Case: Sciarrillo ex rel. St. Amand v. Christie

2:13-cv-03478 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Filed Date: June 5, 2013

Closed Date: 2014

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On June 5, 2013, thirty-five adult individuals with disabilities filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), the Rehabilitation Act ("RA"), and the Social Security Act (Medicaid) - as well as a § 1983 constitutional due process claim against the State of New Jersey. The plaintiffs, represented through their legal guardians by private counsel, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the clos…

On June 5, 2013, thirty-five adult individuals with disabilities filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), the Rehabilitation Act ("RA"), and the Social Security Act (Medicaid) - as well as a § 1983 constitutional due process claim against the State of New Jersey. The plaintiffs, represented through their legal guardians by private counsel, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the closing of two residential care facilities where the plaintiffs resided. The claims argued that the planned closures would violate the plaintiffs' rights or result in situations where violation of those rights would occur.

Specifically, in regard to the ADA claims, the plaintiffs claimed that discharges or transfers from their current residences were being forced without their consent and without appropriate recommendation from treating professionals. This, they argued, violated the plaintiffs' rights under the ADA and entitled them to the relief sought. The plaintiffs claimed that their discharge or transfer from their current residence would violate the RA's integration requirement. Further, that the State utilized criteria and methods of administration that subjected the plaintiffs to discrimination based on their disability. In regards to the Medicaid claim made through the Social Security Act, the plaintiffs claimed the State failed to ensure the plaintiffs needs and preferences were being met in their multidisciplinary plan. The plaintiffs claim that the discharge process, and its lack of safeguards to prevent harm to the plaintiffs, violated plaintiffs' rights not to be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law.

On September 9, 2013, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint under Rule 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim. The United States of America additionally filed a statement of interest arguing that plaintiffs failed to state a cause under the ADA and RA. On December 13, 2013, the District Court (Judge Stanley R. Chesler) granted the defendant's motion to dismiss. The court found that each claim either did not meet the factual standard required in pleading or that, in the case of the Medicaid claim, the cited statues did not apply to private actions.

The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the order on motion to dismiss on January 10, 2014. Following appellate arguments before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on the motion to dismiss, Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Hardiman (joined by Circuit Judges Fisher and Jordon) entered an order determining the case to be moot. All plaintiffs at the facilities in question were transferred to alternative care facilities, making the issues presented in this case no longer live.

Summary Authors

Patrick Branson (9/24/2014)

Edward Cullen (3/15/2019)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4311240/parties/sciarrillo-v-christie/


Judge(s)

Chesler, Stanley R. (New Jersey)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Archer, Thomas A. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Aslan, Erin (District of Columbia)

Bohan, Mary (District of Columbia)

Cheng, Christopher N. (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:13-cv-03478

Docket [Pacer]

Sciarrillo v. Christie

Dec. 15, 2014

Dec. 15, 2014

Docket
1

2:13-cv-03478

Complaint

Sciarrillo v. Christie

June 5, 2013

June 5, 2013

Complaint
7

2:13-cv-03478

Statement of Interest of the United States of America

Sciarrillo v. Christie

Sept. 13, 2013

Sept. 13, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
17

2:13-cv-03478

Opinion

Sciarrillo v. Christie

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Order/Opinion

2013 WL 2013

18

2:13-cv-03478

Order

Sciarrillo v. Christie

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Order/Opinion

2013 WL 2013

14-01082

Brief for the United States as Amicus Curiae Supporting the Defendants-Appellees and Urging Affirmance in Part

Sciarrillo v. Christie

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

Pleading / Motion / Brief
003111798041

14-01082

Order

Sciarrillo v. Christie

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Nov. 19, 2014

Nov. 19, 2014

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4311240/sciarrillo-v-christie/

Last updated Feb. 11, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against DAWN APGAR, CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIE, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, NORTH JERSEY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, JENNIFER VELEZ ( Filing and Admin fee $ 400 receipt number 0312-5046110) with JURY DEMAND, filed by KESHA SMITH, STEPHANIE ROOTS, CATHERINE OBRIEN, KENNETH COOPER, SUSAN GRIFFIN, MAUREEN DORAN, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, KERR MITCHELL, MARY ELLEN SCESA, THOMAS MARINELLO, EUGENE KESSLER, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, PHILIP CONKLING, LEAH WRIGHT, LINDA GRAVES, CLAYTON DAVIS, SHARON KNAPP, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RICHARD SARAO, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, PETER CANALE, PAUL DITTAMO, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, ARLEEN BRAUSE, JOYCE BANOS, RALPH VERLEUR, RODNEY HAMMOND, CHERYL GORDON, DIANE OBRIEN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ANDREW SEKELA, WOODBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Verification)(bdk, ) (Entered: 06/07/2013)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Verification

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June 5, 2013

June 5, 2013

RECAP
2

Application and Proposed Order for Clerk's Order to extend time to answer as to Complaint. Attorney GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for DAWN APGAR,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIE,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for NORTH JERSEY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for JENNIFER VELEZ,GERARD ANDREW HUGHES for WOODBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER added. (HUGHES, GERARD) (Entered: 08/21/2013)

