, Judge Denis R. Hurley denied this motion as premature. The defendants then moved for a show cause hearing to stay the execution of judgment. Following a show cause hearing on June 4, 2014, the court ordered to stay the award for 180 days, with an alternative option to stay payment indefinitely with the posting of a $11,508,000 bond.

The defendants filed a motion to stay the final judgment in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals on November 12, 2014. The court granted this motion on December 23, 2014.

On February 26, 2016, the Appellate court (Judge Jose A. Cabranes, Judge Rosemary S. Pooler, Judge Denny Chin) upheld the District court ruling. The court agreed with the District court's reasoning that there were no grounds for federal relief but there were state constitutional violations for which the plaintiffs were entitled to relief.

On August 18, 2016, the Appellate court denied the defendants' motion to stay the mandate. On September 6, 2016, the defendants filed a writ of certiorari to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. On October 12, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the writ of certiorari.

On June 19, 2017, the New York Solicitor General; the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA); the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS); and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) moved to intervene in the proceedings. On June 29, 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) moved to intervene. Both sought intervention to acquire access to information so that the list of class members could be updated in an effort to locate class members and provide them with monetary relief. On July 26, 2017, Judge Hurley granted their motion to intervene, citing the fact that the intervenors had a genuine interest in the matter. The parties would then have access to the database, but limited to only updated addresses.

The case is closed.

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (3/5/2008)

Maurice Youkanna (7/30/2014)

Michael Abrams (10/28/2016)

Anna Brito (3/24/2019)

Cedar Hobbs (11/30/2019)

Related Cases

O'Day v. Nassau County, Eastern District of New York (1999)

Iaffaldano v. Nassau County, Eastern District of New York (1999)

Florence v. County of Burlington, District of New Jersey (2005)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5532072/parties/augustin-v-jablonsky/


Judge(s)

Brown, Gary Richard (New York)

Cabranes, José Alberto (Connecticut)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brinckerhoff, Matthew D. (New York)

Cromwell, John M. (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Ben-Sorek, Liora M. (New York)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

0:99-cv-04238

Docket [PACER]

Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau

Aug. 17, 2010

Aug. 17, 2010

Docket

0:99-cv-03126

Docket [PACER]

Jan. 25, 2013

Jan. 25, 2013

Docket

0:99-cv-02844

Docket [PACER]

O'Day v. Nassau County

Oct. 4, 2017

Oct. 4, 2017

Docket
35

0:99-cv-03126

Memorandum Opinion and Order

March 8, 2001

March 8, 2001

Order/Opinion

2001 WL 770839

89-2

0:99-cv-03126

0:99-cv-04238

0:99-cv-02844

Memorandum & Order [Denying Plaintiffs' Motion to Certify Class]

O'Day v. Nassau County; Augustin v. Jablonsky; Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau

Aug. 20, 2004

Aug. 20, 2004

Order/Opinion
47

0:99-cv-03126

0:99-cv-04238

0:99-cv-02844

Order of Dismissal

O'Day v. Nassau County; Augustin v. Jablonsky; Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau

Jan. 11, 2005

Jan. 11, 2005

Order/Opinion
104

0:99-cv-03126

0:99-cv-04238

0:99-cv-02844

Stipulation of Settlement

O'Day v. Nassau County; Augustin v. Jablonsky; Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau

July 5, 2005

July 5, 2005

Settlement Agreement
105

0:99-cv-03126

0:99-cv-04238

0:99-cv-02844

Final Judgment

O'Day v. Nassau County; Augustin v. Jablonsky; Iaffaldano v. County of Nassau

July 5, 2005

July 5, 2005

Order/Opinion
51-2

05-04206

05-04211

05-04542

In Re: Nassau County Strip Search Cases [2nd Cir. Opinion Allowing Class Certification]

Augustin v. Jablonsky, et al

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Aug. 24, 2006

Aug. 24, 2006

Order/Opinion

461 F.3d 219

53

0:99-cv-03126

0:99-cv-02844

[Motion]

Aug. 24, 2006

Aug. 24, 2006

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5532072/augustin-v-jablonsky/

Last updated July 29, 2026, 12:22 a.m.

