Case: Jenkins v. City of Jennings

4:15-cv-00252 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

Filed Date: Feb. 8, 2015

Closed Date: Feb. 13, 2017

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On February 8th, 2015, a class of around 2,000 mostly black, impoverished residents of Jennings, Missouri filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiffs sued the City of Jennings under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 18 U.S.C. § 1595, and 28 U.S.C. § 2201, as well as the First, Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Amendments. The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys from Equal Justice Under Law, the ArchCity Defenders, and the St. Louis Univers…

On February 8th, 2015, a class of around 2,000 mostly black, impoverished residents of Jennings, Missouri filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiffs sued the City of Jennings under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 18 U.S.C. § 1595, and 28 U.S.C. § 2201, as well as the First, Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Amendments. The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys from Equal Justice Under Law, the ArchCity Defenders, and the St. Louis University School of Law, asked the court for a declaratory judgment acknowledging the City of Jennings violated plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, and an injunction to permanently alter the City’s policies and practices.

The plaintiffs claimed that the City of Jennings violated their constitutional rights by imprisoning them for failure to pay the city debts. The city jailed them in inhumane conditions and without adequate counsel. Specifically, the plaintiffs claimed that the City of Jennings maintained a policy and practice of jailing residents over unpaid traffic fines, court fees, and other minor offenses. The plaintiffs alleged the City of Jennings used its municipal Court and jail as revenue generators for the city government, based many of its claims on invalid or arbitrary arrest warrants, held inmates in deplorable conditions, and created a hopeless cycle of debt and imprisonment for indigent residents.

The plaintiffs in this case are each residents of Jennings who, at some point, were imprisoned for their inability to pay a petty debt to the city. None of the plaintiffs were afforded legal counsel or an inquiry into their inability to pay, despite pleading indigence, and all were held in inhumane, unsafe conditions in the jail. This debtor's’ prison policy generated millions of dollars in revenue for the city government.

On September 16th, 2015, the court (District Judge Carol E. Jackson) partially granted a joint motion for relief, and implemented a permanent injunction on behalf of the plaintiffs. The injunction laid out lawful policies for the City of Jennings to assess the ability of indigent individuals to pay fees, to collect debts through the civil system, and to meet legal standards of care in the jail.

On July 13, 2016, Judge Jackson granted preliminary approval of a class action settlement agreement. According to the Washington Post, the defendants agreed to pay $4.7 million to the class of plaintiffs, available here.

The judge granted final approval of the class action settlement for $4.7 million on December 14, 2016.

The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Michael Abrams (9/24/2016)

Kelly Ehrenreich (3/9/2017)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4299578/parties/jenkins-v-jennings-missouri-city-of/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Alvelais, Fabiola (Missouri)

Ammann, John J. (Missouri)

Atri, Sima (Missouri)

Audette, Danielle Marie (Missouri)

Attorney for Defendant

Arsenault, Richard J. (Missouri)

Judge(s)

Jackson, Carol E. (Missouri)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alvelais, Fabiola (Missouri)

Ammann, John J. (Missouri)

Atri, Sima (Missouri)

Audette, Danielle Marie (Missouri)

Black, Jonathan Clayton (Missouri)

Carroll, Nathaniel Richard (Missouri)

Craven, Meredith Francine (Missouri)

Daker, Angela (Missouri)

Dieuveille, Glenda (Missouri)

Downer, Ryan Chasce (Missouri)

Edmonds, Chloe (Missouri)

Elfand, Ross E. (Missouri)

Gajiev, Zaur D. (Missouri)

Gold, Andrea R. (Missouri)

Gonzalez, Mauricio A. (Missouri)

Gossmann, James Michael (Missouri)

Hall, Edward James (Missouri)

Hanlon, Maureen (Missouri)

Hanlon, Stephen F (District of Columbia)

Harvey, Thomas B. (Missouri)

Heery-Hyatt, Micaela Ann (Missouri)

Hogue, Jerry Frank (Missouri)

Hong, Kathryn (Missouri)

Jiang, Li (Missouri)

Kaliel, Jeffrey D. (Missouri)

Karakatsanis, Alec (District of Columbia)

Karakatsanis, Alexander G. (Missouri)

Kates, Paula (Missouri)

Keane, Ryan A. (Missouri)

Kelleher, Lauren Joyce (Missouri)

Kim, Leonardo (Missouri)

Kutnik-Bauder, Jacqueline Marie (Missouri)

Lanahan, Matthew William (Missouri)