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

PACER
3

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by KESHA SMITH, STEPHANIE ROOTS, CATHERINE OBRIEN, KENNETH COOPER, SUSAN GRIFFIN, MAUREEN DORAN, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, KERR MITCHELL, MARY ELLEN SCESA, THOMAS MARINELLO, EUGENE KESSLER, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, PHILIP CONKLING, LEAH WRIGHT, LINDA GRAVES, CLAYTON DAVIS, SHARON KNAPP, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RICHARD SARAO, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, PETER CANALE, PAUL DITTAMO, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, ARLEEN BRAUSE, JOYCE BANOS, RALPH VERLEUR, RODNEY HAMMOND, CHERYL GORDON, DIANE OBRIEN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ANDREW SEKELA, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN. All Defendants. (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 08/21/2013)

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

PACER
4

MOTION to Dismiss Complaint by DAWN APGAR, CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIE, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, NORTH JERSEY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, JENNIFER VELEZ, WOODBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER. Responses due by 9/23/2013 (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Certification of Counsel, # 3 Exhibit A and B, # 4 Text of Proposed Order, # 5 Certificate of Service)(HUGHES, GERARD) (Entered: 09/09/2013)

1 Brief

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2 Certification of Counsel

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3 Exhibit A and B

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4 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

5 Certificate of Service

View on PACER

Sept. 9, 2013

Sept. 9, 2013

PACER
5

TEXT ORDER: The Court will hold an initial conference (rule 16) before U.S.M.J. C. Waldor in courtroom 4C on 12/4/13 at 10:00 AM. Parties are to submit a Joint Discovery Plan no later than 3 days before the scheduled conference. Please contact chambers with any questions or concerns at (973) 776 7862. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor on 9/10/13. (tjg, ) (Entered: 09/10/2013)

Sept. 10, 2013

Sept. 10, 2013

PACER
6

Rule 7.1(d)(5) Letter for an automatic extension of the return date of a dispositive motion re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint . (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 09/13/2013)

Sept. 13, 2013

Sept. 13, 2013

PACER
7

STATEMENT of Interest by United States. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(CHENG, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 09/13/2013)

1 Exhibit

View on PACER

Sept. 13, 2013

Sept. 13, 2013

PACER
8

AMENDED DOCUMENT by United States. Amendment to 7 Statement of Interest Certificate of Service. (CHENG, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 09/16/2013)

Sept. 16, 2013

Sept. 16, 2013

PACER
9

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 4 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint by JOYCE BANOS, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ARLEEN BRAUSE, PETER CANALE, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN, PHILIP CONKLING, KENNETH COOPER, CLAYTON DAVIS, PAUL DITTAMO, MAUREEN DORAN, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, CHERYL GORDON, LINDA GRAVES, SUSAN GRIFFIN, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, RODNEY HAMMOND, EUGENE KESSLER, SHARON KNAPP, THOMAS MARINELLO, KERR MITCHELL, CATHERINE OBRIEN, DIANE OBRIEN, STEPHANIE ROOTS, RICHARD SARAO, MARY ELLEN SCESA, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, ANDREW SEKELA, KESHA SMITH, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RALPH VERLEUR, LEAH WRIGHT. (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 10/04/2013)

Oct. 4, 2013

Oct. 4, 2013

PACER
10

NOTICE by JOYCE BANOS, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ARLEEN BRAUSE, PETER CANALE, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN, PHILIP CONKLING, KENNETH COOPER, CLAYTON DAVIS, PAUL DITTAMO, MAUREEN DORAN, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, CHERYL GORDON, LINDA GRAVES, SUSAN GRIFFIN, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, RODNEY HAMMOND, EUGENE KESSLER, SHARON KNAPP, THOMAS MARINELLO, KERR MITCHELL, CATHERINE OBRIEN, DIANE OBRIEN, STEPHANIE ROOTS, RICHARD SARAO, MARY ELLEN SCESA, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, ANDREW SEKELA, KESHA SMITH, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RALPH VERLEUR, LEAH WRIGHT (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 10/04/2013)

Oct. 4, 2013

Oct. 4, 2013

PACER
11

ORDER granting pltf's motion for an extension of time to file response to deft's motion to dismiss. Signed by Judge Stanley R. Chesler on 10/8/2013. (nr, ) (Entered: 10/10/2013)

Oct. 9, 2013

Oct. 9, 2013

PACER
12

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Thomas B. York by JOYCE BANOS, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ARLEEN BRAUSE, PETER CANALE, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN, PHILIP CONKLING, KENNETH COOPER, CLAYTON DAVIS, PAUL DITTAMO, MAUREEN DORAN, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, CHERYL GORDON, LINDA GRAVES, SUSAN GRIFFIN, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, RODNEY HAMMOND, EUGENE KESSLER, SHARON KNAPP, THOMAS MARINELLO, KERR MITCHELL, CATHERINE OBRIEN, DIANE OBRIEN, STEPHANIE ROOTS, RICHARD SARAO, MARY ELLEN SCESA, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, ANDREW SEKELA, KESHA SMITH, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RALPH VERLEUR, LEAH WRIGHT. (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 10/10/2013)

