Case: Coomer v. Noel

4:22-cv-00079 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Filed Date: June 21, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Twenty eight incarcerated women at the Clark County Jail (“the Jail”) filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on June 21, 2022. The plaintiffs sued the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and several of its officers under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 after an incident on October 24, 2021 at the Jail where incarcerated men were able to gain access to the women's area of the Jail and allegedly attacked and threatened plaintiffs with physical and sexual violence.  Following the Oc…

Twenty eight incarcerated women at the Clark County Jail (“the Jail”) filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on June 21, 2022. The plaintiffs sued the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and several of its officers under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 after an incident on October 24, 2021 at the Jail where incarcerated men were able to gain access to the women's area of the Jail and allegedly attacked and threatened plaintiffs with physical and sexual violence.  Following the October 2021 incident, the plaintiffs were subjected to numerous disciplinary actions. Immediately following the incident, they lost their “dark” privileges, meaning their section’s light remained on for 72 continuous hours. In addition, they faced a lockdown, interrogations, shake downs, and had numerous personal items confiscated by corrections officers. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiffs sought compensatory and punitive damages.

In their complaint, plaintiffs alleged that the Clark County Sheriff violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process guarantees for implementing objectively unreasonable policies, failing his supervisory role, and acting with deliberate indifference towards plaintiff’s rights. Plaintiffs also alleged that individual officers violated the Fifth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Amendments for their failure to intervene and protect the plaintiffs. In addition, plaintiffs cited numerous state tort claims including vicarious liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.

The case is ongoing as of September 2022.

Summary Authors

Eric Gripp (9/28/2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63399169/parties/coomer-v-lowe/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Betteau, Bart M. (Indiana)

McCall, William Perry (Indiana)

Attorney for Defendant

DEPARTMENT, UNNAMED OFFICERS (Indiana)

Lowe, R. Jeffrey (Indiana)

LOWE, DAVID (Indiana)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
2

4:22-cv-00079

Complaint

June 21, 2022

June 21, 2022

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63399169/coomer-v-lowe/

Last updated April 16, 2026, 4:59 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 June 21, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by William Perry McCall, III on behalf of Plaintiffs Beatrice Coomer, tarin Cox, Lindsey Culver, Brittany Davey, Tina Edwards, Alisha Garcia, Brittany Gregory, Dejonae Hawkins, Courtney Huff, Roxanne Humphry, Jessica Jagger, Mary Johnson, Ashley Lames, Julie Lawson, Tabatha Rudolph, Ashley Santiago, April Snyder, Amanda Waters, Victoria Wimp, Carrie Wiseman. (McCall, William) (Entered: 06/21/2022)

RECAP
2 June 21, 2022

COMPLAINT Jamie Noel et. al against All Defendants, filed by All Plaintiffs. (Filing fee $402, receipt number AINSDC-7154851) (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Summons David Lowe, # 3 Proposed Summons Jamie Noel, # 4 Proposed Summons Clark County Sheriff Department, # 5 Proposed Summons Unnamed Officers of the Clark County Sheriff Department)(McCall, William) Modified on 6/21/2022 to include payment information (LBT). (Entered: 06/21/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

2 Proposed Summons David Lowe

View on RECAP

3 Proposed Summons Jamie Noel

View on RECAP

4 Proposed Summons Clark County Sheriff Department

View on RECAP

5 Proposed Summons Unnamed Officers of the Clark County Sheriff Department

View on RECAP

Clearinghouse
3 June 21, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Bart M. Betteau on behalf of Plaintiffs Beatrice Coomer, tarin Cox, Lindsey Culver, Brittany Davey, Tina Edwards, Alisha Garcia, Brittany Gregory, Dejonae Hawkins, Courtney Huff, Roxanne Humphry, Jessica Jagger, Mary Johnson, Ashley Lames, Julie Lawson, Tabatha Rudolph, Ashley Santiago, April Snyder, Amanda Waters, Victoria Wimp, Carrie Wiseman. (Betteau, Bart) (Entered: 06/21/2022)