Lane, Shannon Katherine (Missouri)

Lattanzi, Maria (Missouri)

Leonard, Claire (Missouri)

Lopez, Marco Antonio (Missouri)

Mansoor, Hafsa S. (Missouri)

Mikkilineni, Tara (Missouri)

Miller, Scott (Missouri)

Miller, Luke James (Missouri)

Moscowitz, Lawrence Crane (Missouri)

Murphy, Sonia Williams (Missouri)

Niwa, Seiji (Missouri)

Panchyson, Dorian K. (Missouri)

Patel, Shiv (Missouri)

Popa, Iva (Missouri)

Prasad, Vivake (Missouri)

Quinones, Martin D. (Missouri)

Raunikar, Katherine May (Missouri)

Roediger, Brendan D. (Missouri)

Ryals, Stephen M. (Missouri)

Sawyer, Martin Bingham (Missouri)

Sigillito, Sean Martin (Missouri)

Spicer, Margaret Jane (Missouri)

Strode, Blake Alexander (Missouri)

Taylor, Kyra A. (Missouri)

Tomback, Andrew Ernest (Missouri)

Tsier, Alice (Missouri)

Tycko, Jonathan K. (Missouri)

Voss, Michael-John (Missouri)

Waldron, John McCann (Missouri)

Zhang, Betty (Missouri)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:15-cv-00252

Docket

Feb. 13, 2017

Feb. 13, 2017

Docket
1

4:15-cv-00252

Complaint

Feb. 8, 2015

Feb. 8, 2015

Complaint
16

4:15-cv-00252

Order

Jenkins v. Jennings

Sept. 16, 2015

Sept. 16, 2015

Order/Opinion
17

4:15-cv-00252

Permanent Injunction

Jenkins v. Jennings

Sept. 16, 2015

Sept. 16, 2015

Order/Opinion
33

4:15-cv-00252

Order Granting Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement

Jenkins v. Jennings

July 13, 2016

July 13, 2016

Order/Opinion

4:15-cv-00252

Notice of Pendency of Class Action, Proposed Settlement, and Hearing

No Court

July 27, 2016

July 27, 2016

Notice Letter
35-1

4:15-cv-00252

Settlement Agreement

Dec. 12, 2016

Dec. 12, 2016

Settlement Agreement
40

4:15-cv-00252

Order Granting Final Approval of Class Action Settlement

Dec. 14, 2016

Dec. 14, 2016

Order/Opinion

Claim Form

No Court

None

None

Other

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4299578/jenkins-v-jennings-missouri-city-of/

Last updated March 2, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against defendant All Defendants with receipt number 0865-4717474, in the amount of $400 Jury Demand,, filed by Allison Nelson, Keilee Fant, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Samantha Jenkins, Byeon Wells, Meldon Moffit. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Original Filing Form, # 3 Summons, # 4 Notice of Process Server)(Karakatsanis, Alexander) (Entered: 02/08/2015)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Original Filing Form

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3 Summons

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4 Notice of Process Server

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Feb. 8, 2015

Feb. 8, 2015

RECAP
2

NOTICE OF PROCESS SERVER by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells Process Server: Elizabeth Washam (JMC) (Entered: 02/09/2015)

Feb. 9, 2015

Feb. 9, 2015

RECAP

Case Opening Notification

Feb. 9, 2015

Feb. 9, 2015

PACER

Case Opening Notification: 1 Summons(es) issued. The summons was emailed to ammannjj@slu.edu. Judge Assigned: U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson. (JMC)

Feb. 9, 2015

Feb. 9, 2015

PACER
3

ENTRY of Appearance by John J. Ammann for Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Ammann, John) (Entered: 02/18/2015)

Feb. 18, 2015

Feb. 18, 2015

PACER
4

SUMMONS Returned Executed filed by Allison Nelson, Keilee Fant, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Samantha Jenkins, Byeon Wells, Meldon Moffit. Jennings, Missouri, City of served on 2/9/2015, answer due 3/2/2015. (Ammann, John) (Entered: 02/18/2015)

Feb. 18, 2015

Feb. 18, 2015

PACER
5

ENTRY of Appearance by D. Keith Henson for Defendant Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) (Entered: 02/26/2015)

Feb. 26, 2015

Feb. 26, 2015

PACER
6

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by Defendant Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) (Entered: 02/26/2015)

