Case: Orndorff v. Jefferson County

3:02-cv-05096 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: Feb. 25, 2002

Closed Date: 2004

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On February 25, 2002, an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail in Port Hadlock, Washington, brought a class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Jefferson County and corrections officials alleging inadequate health care, access to courts, staffing and unsanitary conditions. The inmates were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. On August 22, 2002, the court certified the class as all current or future persons…

On February 25, 2002, an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail in Port Hadlock, Washington, brought a class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Jefferson County and corrections officials alleging inadequate health care, access to courts, staffing and unsanitary conditions. The inmates were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. On August 22, 2002, the court certified the class as all current or future persons incarcerated in the Jefferson County Jail. The parties entered into a settlement agreement in which the defendants agreed to seek mental health accreditation for the jail, maintain the temperature in the jail within a mandated range, ensure inmates receive adequate hygiene supplies, offer recreation to inmates at least one hour per day seven days per week, fix and maintain the plumbing, provide personal storage for each inmate, prepare fire preparedness plans, maintain a log for use of the crisis cell and use of force, revise grievance and medical request forms, and prohibit jail staff from reading inmate mail. On January 27, 2004, after a fairness hearing the court (Judge Ronald Leighton) approved the settlement agreement and dismissed the case.

Summary Authors

Jaclyn Adams (4/5/2006)

People


Judge(s)

Leighton, Ronald B. (Washington)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Caplan, Aaron H. (Washington)

Fathi, David Cyrus (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Payne, Jon A. (Washington)

Silke, David W. (Washington)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

3:02-cv-05096

Docket [PACER]

March 10, 2005

March 10, 2005

Docket
1

3:02-cv-05096

Complaint- Class Action

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

Complaint

3:02-cv-05096

Settlement Agreement

Oct. 6, 2003

Oct. 6, 2003

Settlement Agreement
81

3:02-cv-05096

Order Approving Settlment Agreement and Dismissing Litigation

Jan. 27, 2004

Jan. 27, 2004

Order/Opinion

3:02-cv-05096

Court Approves Settlement of ACLU Lawsuit to Improve Conditions at County Jail in Washington State

No Court

Jan. 28, 2004

Jan. 28, 2004

Press Release

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 25, 2025, 8:14 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Feb. 25, 2002

COMPLAINT class action (Summons(es) issued) Receipt # 404849 (JAB) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

PACER
2 Feb. 25, 2002

MOTION by plaintiff to certify class action NOTED FOR 3/29/02 (JAB) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

PACER
3 Feb. 26, 2002

MINUTE ORDER RE: INITIAL DISCLOSURES, JOINT STATUS REPORT AND EARLY SETTLEMENT. Joint Status Report due 5/13/02 (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

PACER
4 Feb. 26, 2002

MINUTE ORDER re: DISCOVERY and DEPOSITIONS by Judge Robert J. Bryan (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

PACER
Feb. 26, 2002

LODGED ORDER: re: motion to certify class action [2-1] (JAB) (Entered: 02/26/2002)

PACER
5 March 6, 2002

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for all dfts by David W Silke (CAR) (Entered: 03/06/2002)

PACER
6 March 18, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE upon defendant Steve Richmond of summons/complaint on 3/11/02 (CM) (Entered: 03/19/2002)

PACER
7 March 20, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE of summons/complaint upon Donna M. Eldridge on 3/12/02 (EC) (Entered: 03/20/2002)

PACER
9 March 20, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE upon defendant Peter Piccini of summons/complaint on 3/15/02 (EC) (Entered: 03/21/2002)

PACER
10 March 20, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE upon defendant Carla Schuck of summons/complaint on 3/14/02 (EC) (Entered: 03/21/2002)

PACER
8 March 21, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE of summons/complaint, motion for class certification upon Donna Eldridge on 3/12/02 (EC) (Entered: 03/21/2002)

PACER
11 March 28, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan: RENOTED FOR 4/26/02 motion to certify class action [2-1] (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 03/28/2002)

PACER
March 28, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order to Renote Motion re: motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 03/28/2002)

PACER
12 April 22, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan that the motion for class certification [2-1] isi RENOTED to 5/24/02. **SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS** (cc: Judge) (CAR) (Entered: 04/23/2002)

PACER
April 22, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order to Renote Mtn (CAR) (Entered: 04/22/2002)