Docket for: Augustin v. Jablonsky
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 June 3, 1999

COMPLAINT filed and summons(es) issued for Joseph Jablonsky, County of Nassau FILING FEE $ 150.00 RECEIPT # 219666 (Bollbach, Jean) (Entered: 06/07/1999)

RECAP
2 July 20, 1999

AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT for declaratory and injunctive relief and damages and demand for trial by jury by Gardy Augustin, (Answer due 7/30/99 for County of Nassau, for Joseph Jablonsky ) amending [1-1] complaint against John & Jane Does OSI (Warner, Pam) (Entered: 07/20/1999)

RECAP
3 Aug. 3, 1999

ORDER, set status conference for 2:00 11/4/99 ( signed by Magistrate-Judge Arlene R. Lindsay, on 8/3/99) cm (Warner, Pam) (Entered: 08/05/1999)

RECAP
4 Aug. 10, 1999

NOTICE of attorney appearance for County of Nassau, Joseph Jablonsky by Paul F. Millus (Warner, Pam) (Entered: 08/18/1999)

RECAP
Sept. 27, 1999

Endorsment of [15−1] letter. Under the court's individual practices, pre−motion conferences are required only when a party seeks to move for summary judgment. parties seeking to make a different motion should confer with their adversary with respect to a briefing schedule; the movant should file all papers with the court once the motion is fully briefed. ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 9/26/99) (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 10/05/1999)

PACER
5 Sept. 28, 1999

ANSWER by County of Nassau, Joseph Jablonsky to amended complaint (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 10/05/1999)

RECAP
6 Sept. 29, 1999

Letter MOTION by Gardy Augustin to schedule a joint initial conference in 99 CV 3126, 99 CV 2844, and 99 CV 4238, Motion hearing (Branciforte, Ralph) Modified on 11/04/1999 (Entered: 10/05/1999)

RECAP
Sept. 29, 1999

Endorsed order granting [14−1] motion to schedule a joint initial conference in 99 CV 3126, 99 CV 2844, and 99 CV 4238. mr. Herbst is to so advise all parties prior to the 10/1/99 conference, and provide them with a copy of this order. ( Signed by Magistrate−Judge Arlene R. Lindsay , on 9/29/99) EOD# 14 CF (Branciforte, Ralph) Modified on 11/04/1999 (Entered: 10/05/1999)

PACER
Sept. 29, 1999

Endorsed order granting [6-1] motion to schedule a joint initial conference in 99 CV 3126, 99 CV 2844, and 99 CV 4238. Mr. Herbst is to so advise all parties prior to the 10/1/99 conference and to provide them with a copy of this order. The 11/4/99 conference is cancelled. terminated past due deadlines ( Signed by Magistrate-Judge Arlene R. Lindsay, on 9/29/99) EOD# 6 CF (Branciforte, Ralph) Modified on 11/04/1999

8 Oct. 15, 1999

LETTER dated 10/14/99 from Robert Herbst to USMJ Lindsay RE: Requesting a conference be scheduled for the week of 11/8 and 11/15/99. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 11/23/1999)

RECAP
9 Oct. 15, 1999

LETTER dated 10/14/99 from Robert Herbst to USDJ Hurley RE: Request a joint conference between 99 CV 3126, 99 CV 2844, and 99 CV 4238. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 01/05/2000)

RECAP
7 Nov. 16, 1999

Calendar entry: Before USMJ Lindsay on 11/16/99. Counsel on civil action numbers: 99 CV 2844; 99 CV 3126; and 99 CV 4238 are to appear before the undersigned for an initial conference on 1/6/00 at 2:00 PM. CM (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 11/23/1999)

RECAP
10 Jan. 6, 2000

Calendar entry: Before USMJ Lindsay on 1/6/00 @ 2:00 PM. Civil Cause For Initial Confernece. Case called. Counsel for parties present. Pre-trial Scheduling order adopted. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 01/12/2000)

RECAP
11 Jan. 6, 2000

SCHEDULING ORDER setting Settlement Conference by 10:30 7/20/00 ; Discovery cutoff 6/23/00 ; Pretrial order to be submitted on or before 7/14/00 ; Request for Pre-Motion 6/30/00. ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 1/6/00) (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 01/12/2000)

RECAP
Jan. 6, 2000

Status conference held (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 01/12/2000)

