Case: Williams v. Kaufman County

3:97-cv-00875 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Filed Date: April 21, 1997

Closed Date: Oct. 7, 2004

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas by persons subjected to strip-searches which occurred at a nightclub during a drug bust. 17 people sued; four were later dismissed. Most plaintiffs settled for $65,400 to be distributed among them. Three went on to trial, and were awarded $100 each in nominal damages and $15,000 each in punitive damages against the sheriff. The court denied the injunction, saying it would be unnecessary/redundant. Williams v. Kauf…

This case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas by persons subjected to strip-searches which occurred at a nightclub during a drug bust. 17 people sued; four were later dismissed. Most plaintiffs settled for $65,400 to be distributed among them. Three went on to trial, and were awarded $100 each in nominal damages and $15,000 each in punitive damages against the sheriff. The court denied the injunction, saying it would be unnecessary/redundant. Williams v. Kaufman County, 86 F.Supp.2d 586 (N.D.Tex. Feb 07, 2000) (NO. CIV.A.3:97-CV-0875-L).

The judgment was affirmed by the Fifth Circuit in Williams v. Kaufman County, 352 F.3d 994 (5th Cir.(Tex.) Dec 09, 2003) (NO. 02-10500). The court (Judge Weiner) held that (1) absent individualized reasonable suspicion

or probable cause, the strip searches were unlawful; (2) the law was clearly established by the relevant time that strip-searching individuals, absent particularized reasonable suspicion or probable cause, was unlawful, thus precluding sheriff's entitlement to qualified immunity; (3) although the prolonged detention of plaintiffs was unlawful, the law was not clearly stablished that sheriff's generalized law enforcement safety interests

were insufficient to permit the detention until search's completion, and so

the district court properly granted qualified immunity on the unlawful detention

claims; (4) plaintiffs' invasion-of-privacy claim was redundant, to the extent based on the Fourth Amendment; (5) plaintiffs failed to assert a separate,

equal protection claim arising from officers' use of racial epithets; (6) plaintiffs established county's municipal liability for their strip search and

detention; (7) the district court did not err in imposing nominal damages of $100.00 per plaintiff; (8) the record supported the district court's conclusion that sheriff acted with reckless indifference toward plaintiffs' constitutional rights, thus justifying an award of punitive damages; (9) punitive damages of $15,000.00 per plaintiff were not excessive; and (10) declaratory relief granted plaintiffs for defendants' violation of the Texas Constitution was appropriate.

Summary Authors

Denise Heberle (8/14/2012)

People


Judge(s)

Barksdale, Rhesa Hawkins (Mississippi)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Birnberg, Gerald M. (Texas)

Bundren, William Charles (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Carson, Caryn L. (Texas)

Carter, Edgar Leon (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

3:97-cv-00875

Docket [PACER]

Williams, et al v. Kaufman County, et al

Oct. 7, 2004

Oct. 7, 2004

Docket
28

3:97-cv-00875

Order [Granting Defendant's Motion to Compel]

Williams v. Kaufman County, et al.

April 28, 1998

April 28, 1998

Order/Opinion
67

3:97-cv-00875

Order [Denying Motion to Dismiss; Granting Motion for Sanctions]

Williams, et al. v. Kaufman County, et al.

July 24, 1998

July 24, 1998

Order/Opinion
73

3:97-cv-00875

Findings and Recommendation of the United States Magistrate Judge

Sept. 18, 1998

Sept. 18, 1998

Order/Opinion

1998 WL 34190569

75

3:97-cv-00875

Findings and Recommendation of the United States Magistrate Judge

Sept. 18, 1998

Sept. 18, 1998

Order/Opinion

1998 WL 34190568

86

3:97-cv-00875

Order [Adopting Recommendation of Mag.; Granting Def's Motion to Dismiss]

Williams, et al. v. Kaufman County, et al.

Oct. 14, 1998

Oct. 14, 1998

Order/Opinion

1998 WL 34188819

87

3:97-cv-00875

Order [Re: Motions for S/J]

Williams, et al. v. Kaufman County, et al.