PACER
13 May 15, 2002

JOINT STATUS REPORT AND DISCOVERY PLAN filed by all parties. Est. Trial Days: 5-7 Attornies: attorney for defendant, attorney for plaintiff (EC) (Entered: 05/15/2002)

PACER
May 15, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order to Renote motion to certify class action [2-1] to 6/28/02 (EC) (Entered: 05/15/2002)

PACER
14 May 16, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan: RENOTED FOR 6/28/02 motion to certify class action [2-1] (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 05/16/2002)

PACER
16 June 4, 2002

ANSWER to complaint [1-1] by defendant (EC) (Entered: 06/05/2002)

PACER
June 19, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order to Renote Motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 06/19/2002)

PACER
17 June 21, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Jack E. Tanner RENOTING FOR 7/12/02 motion to certify class action [2-1] (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 06/21/2002)

PACER
July 8, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order to Renote Motion re: motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

PACER
18 July 12, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan: RENOTED FOR 8/23/02 motion to certify class action [2-1]; response ddl 8/15/02; reply ddl 8/22/02 (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 07/12/2002)

PACER
19 July 15, 2002

NOTICE of Unavailability of counsel David W Silke for defendant Steve Richmond from 7/11/02 to 7/25/02 (EC) (Entered: 07/15/2002)

PACER
July 22, 2002

PROPOSED Stipulation & Order to Compel the Attendance of Plt Shawn Orndorff at His Deposision Noted for Aug 1, 2002 (DK) (Entered: 07/23/2002)

PACER
20 July 24, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER to compel attendance of Pl Shawn Orndorff at depo noted for 8/1/02 by Judge Robert J. Bryan (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 07/24/2002)

PACER
21 Aug. 16, 2002

Dfts' Mem in Opp to pltf's motion to certify class action [2-1] (DK) (Entered: 08/19/2002)

PACER
22 Aug. 16, 2002

Dfts' DECLARATION of David W. Silke re mtn for class certification [21-1] (DK) (Entered: 08/19/2002)

PACER
23 Aug. 16, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE by defendant of motion response [21-1], of declaration [22-1] (DK) (Entered: 08/19/2002)

PACER
24 Aug. 22, 2002

REPLY by plaintiff TO RESPONSE to P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
25 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Bob Allen by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
26 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Kenneth B. Baker by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
27 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Brittany Bowman by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
28 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Brook R. Call by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
29 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Aaron H. Caplan by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
30 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Heath Cowing by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
31 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Michael DiPietro by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
32 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Dave Crook by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
33 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Roger Dumont by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
34 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Albert Dyke by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
35 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Susie Erikson by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
36 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Alicia Erikson by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
37 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Carolyn Hoffmann by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
38 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of John French by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
39 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Mark Jochem by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
40 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of David James by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
41 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Reid Johnston by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
42 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Amber Mallory by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
43 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Douglas Montgomery by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
44 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of John Mallory by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
45 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of David McMillon by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
46 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of George C. Reutter by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
48 Aug. 22, 2002

DECLARATION of Monte Woolman by plaintiff re P's motion to certify class action [2-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
49 Aug. 22, 2002

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE by plaintiff of declaration [48-1], of declaration [47-1], of declaration [46-1], of declaration [45-1], of declaration [44-1], of declaration [43-1], of declaration [42-1], of declaration [41-1], of declaration [40-1], of declaration [39-1], of declaration [38-1], of declaration [37-1], of declaration [36-1], of declaration [35-1], of declaration [34-1], of declaration [33-1], of declaration [32-1], of declaration [31-1], of declaration [30-1], of declaration [29-1], of declaration [28-1], of declaration [27-1], of declaration [26-1], of declaration [25-1], of motion reply [24-1] (EC) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

PACER
50 Sept. 3, 2002

ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan GRANTING motion to certify class action: Pltf's mtn for class certification is GRANTED. The court hereby CERTIFIES the following pltf class pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P.23(a) & 23 (b)(2): All persons who are now, or who will in the future be, incarcerated in the Jefferson County Jail. [2-1] (cc: counsel, Judge) (DK) (Entered: 09/04/2002)

PACER
Oct. 29, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order re Class Notice (EC) (Entered: 10/30/2002)

PACER
Oct. 29, 2002

PROPOSED Stip/Order for Health Care Inf (EC) (Entered: 10/30/2002)