PACER
Jan. 6, 2000

Status conference held (Branciforte, Ralph)

12 March 10, 2000

Letter MOTION by County of Nassau, Joseph Jablonsky To modify the briefing schedule regarding the motion for injunction relief, class certification and consolidation of 99 CV 2844, 99 CV 4238, and 99 CV 3126, Motion hearing (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 03/10/2000)

RECAP
March 10, 2000

Endorsed order granting [21−1] motion To modify the briefing schedule regarding the motion for injunction relief, class certification and consolidation of 99 CV 2844, 99 CV 4238, and 99 CV 3126, Defendants' opposition papers on plaintiff's counsel on 4/3/00; Reply papers due by 4/17/00 ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 3/10/00) EOD# 21 (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 03/10/2000)

PACER
March 10, 2000

Endorsed order granting [12-1] motion To modify the briefing schedule regarding the motion for injunction relief, class certification and consolidation of 99 CV 2844, 99 CV 4238, and 99 CV 3126, Defendants' opposition papers on plaintiff's counsel on 4/3/00; Reply papers due by 4/17/00 ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley, on 3/10/00) EOD# 12 (Branciforte, Ralph)

14 May 15, 2000

LETTER dated 5/10/00 from Gayle Pollack to USDJ Hurley RE: Please note Herbst & Greenwald's new address. (address updated) (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 05/19/2000)

RECAP
13 May 16, 2000

LETTER dated 5/10/00 from Gayle Pollack to USMJ Lindsay RE: Please note our new address. (docket sheet updated) (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 05/16/2000)

RECAP
34 June 2, 2000

LETTER dated 6/5/00 from Robert Herbst to USDJ Hurley RE: Enclosing plaintiff's fully briefed motion to consolidate. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 03/09/2001)

RECAP
15 June 6, 2000

LETTER dated 6/5/00 from Gayle Pollack to Clerk of the Court RE: Please find enclosed Plaintiff's motion for consolidation and class certification. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
16 June 6, 2000

MOTION by Gardy Augustin to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel, Motion hearing (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
17 June 6, 2000

AFFIDAVIT by Robert Herbst for Gardy Augustin in support of [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, & Yerman, as class counsel (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
18 June 6, 2000

MEMORANDUM by Gardy Augustin in support of [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
19 June 6, 2000

MEMORANDUM by County of Nassau, Joseph Jablonsky in opposition to [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
20 June 6, 2000

AFFIDAVIT by Paul F. Millus for County of Nassau, Joseph Jablonsky in opposition to the [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
21 June 6, 2000

REPLY MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Gardy Augustin in further support of [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/08/2000)

RECAP
23 June 23, 2000

LETTER dated 6/22/00 from Jeffrey Smith to USMJ Lindsay RE: Enclosed please find copies of plaintiff's Application to Extend Deadlines in the Pre-Trial Scheduling Orders. (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 07/06/2000)

RECAP
June 23, 2000

Endorsment on [23-1] letter. The Court declines to enter the pretrial scheduling order requested. However, a 90-day extension of discovery is granted. All discovery is to conclude by 9/25/00. Request for a pre-motion conference by 10/10/00. Joint pretrial order by 10/19/00. Settlement conference on 10/24/00 at 3:00 p.m. In the event the certification motion changes the landscape of the discovery in this matter, parties are to so advise the undersigned. ( Signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 6/23/00) EOD# 23 (Branciforte, Ralph)

June 23, 2000

Deadline updated; resetting discovery due for 9/25/00, resetting pretrial order due for 10/19/00, resetting settlement conference for 3:00 10/24/00 before Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay (Branciforte, Ralph)

22 June 26, 2000

ORDER Plaintiffs' application to extend the Scheduling Order issued by USMJ Lindsay is referred to USMJ Lindsay. In addition, the motion to dismiss filed by the Port Washington Defendants in 99 CV 4238 is administratively terminated as such defendants were dismissed from that case by order dtd. 6/16/00. (Judge Denis R. Hurley, dtd. 6/26/00) (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 06/27/2000)

RECAP
24 July 13, 2000

ORDER, resetting settlement conference for 2:00 11/2/00 before Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 7/12/00) CM (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 07/14/2000)