RECAP
5 June 22, 2022

CIVIL COVER SHEET, filed by Plaintiff Beatrice Coomer. (McCall, William) (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
6 June 22, 2022

CIVIL COVER SHEET, filed by Plaintiff Beatrice Coomer. (McCall, William) (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
7 June 22, 2022

Summons Issued as to Jamie Noel. (LF) (Main Document 7 replaced on 6/22/2022) (LF). (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
8 June 22, 2022

***PLEASE DISREGARD-NOT A NAMED DEFENDANT***Summons Issued as to CLARK COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT. (LF) (Main Document 8 replaced on 6/22/2022) (LF). Modified on 6/23/2022 (TRG). (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
9 June 22, 2022

Summons Issued as to David J Lowe. (LF) (Main Document 9 replaced on 6/22/2022) (LF). (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
10 June 22, 2022

Summons Issued as to Unnamed Officers of the Clark County Sheriff's Department. (LF) (Main Document 10 replaced on 6/22/2022) (LF). (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
11 June 22, 2022

MAGISTRATE JUDGE's NOTICE of Availability to Exercise Jurisdiction issued. (LF) (Entered: 06/22/2022)

RECAP
12 June 27, 2022

CONSENT to Jurisdiction to US Magistrate Judge by All Plaintiffs. (McCall, William) Modified to clarify docket text on 6/28/2022 (LF). (Entered: 06/27/2022)

RECAP
13 July 13, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by R. Jeffrey Lowe on behalf of Defendant JAMIE NOEL. (Lowe, R.) (Entered: 07/13/2022)

RECAP
14 July 14, 2022

NOTICE of Parties' First Extension of Time re Filing a response to pleading defined by Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(a), filed by Defendant JAMIE NOEL. (Lowe, R.) (Entered: 07/14/2022)

RECAP
15 July 19, 2022

RETURN of Service by CMRRR, filed by All Plaintiffs. DAVID LOWE served on 6/24/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Green Card, # 2 Tracking Results)(Betteau, Bart) (Entered: 07/19/2022)

1 Green Card

View on RECAP

2 Tracking Results

View on RECAP

RECAP
16 July 19, 2022

RETURN of Service by CMRRR, filed by All Plaintiffs. UNNAMED OFFICERS OF THE CLARK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT served on 6/24/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Green Card)(Betteau, Bart) (Entered: 07/19/2022)

1 Green Card

View on RECAP

RECAP
17 July 19, 2022

RETURN of Service by CMRRR, filed by All Plaintiffs. JAMIE NOEL served on 6/24/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Green Card)(Betteau, Bart) (Entered: 07/19/2022)

RECAP
18 Aug. 10, 2022

Answer to Complaint

RECAP
19 Aug. 12, 2022

ENTRY ADDRESSING REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE WITH RECRUITING COUNSEL: Mr. Lowe has not provided any information that would enable the Court to determine the merits of a request for pro bono counsel. The clerk is directed to send Mr. Lowe a motion for assistance recruiting counsel form and a motion to proceed in forma pauperis form, which he must use if he chooses to file a motion for assistance with recruiting counsel. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 8/12//2022. Copies mailed pursuant to distribution list. (Attachments: # 1 Motion for assistance recruiting counsel, # 2 Motion for IFP)(LF) (Entered: 08/15/2022)

RECAP
20 Aug. 16, 2022

ANSWER to 2 Complaint, filed by JAMIE NOEL.(Lowe, R.) (Entered: 08/16/2022)

RECAP
21 Aug. 19, 2022

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephonic Initial Pretrial Conference set for 9/20/2022 at 11:00 AM (Eastern Time) before Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch. The parties shall attend the conference by calling 877-402-9753, access code 4693226. No fewer than seven days before the IPTC, counsel must file a proposed CMP. See Order for details. Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch on 8/19/2022 (Copy mailed to David Lowe).(LBT) (Entered: 08/19/2022)