PACER
51 Oct. 31, 2002

LETTER by Judge Bryan directed to all cnsl re: Stipulated Protective Order for Health Care Information [0-0] (CAR) (Entered: 10/31/2002)

PACER
52 Nov. 13, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER RE CLASS NOTICE by Judge Robert J. Bryan: see order for details (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 11/14/2002)

PACER
Nov. 15, 2002

PROPOSED Stipulation & Order Re: Discovery Deadlines (DK) (Entered: 11/19/2002)

PACER
56 Nov. 19, 2002

LETTER from inmate Bill Morris to Judge Bryan re: good-time issues (DK) (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
53 Nov. 20, 2002

MOTION by plaintiff to compel NOTED FOR 12/6/02 (DK) (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
54 Nov. 20, 2002

ORDER on Pltfs' Motion to Compel Production of Health Care Information by Judge Robert J. Bryan: Dfts shall produce jail health care records of current or former prisoners requested by Pltfs. Dfts shall disclose the identitites of current or former prisoners who may have required health care while incarcerated at the jail, including the nature of the required health care. Pltfs, shall use the info produced pursuant to this order only for purposes of this litigation, which includes prep of expert opinions & testimony, intro & filing of exhibits. Other disclosures outside the litigation are prohibited. **SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS** [53-1] (cc: counsel, Judge) (DK) Modified on 12/18/2002 (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
55 Nov. 20, 2002

STIPULATION and ORDER Re: Discovery Deadlines by Judge Robert J. Bryan discovery ddl - 1/31/03; mtn filing ddl - 2/13/03 Disclose Expert Witnesses by 1/3/03; (cc: counsel, Judge) (DK) (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
57 Nov. 20, 2002

LETTER from Judge Bryan addressed to inmate Bill Morris in response to letter [56-1] (DK) (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
58 Nov. 20, 2002

MINUTE ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan re: conference call conducted on 11/18/02 w/Court & counsel. The Court issued no rulings during this dicussion. **SEE MINUTE ORDER FOR DETAILS** (cc: counsel, Judge) (DK) (Entered: 11/21/2002)

PACER
59 Nov. 26, 2002

MAIL RETURNED re: response letter re good time credits [57-1] addressed to Bill Norris (CAR) (Entered: 11/26/2002)

PACER
60 Nov. 27, 2002

MINUTE ORDER by Judge Robert J. Bryan that the above entitled cause of action is DIRECTLY REASSIGNED to the HONORABLE RONALD B. LEIGHTON. All future pleadings shall bear cause number C02-5096 (RJB)RBL and have Judge Leighton's name in the upper right hand corner. Cnsl is directed to amd their pleadings to reflect this chg. (cc: counsel, Judge) (CAR) (Entered: 11/27/2002)

PACER
61 Jan. 9, 2003

MINUTE ORDER: by Judge Ronald B. Leighton referring matter to Magistrate Martinez for a settlement conference (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 01/10/2003)

PACER
62 Jan. 9, 2003

MOTION by plaintiff for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims NOTED FOR 1/31/03 (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
63 Jan. 9, 2003

DECLARATION of Mike Godwin by plaintiff re P's motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1] (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
64 Jan. 9, 2003

DECLARATION of Lara Stemple by plaintiff re P's motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1] (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
65 Jan. 9, 2003

DECLARATION of Gail Gove by plaintiff re P's motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1] (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
66 Jan. 9, 2003

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE by plaintiff of order lodged [0-0], of declaration [65-1], of declaration [64-1], of declaration [63-1], of motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1] (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
Jan. 9, 2003

LODGED ORDER: re: P's motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1] (EC) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

PACER
67 Jan. 23, 2003

NOTICE to counsel from Magistrate Judge Martinez of settlement conf scheduled for 2/13/03 @ 9:00. (DK) (Entered: 01/27/2003)

PACER
Jan. 30, 2003

PROPOSED Stipulation & Order to Renote Motion & Extend Discovery (DK) (Entered: 01/31/2003)

PACER
68 Feb. 3, 2003

STIPULATION and ORDER by Judge Ronald B. Leighton: RENOTED FOR 2/28/03 P's motion for partial summary judgment on First Amendment claims [62-1], opposition ddl 2/24/03, reply ddl 2/27/03 ; discovery ddl extended to 2/28/03 (cc: counsel, Judge) (EC) (Entered: 02/04/2003)