RECAP
25 Sept. 22, 2000

ORDER, that request by counsel for defts for extension of time is denied however, a 60 day extension of discovery is granted. All discovery is to conclude by 11/27/00. The parties are advised that, due to the age of this case, no furher extensions of discovery will be granted. Request for a premotion conference by 12/7/00. Joint pretrial order by 12/14/00. Settlement conference scheduled for 11/2/00 is hereby adjourned and rescheduled for 12/21/00 @2:00 time ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 9/22/00) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 10/04/2000)

RECAP
27 Dec. 4, 2000

ORDER, that Counsel advised that in accordance with the schedule previously set by the Court that discovery is closed w/respect to the claims in this case. In the event a class is certified by the District Court then counsel may review this application ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 12/4/00) icf (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 01/02/2001)

RECAP
26 Dec. 7, 2000

LETTER dated 12/7/00 from Counsel for pltff to Judge Hurley re: Request for a pre-motion conference. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 12/12/2000)

RECAP
Dec. 7, 2000

LETTER dated 12/7/00 from Counsel for pltff to Judge Hurley re: Request for a pre−motion conference. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 12/12/2000)

PACER
28 Dec. 12, 2000

LETTER dated 12/1/00 from Counsel for pltff to Judge Lindsay re: Request for additional time to complete discovery in this matter. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 01/02/2001)

RECAP
29 Dec. 12, 2000

ORDER granting [29-1] motion to extend time for the Settlment conference scheduled for 12/21/00 ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 12/12/00) cf (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 01/02/2001)

RECAP
31 Feb. 1, 2001

LETTER dated 2/1/01 from Keith Tashima to Counsel re: All discovery was to be concluded by 9/25/00. Proposed joint pre-trial order was to be submitted on 10/19/00 and is overdue. A proposed order is to be submitted to chambers immediately. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 02/06/2001)

RECAP
30 Feb. 5, 2001

LETTER dated 2/1/01 from Keith Tashine to Counsel re: all discovery was completed on 9/25/00. Proposed Joint pre-trial order was to be submited to Judge Lindsay on 10/19/00 and is now overdue. A proposed order is to be submitted to chambers immediately. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 02/05/2001)

RECAP
32 Feb. 9, 2001

Calendar entry:, Before Magistrate Judge Lindsay dtd 2/9/01 civil Cause for conference. All parties present. set status conference for 10:00 3/14/01 before Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 02/12/2001)

RECAP
33 March 7, 2001

ORDER, reset status conference for 3:00 4/2/01 before Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay ( signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay, on 3/7/01) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/08/2001)

RECAP
35 March 8, 2001

MEMORANDUM and ORDER granting in part, denying in part [16-1] motion to consolidate 99 CV 2844, 99cv3126 and 99 CV 4238 pursuant to Rule 42(a); certifying this case as a class action pursuant to Rule 23; appointing Herbst & Greenwald LLP as class and lead counsel; appointing Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and their local counsel in the Iaffaldano case, Cromwell & Yerman, as class counsel. Pltff's motion is granted in part to the entent that it seeks consolidation of this action 99cv3126 with Case nos. 99CV2844 and 99CV4238 for all purposes, denied in part to the extent it seeks certification of a unified class action and appointment of class counsel, and Denied in part without prejudice to renew to the extent it seeks appointment of Herbst & Greenwald as lead counsel;and the parties in the erstwhile unconsolidated cases shall endeavor to file a stip and order of consolidation within 30 days after the date of this memorandum opinion and order setting forth the details of consolidation, but that if the parties are unable or unwilling to so stipulate, then pltffs' counsel shall serve and file in its stead a proposed order of consolidation, and the remaining parties may serve and file within 10 days after service thereof letter submittions proposing appropriate changes thereto. ( signed by Judge Denis Hurley, on 3/8/01) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) Modified on 11/19/2004 (Mahon, Cinthia). (Entered: 03/12/2001)

RECAP
March 8, 2001

Cases associated. (Mahon, Cinthia)

March 12, 2001

Consolidated Lead Case (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/12/2001)

PACER
March 12, 2001

Consolidated Member Case . Lead Case Number: 0cv99 2844 (Mierzewski, Liz)