RECAP
22 Aug. 19, 2022

SHOW CAUSE ORDER - The defendant shall have through September 16, 2022, in which to file a notice with the Court identifying the factual basis for the affirmative defense that some or all of the plaintiffs failed to exhaust their administrative remedies. Alternatively, the defendants may file a notice with the Court withdrawing the defense. See Order for details. Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch on 8/19/2022 (Copy mailed to David Lowe).(LBT) (Entered: 08/19/2022)

RECAP
23 Sept. 13, 2022

CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN TENDERED, filed by Plaintiffs BEATRICE COOMER, TARIN COX, LINDSEY CULVER, BRITTANY DAVEY, TINA EDWARDS, ALISHA GARCIA, BRITTANY GREGORY, DEJONAE HAWKINS, COURTNEY HUFF, ROXANNE HUMPHREY, JESSICA JAGGER, MARY JOHNSON, ASHLEY LAMES, JULIE LAWSON, TABATHA RUDOLPH, ASHLEY SANTIAGO, APRIL SNYDER, AMANDA WATERS, VICTORIA WIMP, CARRIE WISEMAN . (Betteau, Bart) (Entered: 09/13/2022)

RECAP
24 Sept. 16, 2022

RESPONSE to Court's Show Cause Order regarding Defendant's Affirmative Defense of Failure to Exhaust Administrative Remedies under the PLRA, re 22 Order to Show Cause, filed by Defendant JAMIE NOEL. (Lowe, R.) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

RECAP
25 Sept. 22, 2022

Minute Entry for September 20, 2022 Initial Pretrial Conference - All represented parties appeared by counsel for an initial pretrial conference. Pro se defendant David Lowe did not appear. Mr Lowe is ordered to show cause, in writing filed by October 5, 2022, why he should not be sanctioned for his failure to appear. Sanctions may include entry of default. The parties' proposed case management plan, dkt. 23, in 4:22-cv-00079-TWP-DML, is approved as submitted. This matter is set for a telephone status conference on December 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) with the assigned magistrate judge. Counsel and any unrepresented parties should call 888-363-4734, access code 5451691 to participate in the conference. Specifically, the parties should be prepared to (1) propose a briefing schedule for dispositive motions in support of the exhaustion defenses, (2) notify the court that there are material factual disputes that preclude resolution of the exhaustion defenses via a dispositive motion and request a Pavey hearing, or (3) notify the court that the defenses are being withdrawn. Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch. (AKW) (Entered: 09/22/2022)

RECAP
26 Sept. 22, 2022

ORDER: CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED AS SUBMITTED Dispositive Motions due by 6/25/2023. Discovery due by 5/25/2023.. Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch on 9/22/2022. (LF) (Entered: 09/22/2022)

RECAP
27 Sept. 22, 2022

Order Regarding Discovery Disputes: Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(1) and S.D. Ind. L.R. 37-1(a), counsel must confer in good faith to resolve a discovery dispute before involving the court in the dispute. If counsel have exhausted those efforts without resolving the dispute they must seek a discovery conference with the magistrate judge before the filing of a formal motion to compel or contested motion for protective order. See Order for details. Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch on 9/22/2022. Copy mailed per distribution list. (LF) (Entered: 09/22/2022)

RECAP
28 Oct. 7, 2022

Order to Show Cause

RECAP
29 Oct. 20, 2022

Response

RECAP
30 Oct. 21, 2022

Order

RECAP
31 Nov. 1, 2022

0-Reassignment Letter for Judge Lynch cases

RECAP
32 Nov. 23, 2022

Discovery

RECAP
33 Nov. 28, 2022

Order

RECAP
34 Nov. 30, 2022

Discovery

RECAP
35 Dec. 12, 2022

Appoint Counsel

RECAP
36 Dec. 12, 2022

Proceed In Forma Pauperis

RECAP
37 Dec. 19, 2022

Dismiss

RECAP
38 Dec. 20, 2022

Order on Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis AND Order on Motion to Appoint Counsel

RECAP
39 Dec. 21, 2022

~Util - Set Hearings AND Status Conference

RECAP
40 Dec. 22, 2022

Protective Order

RECAP
41 Dec. 22, 2022

Extension of Time (Other)