Nov. 12, 1998

Nov. 12, 1998

Order/Opinion
100

3:97-cv-00875

Memorandum Opinion and Order [Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendant's Motion for S/J]

Feb. 7, 2000

Feb. 7, 2000

Order/Opinion

86 F.Supp.2d 586

150

3:97-cv-00875

Memorandum Opinion and Order [Awarding Damages, Denying Injunction, Granting Atty's Fees]

March 29, 2002

March 29, 2002

Order/Opinion

2002 WL 519814

3:97-cv-00875

[Superseded Opinion]

April 9, 2003

April 9, 2003

Order/Opinion

2003 WL 21500401

Docket

Last updated March 26, 2025, 9:23 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 April 21, 1997

COMPLAINT filed. Filing Fee $ 150.00 Receipt # 91536 (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 04/22/1997)

PACER
2 April 21, 1997

REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Service as to Kaufman County, Robert Harris 4/21/97 Waiver of Service due by 5/21/97 for Robert Harris, for Kaufman County (1) (jrb) (Entered: 04/22/1997)

PACER
April 21, 1997

PRELIMINARY ASSIGNMENT TO Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 04/22/1997)

PACER
3 April 24, 1997

ORDER...service may not be withheld. This case will be dismissed if the dfts are not served within 30 days fromthe date of this order. ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 4/25/97 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 04/25/1997)

PACER
5 June 2, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed as to defendant Kaufman County by serving Kaufman County Judge...Maxine Darst... 5/21/97 Answer due on 6/10/97 for Kaufman County (2) (jrb) Modified on 06/30/1998 (Entered: 06/03/1997)

PACER
6 June 2, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed as to defendant Robert Harris 5/21/97 Answer due on 6/10/97 for Robert Harris (2) (duplicate entry of #7; no corresponding document) (jrb) Modified on 07/31/1998 (Entered: 06/03/1997)

PACER
7 June 2, 1997

RETURN OF SERVICE executed personally as to defendant Robert Harris 5/21/97 Answer due on 6/10/97 for Robert Harris (2) (jrb) Modified on 07/31/1998 (Entered: 06/05/1997)

PACER
8 June 18, 1997

NOTICE of change of address for plaintiffs' counsel by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown (3) (jrb) (Entered: 06/18/1997)

PACER
9 July 3, 1997

Original ANSWER to Complaint by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (Attorney Stephen Cass Weiland)(5) (jrb) (Entered: 07/07/1997)

PACER
10 Aug. 22, 1997

Standard SCHEDULING ORDER setting Docket call set for 8/3/98 ; Amending of Pleadings on 12/19/97 ; Discovery cutoff 2/17/98 ; Deadline for filing of dispositive motions 3/19/98 ; Pretrial materials due on 7/21/98 Pretrial conference for 7/31/98 ; ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 8/22/98 Page(s): 15 (sak) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
10 Aug. 22, 1997

STATUS REPORT ORDER. Joint Status report due on 10/21/97 ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 8/22/97 Page(s): 15 (sak) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
Aug. 22, 1997

Utility Flag set. (amy) (Entered: 09/05/1997)

PACER
11 Oct. 21, 1997

Joint STATUS REPORT by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown, defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (4) (jrb) (Entered: 10/22/1997)

PACER
12 Nov. 20, 1997

ORDER establishing procedures for the joint submission of all dispositive mtns...see order for specifics. ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 11/21/97 Page(s) 6 (jrb) (Entered: 11/21/1997)

PACER
13 March 27, 1998

First AMENDED Original COMPLAINT by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown , (Answer due 4/6/98 for Robert Harris, for Kaufman County ) amending [1-1] complaint (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 03/30/1998)

PACER
14 April 2, 1998

Discovery Dispute No 1/MOTION with memorandum in support by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to compel (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 04/03/1998)

PACER
April 2, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [14-1] motion to compel referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 04/03/1998)

PACER
15 April 3, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 9:30 4/8/98 for [14-1] motion to compel , and Response to motion reset to 12:00 4/7/98 for [14-1] motion to compel ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/6/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 04/06/1998)

PACER
16 April 7, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 10:30 4/17/98 for [14-1] motion to compel , and Response to motion reset to 4/14/98 for [14-1] motion to compel ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/8/98 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

PACER
17 April 9, 1998

***unfiled***MOTION by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown to amend [13-1] amended complaint (5) (jrb) Modified on 07/29/1998 (Entered: 04/10/1998)