36 March 26, 2001

LETTER dated 3/23/01 from Counsel for pltffs to Judge Hurley re: Request for a pre-motion conference. (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/27/2001)

RECAP
37 March 26, 2001

LETTER dated 3/26/01 from Counsel for defts. to Judge Hurley re: Request that the court deny pltffs' request for a conference and permission to file a motion to renew and reargue . (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/30/2001)

RECAP
38 April 2, 2001

ORDER, that the Court waives the requirement of a pre-motion conference and sets the following presumptive briefing schedule and page limitations: Pltffs shall serve their motion and 15 page limited memorandum in support on or before 4/6/01; Defts shall serve their 15 page limited memo in opposition on or before 4/13/01, and pltffs shall serve their 10 page limited reply memorandum, if any, and file all papers with the Court on or before 4/17/01 ( signed by Judge Denis Hurley, on 3/28/01) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 04/02/2001)

RECAP
April 2, 2001

Endorsed order, (in doc. 31) set settlement conference for 5/30/01 before Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay ( Signed by Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay , on 4/2/01) (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 04/05/2001)

PACER
May 30, 2001

Tele−conference held (Branciforte, Ralph) (Entered: 05/31/2001)

PACER
May 30, 2001

CASE NO LONGER REFERRED TO Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay (Garcia, Maria) (Entered: 05/30/2001)

PACER
May 30, 2001

CASE NO LONGER REFERRED TO Magistrate Arlene R. Lindsay (Garcia, Maria)

39 June 20, 2001

MANDATE OF USCA (certified copy) Re: petition for leave to appeal is denied. Copy forwarded to chambers for review. (Lopez, Luz) (Entered: 06/21/2001)

RECAP
May 20, 2002

Endorsement [48−1] letter. Defendants are directed to the Court's Individual Practice Rule 2(A), and to serve and file a letter responsive to the letter of the Iaffaldano and Augustin plaintiffs dtd 12/7/00, seeking a pre−motion conference regarding their proposed motion for summary judgment. This order is related to: Augustin, No. CV99−3126; Iaffaldano, No CV99−4238 ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 5/20/02) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 05/22/2002)

PACER
Feb. 7, 2003

Endorsed order granting [58−1] motion to extend time for defendant's to serve responsive papers; Briefing schedule is adjusted as follows: Defendants shall serve their opposition papers on or before 2/14/03; (2) Plaintiff shall serve their reply papers on or before 2/28/03; (3) Plaintiffs shall file all originals and courtesy copies for the Court on 3/7/03; (4) in all other respects, the Court's original scheduling order shall control ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 2/7/03) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 02/12/2003)

PACER
40 Feb. 13, 2003

Letter MOTION by County of Nassau to extend time to respond to plaintiffs' application to renew the argument in support of class certification, No Motion hearing (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/04/2003)

RECAP
Feb. 24, 2003

Endorsed order granting [62−1] motion to extend time to serve reply papers to the motion for class certification to 2/25/03 ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 2/24/03) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/04/2003)

PACER
Feb. 24, 2003

Endorsement [63−1] letter. Plaintiff's response shall be served on or before 2/18/03; Defendants reply shall be served by 3/4/03; Defendants shall file all originals and courtesy copies on 3/6/03; the Court's original scheduling order controls in all other respects. ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley , on 2/24/03) cm (Mierzewski, Liz) (Entered: 03/04/2003)

PACER
Feb. 24, 2003

Endorsed order granting [40-1] motion to extend time to respond to plaintiffs' application to renew the argument in support of class certification. ( Signed by Judge Denis Hurley, on 2/24/03) (See document 99cv2844 for details) cm (Mierzewski, Liz)

Oct. 16, 2003

ORDER granting the 67 Letter motion by defendants for an extension of time to file a response, if any, to the Court's invitation to address the issue of whether liability has been conceded for all purposes in this action. Defendants shall file their contemplated papers on or before 10/17/03 @12:00 noon on 10/21/03.. Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 10/16/03. cm(Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 10/30/2003)

PACER
41 Oct. 20, 2003

Letter APPLICATION dtd. 10/17/03 from Paul F. Millus to Hon. J. Hurley requesting to file a summary judgment motion on the issue of whether liability has been conceded for all purposes in this action as against all dfts as requested in Judge's decisiion of 9/23/03. (Barhome, Sydelle) (Entered: 11/18/2003)