RECAP
42 Dec. 27, 2022

Response

RECAP
43 Dec. 28, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File

RECAP
44 Dec. 29, 2022

Order

RECAP
45 Jan. 3, 2023

Response in Opposition to Motion

RECAP
46 Jan. 10, 2023

Order

RECAP
47 Jan. 10, 2023

Reply in Support of Motion

RECAP
48 Jan. 10, 2023

Amend/Correct

RECAP
49 Jan. 13, 2023

Witness List AND Exhibit List

RECAP
50 Jan. 17, 2023

Notice of Appearance

RECAP
51 Jan. 17, 2023

Response in Opposition to Motion

RECAP
52 Jan. 18, 2023

Response in Opposition to Motion

RECAP
53 Jan. 19, 2023

Mail Returned

RECAP
54 Jan. 19, 2023

Response in Opposition to Motion

RECAP
55 Jan. 19, 2023

Mail Returned

RECAP
56 Jan. 24, 2023

Dismiss

RECAP
57 Feb. 1, 2023

Dismiss

RECAP
58 Feb. 1, 2023

Reply in Support of Motion

RECAP
59 Feb. 3, 2023

Extension of Time (Other)

RECAP
60 Feb. 7, 2023

Mail Returned

RECAP
61 Feb. 7, 2023

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File

RECAP
62 Feb. 8, 2023

Consolidate Cases

RECAP
63 Feb. 8, 2023

Notice (Other)

RECAP
64 Feb. 9, 2023

ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER - 40 Motion for Protective Order is DENIED. This denial shall not be construed as limiting any Party's ability to notify the Court in the future should statements be made that pose a serious and imm inent threat of interference to the administration of justice, such that it would be proper for the Court to issue a protective order at that time. See Order for details. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kellie M. Barr on 2/9/2023 (Copy mailed to David Lowe). (LBT)

RECAP
65 Feb. 14, 2023

Status Conference

RECAP
66 Feb. 17, 2023

Case Management Plan Tendered by

RECAP
67 Feb. 17, 2023

ORDER DENYING MOTIONS TO DISMISS PLAINTIFFS AND GRANTING MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE: Plaintiffs' Motions to Dismiss Certain Plaintiffs Without Prejudice, Dkts. 37 , 48 , 56 , 57 , are DENIED because Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41 applies to dismissal of actions, not claims or parties. Plaintiffs may dismiss parties in this action by amending their Complaint pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15. Plaintiffs' Motion to Consolidate this case and Case No. 4:22-cv-00094-SEB- KMB, Dkt. 62 , is GRANTED as specified in Section III above. The Clerk is directed to update the spelling of Sheriff Noel's first name from "Jamie" to "Jamey." See Order for details. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 2/17/2023. Copy mailed per Distribution list. (LF)

RECAP
68 Feb. 21, 2023

Order

RECAP
69 Feb. 28, 2023

Order - Case Management

RECAP
70 March 2, 2023

Amended Complaint

RECAP
71 March 3, 2023

SEALED Document (Case Participants - doc)

RECAP
72 March 3, 2023

Amended Complaint

RECAP
73 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
74 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
75 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
76 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
77 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
78 March 16, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
79 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
80 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
81 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
82 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
83 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
84 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
85 March 22, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
86 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
87 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
88 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
89 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
90 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
91 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
92 March 27, 2023

Notice of Lawsuit & Request for Waiver of Service for Summons Supplied

RECAP
93 March 27, 2023

Return of Service by CMRRR

RECAP
94 March 31, 2023

SCHEDULING Order

RECAP
95 March 31, 2023

Practices and Procedures

RECAP
96 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
97 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
98 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
99 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
100 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP
101 April 6, 2023

Waiver of Service Executed

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Indiana

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 21, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

28 incarcerated women who were housed at the Clark County Jail.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

Clark County Sheriff's Office

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

Southern District of Indiana 4:22-cv-00079

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Disciplinary procedures

Failure to supervise

Failure to train

Neglect by staff

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Discrimination Basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Assault/abuse by non-staff (facilities)

Assault/abuse by staff (facilities)

Sexual abuse by residents/inmates

Recommended Citation