PACER
18 April 9, 1998

Designation of Expert Witnesses by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (2) (jrb) (Entered: 04/10/1998)

PACER
19 April 10, 1998

ORDER unfiling [17-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/13/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 04/13/1998)

PACER
20 April 10, 1998

Standing ORDER on all non-dispositive mtns...see order for specifics. ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/13/98 Page(s) 3 (jrb) (Entered: 04/13/1998)

PACER
21 April 13, 1998

MOTION by plaintiff David NMN Brown to dismiss/to non-suit (2) (jrb) Modified on 04/29/1998 (Entered: 04/14/1998)

PACER
22 April 14, 1998

MOTION by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown to compel dfts to produce documenets, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 04/15/1998)

PACER
24 April 14, 1998

ORDER unfiling [21-1] motion to dismiss/to non-suit by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown due to the following deficiency: no proposed order Copies to counsel: 4/15/98 (signed by Judge Jerry Buchmeyer ) Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 04/15/1998)

PACER
April 14, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [22-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documenets, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 04/15/1998)

PACER
April 14, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [23-1] motion to quash deposition notices, mtn for protective order and plaintiffs' response to dfts' "Discovery Dispute No 1 and brief in support" and Plaintiffs' brief in support of such mtns and responses referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 04/15/1998)

PACER
25 April 15, 1998

ORDER unfiling [23-1] motion to quash deposition notices, mtn for protective order and plaintiffs' response to dfts' "Discovery Dispute No 1 and brief in support" and Plaintiffs' brief in support of such mtns and responses, unfiling [22-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documenets, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/15/98 Page(s) 4 (jrb) (Entered: 04/15/1998)

PACER
26 April 17, 1998

Minute order: Mtn to compel Held before Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan Court Reporter: electronic (2) (jrb) (Entered: 04/20/1998)

PACER
April 17, 1998

Motion hearing re: [14-1] motion to compel Motion hearing held (jrb) (Entered: 04/20/1998)

PACER
27 April 27, 1998

Second MOTION by plaintiff David NMN Brown to dismiss/to non-suit (2) (jrb) (Entered: 04/29/1998)

PACER
28 April 28, 1998

ORDER granting in part, denying in part [14-1] motion to compel...see order for specifics. ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 4/29/98 Page(s) 3 (jrb) (Entered: 04/29/1998)

PACER
29 April 28, 1998

ORDER granting [27-1] motion to dismiss/to non-suit...without prejudice to the refiling of same. ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 4/29/98 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 04/29/1998)

PACER
30 April 30, 1998

MOTION by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to continue trial date and modify dispositive mtn deadline (12) (jrb) (Entered: 05/01/1998)

PACER
31 May 8, 1998

Joint STATUS REPORT Plaintiffs' Mtn to compel production of documents from dft Plaintiff's mtn to extend time to designate experts witnesses plaintiffs; mtn to extend the discovery deadline plaintiffs' mtn to quash dfts' deposition notices by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr (7) plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown, defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (jrb) (Entered: 05/11/1998)

PACER
32 May 8, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown to amend [13-1] amended complaint (4) (jrb) (Entered: 05/11/1998)

PACER
33 May 8, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 05/11/1998)

PACER
34 May 8, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 05/11/1998)

PACER
May 8, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan, [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan, [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 05/11/1998)

PACER
35 May 11, 1998

RESPONSE by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff John NMI Jackson, plaintiff Karran Brown, plaintiff David NMN Brown Response to [30-1 Defendant's motion to continue trial date and modify dispositive mtn deadline (4) (dst) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
37 May 18, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 9:00 5/29/98 for [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline, set for 9:00 5/29/98 for [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order, set for 9:00 5/29/98 for [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint , reps Response to motion reset to 5/26/98 for [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline, reset to 5/26/98 for [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order, reset to 5/26/98 for [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 5/19/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 05/19/1998)

PACER
38 May 19, 1998

MOTION by plaintiff John NMI Jackson to dismiss/to non-suit (2) (jrb) (Entered: 05/20/1998)

PACER
39 May 21, 1998

ORDER granting [38-1] motion to dismiss/to non-suit...John Jackson is non-suited from the matter without prejudice to the refiling of same. ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 5/21/98 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 05/21/1998)