RECAP
73 Oct. 20, 2003

Letter REQUEST dtd. 10/17/03 from Paul F. Millus to Hon. J. Hurley requesting permission to file a summary judgment motion on the issue of whether liability has been conceded for all purposes in this action against all dfts as requested in the decision of 9/23/03. (Barhome, Sydelle) (Entered: 11/18/2003)

PACER
42 Oct. 22, 2003

Letter dtd. 10/22/03 from Paul F. Millus to Hon. J. Hurley responding to Mr. Herbst's letter to Court dtd. 10/20/03 in which he again seeks this Court's reconsideration of the class certification issue. Nassau County requests permission to submit a response to Mr. Herbst's letter by 11/3/03. (Barhome, Sydelle) (Entered: 11/18/2003)

RECAP
43 Nov. 4, 2003

Letter dtd. 11/3/03 from Paul F. Millus to Hon. J. Hurley confirming that Joseph Jablonsky has been indemnified by the Nassau County Indemnification Board. Confirming Judge Wexler's decision declaring unconstitutional the then strip search policy at the NCCC, and the Second Circuit's decisions affirming the lower court's ruling make it clear that liability must be conceded for all purposes in this action against all remaining dfts based on the facts in this case. (Barhome, Sydelle) (Entered: 11/18/2003)

RECAP
44 Nov. 26, 2003

LETTER dtd 11/25/03 from Counsel for Defendants to Judge Hurley Regarding Request for permission to make a motion to withdraw as attorneys of record.. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/08/2003)

RECAP
46 Dec. 4, 2003

LETTER MOTION dtd 12/3/03 from Counsel for Defendants to Judge Hurley Regarding: Request that the Court reschedule the conference presently scheduled for 12/5/03. Request to withdraw as counsel for defendants.. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/11/2003)

RECAP
Dec. 4, 2003

ENDORSED ORDER re 46 Letter Motion. Defendants' request to substitute counsel and Mr. Millus' associated request to withdraw are granted. . Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 12/4/03. cm(Mierzejewski, Elizabeth)

45 Dec. 5, 2003

Minute Entry Case called for proceedings held before Denis R. Hurley : Final Pretrial Conference held on 12/5/2003. For Plaintiff: Robert Herbst, For Defendant: Paul Millus. Status Conference set for 1/16/2004 03:00 PM before Senior-Judge Sterling Johnson Jr. Paul Millus withdraws as counsel for the County. County Attorney to file appearance. February 2, 2004 jury selection adjourned. Parties to discuss settlement. (Mierzejewski, (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/11/2003)

RECAP
74 Dec. 5, 2003

Minute Entry Case called for proceedings held before Denis R. Hurley : Final Pretrial Conference held on 12/5/2003. For Plaintiff: Robert Herbst, For Defendant: Paul Millus. Status Conference set for 1/16/2004 03:00 PM before Senior−Judge Sterling Johnson Jr. Paul Millus withdraws as counsel for the County. County Attorney to file appearance. February 2, 2004 jury selection adjourned. Parties to discuss settlement. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/11/2003)

PACER
75 Dec. 5, 2003

ORDER that the Final Pretrial Conference is set for 1/16/2004 03:00 PM before Judge Denis R. Hurley. All parties are instructed to attend this conference with the authority to discuss settlement. The trial date is adjourned until a date to be decided at the 1/16/04, conference.. Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 12/5/03. cm(Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/11/2003)

PACER
76 Jan. 16, 2004

Calendar Entry for proceedings held before Denis R. Hurley on 1/16/04 at 3:15 p.m. for Civil Cause for Final Pretrial Conference; Appearances: For pltff.: Robert Herbst, Matthew Brinckerhoff; For deft.: Michael Langer. Case called. Counsel for all sides present. Court recommends settlement amount. Counsel to confer and contact the Court on 1/30/04 at 1:30 p.m. by phone. Jury selection & trial scheduled for 4/19/04 at 9:30 a.m. Jury selection set for 4/19/04 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Denis R. Hurley; Jury trial set for 4/19/04 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Denis R. Hurley. Trial anticipated to last three (3) weeks. (Fagan, Linda) (Entered: 01/27/2004)