Oct. 10, 2013

Oct. 10, 2013

PACER
13

RESPONSE in Opposition filed by JOYCE BANOS, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ARLEEN BRAUSE, PETER CANALE, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN, PHILIP CONKLING, KENNETH COOPER, CLAYTON DAVIS, PAUL DITTAMO, MAUREEN DORAN, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, CHERYL GORDON, LINDA GRAVES, SUSAN GRIFFIN, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, RODNEY HAMMOND, EUGENE KESSLER, SHARON KNAPP, THOMAS MARINELLO, KERR MITCHELL, CATHERINE OBRIEN, DIANE OBRIEN, STEPHANIE ROOTS, RICHARD SARAO, MARY ELLEN SCESA, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, ANDREW SEKELA, KESHA SMITH, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RALPH VERLEUR, LEAH WRIGHT re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 10/18/2013)

Oct. 18, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

PACER
14

ORDER granting 12 Motion for Thomas B. York to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor on 10/24/2013. (nr, ) (Entered: 10/24/2013)

Oct. 24, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

PACER
15

REPLY BRIEF to Opposition to Motion filed by DAWN APGAR, CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIE, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, NORTH JERSEY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, JENNIFER VELEZ, WOODBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER re 4 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(HUGHES, GERARD) (Entered: 10/28/2013)

1 Certificate of Service

View on PACER

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

PACER
16

PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephone Conference set for 4/10/2014 02:30 PM before Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor. Amended Pleadings due by 6/16/2014. Fact Discovery due by 8/31/2014.. Signed by Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor on 12/4/2013. (nr, ) (Entered: 12/04/2013)

Dec. 4, 2013

Dec. 4, 2013

PACER
17

OPINION. Signed by Judge Stanley R. Chesler on 12/13/2013. (nr, ) (Entered: 12/13/2013)

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

RECAP
18

ORDER granting deft's 4 Motion to Dismiss complt., with prejudice ***CIVIL CASE TERMINATED. Signed by Judge Stanley R. Chesler on 12/13/2013. (nr, ) (Entered: 12/13/2013)

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

PACER
19

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 18 Order on Motion to Dismiss by JOYCE BANOS, ROBERT JOHN BARRETT, ARLEEN BRAUSE, PETER CANALE, EUGENE CARR, CHARLES DAVID CHRISTENSEN, PHILIP CONKLING, KENNETH COOPER, CLAYTON DAVIS, PAUL DITTAMO, MAUREEN DORAN, STEPHEN SCOTT DYER, JACQUELINE FRIEDMAN, VINCENT GALLUCCIO, CHERYL GORDON, LINDA GRAVES, SUSAN GRIFFIN, RALPH GRZYMKOWSKI, RODNEY HAMMOND, EUGENE KESSLER, SHARON KNAPP, THOMAS MARINELLO, KERR MITCHELL, CATHERINE OBRIEN, DIANE OBRIEN, STEPHANIE ROOTS, RICHARD SARAO, MARY ELLEN SCESA, ROSEMARY SCIARRILLO, ANDREW SEKELA, KESHA SMITH, ALICE TUCKER, PAUL VACCA, RALPH VERLEUR, LEAH WRIGHT. Filing fee $ 505, receipt number 0312-5446828. The Clerk's Office hereby certifies the record and the docket sheet available through ECF to be the certified list in lieu of the record and/or the certified copy of the docket entries. Appeal Record due by 1/12/2013. (ARCHER, THOMAS) (Entered: 01/10/2014)

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

RECAP
20

MANDATE of USCA issued. (Attachments: # 1 mandate letter) (Entered: 12/11/2014)

Dec. 11, 2014

Dec. 11, 2014

Pursuant to Local Rule 79.4, notice is hereby given of the Appellate ruling filed on 12/11/2014. In the event that the mandate or judgment provides for costs or directs a disposition other than an affirmance, the prevailing party shall prepare and submit an order implementing the mandate or judgment. (ek) (Entered: 12/15/2014)

Dec. 15, 2014

Dec. 15, 2014

Case Details

State / Territory: New Jersey

Case Type(s):

Intellectual Disability (Facility)

Special Collection(s):

Olmstead Cases

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 5, 2013

Closing Date: 2014

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are all adults who are severely mentally disabled and represented by a legal guardian. Each Plaintiff was a resident at either the Woodridge Development Center in Woodbridge, NJ or the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, NJ.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

New Jersey Department of Human Services, State

New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (Woodbridge), State

New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (Totowa, Passaic), State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Hospital/Health Department

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

General:

Reassessment and care planning

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Placement in mental health facilities

Disability and Disability Rights:

Integrated setting

Mental impairment

Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Medical/Mental Health:

ICF/MR & HCFA standards

Mental health care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run