PACER
40 May 22, 1998

REPLY by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to response to [30-1] motion to continue trial date and modify dispositive mtn deadline (4) (alh) (Entered: 05/26/1998)

PACER
41 May 26, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline, [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order, [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 05/27/1998)

PACER
42 May 29, 1998

Minute order: plaintiff's mtns Held before Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan Court Reporter: electronic (3) (jrb) (Entered: 05/29/1998)

PACER
May 29, 1998

Motion hearing re: [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline Motion hearing held, [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order Motion hearing held, [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint Motion hearing held (jrb) (Entered: 05/29/1998)

PACER
43 June 3, 1998

ORDER denying [34-1] motion to compel dfts to produce documents, to extend time to designate plaintiffs' experts and to extend the discovery deadline ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 6/4/98 Page(s) 3 (jrb) (Entered: 06/04/1998)

PACER
44 June 3, 1998

ORDER granting [30-1] motion to continue trial date and modify dispositive mtn deadline reset scheduling order deadlines: Deadline for filing of dispositive motions by 6/12/98 Docket call reset for 8/1/98 ; ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 6/4/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 06/04/1998)

PACER
45 June 3, 1998

ORDER denying [33-1] motion to quash deposition notices and mtn for protective order ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 6/4/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 06/04/1998)

PACER
46 June 3, 1998

ORDER denying [32-1] motion to amend [13-1] amended complaint ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 6/4/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 06/04/1998)

PACER
47 June 5, 1998

NOTICE of mtn to dismiss filed by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (2) (jrb) (Entered: 06/08/1998)

PACER
48 June 12, 1998

SECOND NOTICE of MOTION by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (2) (lag) (Entered: 06/12/1998)

PACER
49 June 12, 1998

NOTICE of Motion for Summary Judgment, Brief and Order by plaintiff(2) (svc) (Entered: 06/15/1998)

PACER
50 June 29, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions (9) (jrb) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
51 June 29, 1998

Appendix to dfts' mtn to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for Sanctions and brief in support thereof by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
52 June 29, 1998

NOTICE of default regarding dfts' mtn to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (3) (jrb) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
53 June 30, 1998

NOTICE of response by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (2) (jrb) (Entered: 07/01/1998)

PACER
54 July 1, 1998

Rule 26(a)(3) Disclosure/ Witness list by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown (4) (jrb) Modified on 07/02/1998 (Entered: 07/02/1998)

PACER
54 July 1, 1998

Rule 26(a)(3) Disclosure/ Exhibit list by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown (4) (jrb) (Entered: 07/02/1998)

PACER
54 July 1, 1998

Rule 26(a)(3) Disclosure/Designation of Depositions by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown (4) (jrb) (Entered: 07/02/1998)

PACER
55 July 2, 1998

NOTICE of response by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown (2) (jrb) (Entered: 07/06/1998)

PACER
56 July 8, 1998

ORDER OF REFERENCE: [50-1] motion to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions and plaintiffs' mtn for sumjgm (notice filed 6/12/98 and dfts' mtn for sumjgm (notice filed 6/12/98) referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan ( Signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 7/9/98 Page(s): 1 (jrb) (Entered: 07/09/1998)

PACER
57 July 9, 1998

MOTION with memorandum in support by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown for summary judgment (5) (jrb) Modified on 07/17/1998 (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
58 July 9, 1998

REPLY by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown to response to [57-1] motion for summary judgment (10) (jrb) (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
59 July 9, 1998

ORDER...re: mtns for sumjgm...plaintiffs and dfts shall file two separate pkgs with the district clerk by 7/17/98...copies of both pkgs should be hand-delivered to the chambers of the mag judge by 7/17/98...see order for further specifics. ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 7/10/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
60 July 9, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 10:00 7/17/98 for [50-1] motion to dismiss all claims brought by Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions , and Response to motion reset to 7/14/98 for [50-1] motion to dismiss claims brought by Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 7/10/98 Page(s) 2 (jrb) Modified on 08/17/1998 (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
62 July 9, 1998

RESPONSE by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to [57-1] motion for summary judgment (6) (jrb) (Entered: 07/16/1998)