PACER
69 March 19, 2003

MINUTE ORDER by Judge Ronald B. Leighton: A settlement conf was conducted & this action has been settled. Pending mtns are stricken as moot. Dismissal papers are due by 4/7/03. (cc: counsel, Judge) (DK) (Entered: 03/20/2003)

PACER
May 29, 2003

ENT-left msg w/deft cnsl re: submission of dismissal papers (JAB) (Entered: 05/29/2003)

PACER
June 18, 2003

ENT-cnsl to update/advise clerk of new date for submission of dismissal papers (JAB) (Entered: 06/18/2003)

PACER
June 26, 2003

Set/Reset Deadlines: Per Counsel Dismissal/Settlement papers will be filed by 7/21/2003. (JAB, ) (Entered: 06/26/2003)

PACER
70 Oct. 14, 2003

Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement by Plaintiff Shawn Orndorff. Noting Date 10/14/2003. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A -- Settlement Agreement# 2 Exhibit B -- Proposed Order Directing Notice# 3 Exhibit C -- Notice to Prisoners re Settlement# 4 Exhibit D -- Proposed Order Approving Settlement)(Caplan, Aaron) (Entered: 10/14/2003)

PACER
71 Oct. 14, 2003

Letter from Both Parties re 70 Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement . (Caplan, Aaron) (Entered: 10/14/2003)

PACER
72 Oct. 16, 2003

NOTICE of Proposed Class Action Settlement (Ntc to All Prisoners of the Jefferson County Jail) signed by Judge Ronald B. Leighton(DK, ) (Entered: 10/17/2003)

PACER
73 Oct. 16, 2003

ORDER Directing Notice to Plaintiff Class **SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS** re 72 Notice of Settlement by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. (DK, ) (Entered: 10/17/2003)

PACER
Oct. 21, 2003

Date for Entry of Settlment Agreement or set Fairness Hrg re 70 Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement , 73 Order NOTED on motion calendar; Noting Date 12/19/2003. (JAB, ) (Entered: 10/21/2003)

PACER
74 Oct. 28, 2003

NOTICE by Bruce Bratton re: Class Action Settlement 70 (ECS, ) Modified on 11/3/2003 (JAB, ). (Entered: 10/29/2003)

PACER
75 Nov. 19, 2003

Letter from Shawn Orndorff re 70 Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement . (ECS, ) (Entered: 11/20/2003)

PACER
76 Dec. 5, 2003

Joint RESPONSE to Inmate Objections re 70 Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement , 75 Letter. (DK, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/2/2004 (JAB, (orig image was missing pg 2) Image Modified on 1/2/2004 (JAB, ). (Entered: 12/08/2003)

PACER
78 Dec. 29, 2003

MINUTE ORDER vacating second Order Directing Notice to Plaintiff Class and Setting Fairness Hearing. (The Order directing notice to class was previously filed)Signed by Jean Boring as directed by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. (JAB, ) (Entered: 12/29/2003)

PACER
79 Jan. 23, 2004

NOTICE of Hearing: REASONABLENESS HEARING set for 1/27/2004 11:00 AM in Courtroom B before Hon. Ronald B. Leighton. Signed by Jean Boring as authrorized by Judge Leighton (JAB, ) (Entered: 01/24/2004)

PACER
80 Jan. 27, 2004

REASONABLNESS HEARING held before Judge Ronald B. Leighton - Dep Clerk: Jean Boring ; CR: Julaine Ryen (USDC) ; Pla Counsel: Aaron Caplan ; Def Counsel: John Payne/David Silke ; In Court Hearing held on 1/27/2004. No members of the class are in attendance. Court has reviewed all objections filed; Court inquires of counsel as to the settlement; For the reasons stated orally, on the record, the 70 Stipulated MOTION for Approval of Settlement Agreement , is GRANTED. (JAB, ) (Entered: 01/27/2004)

PACER
81 Jan. 27, 2004

ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND DISMISSING LITIGATION by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. (JAB, ) (Entered: 01/27/2004)

PACER
82 March 10, 2005

NOTICE of Change of Address by Aaron H Caplan (Caplan, Aaron) (Entered: 03/10/2005)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 25, 2002

Closing Date: 2004

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

inmates at the Jefferson County Jail in Port Hadlock, Washington

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

County

Jefferson County

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Equal Protection

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

Western District of Washington 3:02-cv-05096

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Disciplinary procedures

Sanitation / living conditions

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Totality of conditions

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Recreation / Exercise

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Recommended Citation