PACER
77 Jan. 26, 2004

Letter from Michael J. Langer to Honorable Denis R. Hurley, dated 1/20/04 re: To request that the defts have until Wednesday, 1/28/04, by which time they will inform the Court as to how the defts wish to proceed with respect to whether or not the defts intend to reopen the issue of the defts' concession of liability for the strip searches conducted on pltffs in this matter. (Fagan, Linda) Modified on 2/4/2004 (Fagan, Linda). (Entered: 02/04/2004)

PACER
Jan. 26, 2004

Endorsed ORDER on 77 Letter. Application Granted. ( Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 1/26/04. ) eod #77(Fagan, Linda) (Entered: 02/04/2004)

PACER
78 Jan. 28, 2004

LETTER MOTION dtd 1/28/04 from Counsel for Defendants to Judge Hurley Regarding: Defendanta wish to clarify their concession of liability with respect to the strip searches conducted on plaintiffs in this matter. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/05/2004)

PACER
79 Jan. 29, 2004

ORDER re 78 Letter motion. In accordance with the Court's directions at the 1/16/04, conference, Defendants have submitted a letter regarding their concession of liability. In this letter, Defendants have indicated that they wish to modify their previous concession of liability. Pursuant to that request, Defendants request leave to file a formal clarification of their concessions. The Court will entertain, as a cross motion, a renewed motion to certify a class. With that said, the parties shall adhere to the following schedule: Defendants shall submit their proposed motion on or before 2/17/04. Plaintiffs shall submit their opposition, if any, as well as any cross−motion, on or before 3/5/04, as well as their opposition to any cross motion, on or before 3/22/04; Plaintiffs shall serve their reply with regard to any cross motion on or before 32/9/04; If no cross motion is filed, Defendants shall file all originals, as well as courtesy copies fo the Court on 3/22/04; if a cross motion is filed Plaintiffs shall file all originals, as well as courtesy copies for the Court, on or before 3/29/04.. Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 1/29/04. cm(Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/05/2004)

PACER
83 March 19, 2004

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 82 MOTION to Certify Class by Stuart Moskowitz, Francis O'Day. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
84 March 19, 2004

REPLY in Support re 82 MOTION to Certify Class by Stuart Moskowitz, Francis O'Day. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
85 March 19, 2004

MEMORANDUM in Support re 82 MOTION to Certify Class by Joseph Jablonsky, Jane/John Does 1−200, Nassau County, Nassau County Sheriff's Department. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
87 March 19, 2004

MEMORANDUM in Support re 82 MOTION to Certify Class by Joseph Jablonsky, Jane/John Does 1−200, Nassau County, Nassau County Sheriff's Department. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
80 March 22, 2004

LETTER MOTION dtd 3/22/04 from Counsel for Defendants to Judge Hurley Regarding Request that this Court allow the plaintiffs to file all submissions with the Court on the motion and cross motion on 3/29/04.. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/29/2004)

PACER
March 22, 2004

ORDER Granting the 80 Letter Motion that the Court allow the plaintiffs to file all submissions with the Court on the motion and cross−motion on 3/29/04.. Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 3/23/04. cm (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/29/2004)

PACER
86 March 29, 2004

MOTION for an order allowing the defendants; concession of liability to exist only as to the searches that are governed by the decision in Sham v. Ellison,52F.Supp. 2d. 564(EDNY1999), aff'd, 273 F.#d 56 (2d Cir.2001) Nassau County V. Shain 503 U.S. 1083 (2002). by Joseph Jablonsky, Jane/John Does 1−200, Nassau County, Nassau County Sheriff's Department (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
88 March 29, 2004

AFFIDAVIT of Paul Millus in Support of the 86 Notice (Other), Notice (Other) by Joseph Jablonsky, Jane/John Does 1−200, Nassau County, Nassau County Sheriff's Department. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/07/2004)

PACER
81 March 30, 2004

LETTER dtd 3/30/04 from Counsel for plaintiff to Judge Hurley Regarding: Enclosed Exhibit 1 to the reply memorandum of law filed and served yesterday in support of plaintiffs' cross motion for class certification.. (Mierzejewski, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/05/2004)