PACER
61 July 10, 1998

Rule 26(a)(3) Disclosures/Witness list by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (7) (jrb) (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
61 July 10, 1998

Rule 26(a)(3) Disclosures/Exhibit list by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (7) (jrb) (Entered: 07/10/1998)

PACER
63 July 15, 1998

JOINT MOTION SUBMISSION: for summary judgment by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown, defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 07/16/1998)

PACER
July 15, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (amy) (Entered: 08/04/1998)

PACER
65 July 17, 1998

JOINT MOTION SUBMISSION: for summary judgment by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown, defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris (15+) (jrb) (Entered: 07/21/1998)

PACER
July 17, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (amy) (Entered: 08/04/1998)

PACER
66 July 24, 1998

Minute order: Mtn to dismiss and for sanctions Held before Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan Court Reporter: electronic (3) (jrb) (Entered: 07/24/1998)

PACER
67 July 24, 1998

ORDER denying [50-1] motion to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and granting motion for sanctions...A) within 30 days of the entry of this Order, Sylvester Lewis is ordered to remit payment in the following amounts: 1) $625.00 to dfts Kaufman County and Kaufman County Sheriff Robert Harris for failure to appear at noticed depositions; 2) $1500.00 to the Clerk of this Court for failure to appear at plas' deposition scheduled by Court Order for May 7, 1998 at 2:00pm and 3) $3000.00 to the Clerk of the Court for failure to appear at the hearing scheduled by Court Order for July 24, 1998 at 10:00am; If pla Sylvester Lewis does not remit payment as described above within 30 days of the entry of this Order, all Pla's claims against dfts may be dismissed with prejudice...3. All relief not expressly granted is hereby Denied <SEE ORDER FOR SPECIFICS> (signed by Magistrate Judge Kaplan) Copies to counsel: 07/27/98 Page(s) 3 (lag) (Entered: 07/27/1998)

PACER
July 24, 1998

Motion hearing re: [50-1] motion to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for sanctions Motion hearing held (jrb) (Entered: 07/24/1998)

PACER
68 July 28, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 10:00 9/11/98 for [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment, set for 10:00 9/11/98 for [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment, set for 10:00 9/11/98 for [57-1] motion for summary judgment ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 7/29/98 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 07/29/1998)

PACER
69 Aug. 17, 1998

ORDER Motion hearing set for 11:00 9/18/98 for [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment, set for 11:00 9/18/98 for [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment ( signed by JK) Copies to counsel: 8/17/98 Page(s) 1 (jrb) (Entered: 08/17/1998)

PACER
70 Aug. 26, 1998

ORDER REASSIGNING CASE to Judge Sam A. Lindsay effective 9/1/98, pursuant to Special Order 3-168; case shall henceforth carry the suffix letter 'L'. ( signed by JB) Copies to counsel: 8/27/98 Page(s): 3 (tsp) (Entered: 08/27/1998)

PACER
71 Aug. 27, 1998

Renewed MOTION with memorandum in support by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for contempt (3) (jrb) (Entered: 08/28/1998)

PACER
Aug. 27, 1998

Motion(s) referred: [71-1] motion to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for contempt referred to Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan (jrb) (Entered: 08/28/1998)

PACER
72 Sept. 18, 1998

Minute order: Mtn hearing Held before Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan re: pla's mtn for sum jgm and dft's mtn for sum jgm Court Reporter: electronic; order to follow (3) (jas) (Entered: 09/21/1998)

PACER
73 Sept. 18, 1998

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS of Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan Re: [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment, [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment ; Motion no longer referred Objections to F and R due by 10/1/98...plaintiffs' mtn for sumjgm should be granted in party and denied in part...dfts' mtn for sumjgm should be granted in part and denied in part...see order for specifics. (jrb) (Entered: 09/22/1998)

PACER
74 Sept. 18, 1998

Instructions for service and NOTICE of right to object. (2) (jrb) (Entered: 09/22/1998)

PACER
75 Sept. 18, 1998

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS of Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan Re: [71-1] motion to dismiss Sylvester Lewis and for contempt ; Motion no longer referred Objections to F and R due by 10/1/98...should be granted. The claims asserted by Plaintiff Sylvester Lewis should be dismissed with prejudice. (jrb) (Entered: 09/22/1998)

PACER
76 Sept. 18, 1998

Instructions for service and NOTICE of right to object. (2) (jrb) (Entered: 09/22/1998)

PACER
Sept. 18, 1998

Motion hearing re: [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment Motion hearing held, [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment Motion hearing held before Mag Kaplan (jas) (Entered: 09/21/1998)

PACER
77 Sept. 23, 1998

CERTIFIED MAIL executed as to Kaufman County, Robert Harris 9/22/98 [73-1] findings & recommendations (jrb) (Entered: 09/24/1998)

PACER
78 Sept. 23, 1998

CERTIFIED MAIL executed as to Kaufman County, Robert Harris 9/22/98 [75-1] findings & recommendations (1) (jrb) (Entered: 09/24/1998)

PACER
79 Sept. 23, 1998

CERTIFIED MAIL executed as to Oscar D Williams Jr, Thomas Gene Brown, Leonard Avery, Francis Booker, Cecil NMI Jackson, Jacquelynn Surrell, Ricky Lewis, Brenda Allen, James nmi McDonald, Sylvester Lewis, L B Brumley, Clifford L Gibson, Gloria Surrell, Alisa NMI Allen, Karran Brown 9/22/98 [75-1] findings & recommendations (1) (jrb) (Entered: 09/24/1998)

PACER
80 Sept. 23, 1998

CERTIFIED MAIL executed as to Oscar D Williams Jr, Thomas Gene Brown, Leonard Avery, Francis Booker, Cecil NMI Jackson, Jacquelynn Surrell, Ricky Lewis, Brenda Allen, James nmi McDonald, Sylvester Lewis, L B Brumley, Clifford L Gibson, Gloria Surrell, Alisa NMI Allen, Karran Brown 9/22/98 [73-1] findings & recommendations (1) (jrb) (Entered: 09/24/1998)

PACER
82 Sept. 30, 1998

OBJECTION by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown to [73-1] findings & recommendations (5) (jrb) (Entered: 10/02/1998)

PACER
83 Oct. 1, 1998

OBJECTION by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris to [73-1] findings & recommendations (9) (jrb) (Entered: 10/02/1998)

PACER
84 Oct. 13, 1998

Joint STATUS REPORT by plaintiffs and defendants. (2) (jrb) (Entered: 10/14/1998)

PACER
85 Oct. 14, 1998

RESPONSE by plaintiff Oscar D Williams Jr, plaintiff Thomas Gene Brown, plaintiff Leonard Avery, plaintiff Francis Booker, plaintiff Cecil NMI Jackson, plaintiff Jacquelynn Surrell, plaintiff Ricky Lewis, plaintiff Brenda Allen, plaintiff James nmi McDonald, plaintiff Sylvester Lewis, plaintiff L B Brumley, plaintiff Clifford L Gibson, plaintiff Gloria Surrell, plaintiff Alisa NMI Allen, plaintiff Karran Brown in opposition to [83-1] objection (6) (jrb) (Entered: 10/15/1998)

PACER
86 Oct. 14, 1998

ORDER ADOPTING [75-1] findings & recommendations...all claims asserted by plaintiff Sylvester Lewis are dismissed with prejudice....that dft's renewed mtn to dismiss is granted. ( Signed by SAL) Copies to counsel: 10/15/98 Page(s): 1 (jrb) (Entered: 10/15/1998)

PACER
87 Nov. 12, 1998

ORDER granting in part, denying in part [65-1] joint motion for summary judgment, granting in part, denying in part [63-1] joint motion for summary judgment ( signed by SAL) ....see order for specifics. Copies to counsel: 11/13/98 Page(s) 3 (jrb) (Entered: 11/13/1998)

PACER
88 Nov. 30, 1998

Supplemental MOTION with memorandum in support by defendant Kaufman County, defendant Robert Harris for summary judgment (15+) (lag) (Entered: 12/01/1998)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

Texas

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Strip Search Cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 21, 1997

Closing Date: Oct. 7, 2004

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

13 individuals (male and female) that were strip-searched and temporarily detained by the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department during a cocaine raid on a nightclub in Terrell, TX.

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

Kaufman County

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Texas 3:97-cv-00875

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 02-10500

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 04-10658

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Male

Policing:

Strip search policy (policing)

Recommended Citation