PACER
90 Aug. 18, 2004

Letter dated 8/17/04 from Spencer Freedman to Hon. Denis R. Hurley re: Writing to bring a decision the Second Circuit has recently vacated regarding a preliminary injunction agst. the County of Orange in a class action on behalf of individuals subjected to a routine strip search policy at a county jail. (Dachille, Patti) (Entered: 09/03/2004)

PACER
89 Aug. 20, 2004

ORDER denying 82 Motion to Certify Class and granting 86 Defendants' Motion to Clarify Concession of Liability.. Signed by JudgeDenis R. Hurley on 08/20/04. (Ott, Christopher) Additional attachment(s) added on 10/4/2004 (Fagan, Linda). (Entered: 08/20/2004)

PACER
91 Oct. 1, 2004

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Denis R. Hurley : Interim Pretrial Conference held on 10/1/2004. (Court Reporter OWEN WICKER.) (Best, Patricia) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

PACER
92 Oct. 7, 2004

Letter from Spencer Freedman to Matthew D. Brinckerhoff, Esq.; Jeffrey G. Smith, Esq.; Esther Miller, Esq., dated 10/4/04 re: To inform counsel' about what transpired at the 10/1/04 status conference in the above−referenced matter. (Fagan, Linda) (Entered: 10/18/2004)

PACER
93 Nov. 3, 2004

Letter from Deputy County Attorney Liora M. Ben−Sorek to Judge Hurley Regarding defendant's request to adjourn trial for purpose of conducting discovery and because of conflicting schedule. (Ben−Sorek, Liora) (Entered: 11/03/2004)

PACER
94 Nov. 19, 2004

Letter from Robert L. Herbst to Hon. Denis R. Hurley Regarding County's requests for discovery period and adjournment of trial date. (Herbst, Robert) (Entered: 11/19/2004)

PACER
Nov. 24, 2004

Email Test − DO NOT REPLY (Mahon, Cinthia) (Entered: 11/24/2004)

PACER
Dec. 1, 2004

Email Test − DO NOT REPLY (Mahon, Cinthia) (Entered: 12/01/2004)

PACER
95 Dec. 30, 2004

Letter from Deputy County Attorney Liora M. Ben−Sorek to Robert L. Herbst, Esq., Matthew D. Brinckerhoff, Esq. and Jeffrey G. Smith, Esq., counsel for the respective plaintiffs, Regarding confirmation of conference before Hon. Denis R. Hurley on January 5, 2005 conference at 11:00 a.m.. (Ben−Sorek, Liora) (Entered: 12/30/2004)

PACER
96 Jan. 3, 2005

Letter from Nassau County Attorney Lorna B. Goodman to Hon. Denis R. Hurley Regarding background information for conference to be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2005. (Ben−Sorek, Liora) (Entered: 01/03/2005)

PACER
98 Jan. 4, 2005

Letter from Robert L. Herbst to The Honorable Denis R. Hurley, dated 1/3/05 re: To advise the Court with regard to settlement negotiations, that it appears the primary obstacle to settlement at this juncture is the County's reticence to stipulate to the individual named pltffs' right to appeal the Court's denial of class certification after judgment is entered purs. to a settlement agreement. (Fagan, Linda) (Entered: 01/06/2005)

PACER
97 Jan. 5, 2005

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Denis R. Hurley : Settlement Conference held on 1/5/2005. (Court Reporter Harry Rapaprt.) (Best, Patricia) (Entered: 01/05/2005)

PACER
47 Jan. 11, 2005

ORDER DISMISSING CASE without prejudice. Signed by Judge Denis R. Hurley on 1/11/2005. (Best, Patricia) (Entered: 01/11/2005)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

New York

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Strip Search Cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 3, 1999

Closing Date: 2017

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All persons arrested for misdemeanors or non-criminal offenses in Nassau County who were strip searched at Nassau County Correctional Facility pursuant to defendants' Blanket Policy, from May 20, 1996 until June 1, 1999.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

County

County of Nassau

Nassau County Sheriff's Department

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of New York 0:99-cv-03126

Eastern District of New York 0:99-cv-04238

Eastern District of New York 0:99-cv-02844

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit 05-04206

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit 05-04211

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit 05-04542

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: $350,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Disciplinary procedures

Search policies

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Male

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Strip search policy (facilities)

Recommended Citation