Feb. 26, 2015

Feb. 26, 2015

PACER
7

Docket Text ORDER as to Jennings, Missouri, City of ; GRANTING 6 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by Defendant Jennings, Missouri, City of. ; Jennings, Missouri, City of answer due 4/1/2015.. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 2/27/15. (KKS) (Entered: 02/27/2015)

Feb. 27, 2015

Feb. 27, 2015

PACER
8

Joint MOTION to Stay All Proceedings in this Case by Defendant Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) (Entered: 03/25/2015)

March 25, 2015

March 25, 2015

RECAP
9

ORDER:IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties joint motion to stay all proceedings until June 29, 2015 [Doc. # 8] is granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on June 29, 2015. ( Status Report due by 6/29/2015.) Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 3/27/15. (JAB) (Entered: 03/27/2015)

March 27, 2015

March 27, 2015

PACER
10

ENTRY of Appearance by Michael-John Voss for Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Voss, Michael-John) Modified attorney's name on 5/26/2015 (KKS). (Entered: 05/22/2015)

May 22, 2015

May 22, 2015

PACER
11

MOTION to Stay and Joint STATUS REPORT Motion to Stay All Proceedings for an Additional 90 Days by Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) Modified on 6/30/2015-added motion to stay to event type (JAB). (Entered: 06/29/2015)

June 29, 2015

June 29, 2015

RECAP
12

ORDER : IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties' joint motion to stay all proceedings for an additional 90 days until September 29, 2015 [Doc. # 11 ] is granted.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on September 29, 2015. ( Status Report due by 9/29/2015.). Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 6/30/15. (KKS) (Entered: 06/30/2015)

June 30, 2015

June 30, 2015

PACER
13

Joint MOTION to Approve Consent Judgment Joint Motion for Entry of Declaratory and Injunctive Relief by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Joint Memorandum of Law, # 2 Appendix US DOJ Statement of Interest, # 3 Appendix Order Velda City, # 4 Appendix TRO Issued Dothan, # 5 Exhibit Agreement to Settle All Equitable Claims, # 6 Exhibit Jennings Ordinance 2367, # 7 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Harvey, Thomas) (Entered: 08/26/2015)

1 Exhibit Joint Memorandum of Law

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2 Appendix US DOJ Statement of Interest

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3 Appendix Order Velda City

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4 Appendix TRO Issued Dothan

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5 Exhibit Agreement to Settle All Equitable Claims

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6 Exhibit Jennings Ordinance 2367

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7 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order

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Aug. 26, 2015

Aug. 26, 2015

RECAP
14

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this matter is set for a telephone conference on Friday, September 4, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. The court will initiate the call. Telephone Conference set for 9/4/2015 10:30 AM in Chambers before District Judge Carol E. Jackson. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 9/2/15. (JAB) (Entered: 09/02/2015)

Sept. 2, 2015

Sept. 2, 2015

PACER
15

Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Carol E. Jackson: Telephone Conference held on 9/8/2015. (FTR Gold: No.) (JAB) (Entered: 09/08/2015)

Sept. 8, 2015

Sept. 8, 2015

PACER
16

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the joint motion for entry of final declaratory and injunctive relief and joint stipulation for dismissal [Doc. # 13] is granted in part. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties joint request for entry of an injunction consistent with their settlement agreement is granted. The injunction will be entered separately. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, in accordance with the parties stipulation, all equitable claims not covered by the settlement agreement are dismissed. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 9/16/2015. (KMS) (Entered: 09/16/2015)

Sept. 16, 2015

Sept. 16, 2015

PACER
17

PERMANENT INJUNCTION. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 9/16/2015. (KMS) (Entered: 09/16/2015)

Sept. 16, 2015

Sept. 16, 2015

RECAP
18

STATUS REPORT and Motion to Stay all Proceedings for an Additional 90 Days by Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) Modified event to a motion on 9/30/2015 (KKS). (Entered: 09/28/2015)

Sept. 28, 2015

Sept. 28, 2015

RECAP
19

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties joint motion to extend the stay of proceedings until December 28, 2015, [Doc. # 18 ] is granted. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 10/1/15. (JAB) (Entered: 10/01/2015)

Oct. 1, 2015

Oct. 1, 2015

PACER
20

MOTION to Stay All Proceedings for an Additional 90 Days and JOINT STAUTUS REPORT by Jennings, Missouri, City of. (Henson, D.) Modified on 1/5/2016-changed event to Motion (JAB). (Entered: 01/04/2016)

Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

RECAP
21

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties joint motion to stay all proceedings for an additional 90 days [Doc. # 20 ] is denied. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the stay in this matter is extended until February 1, 2016. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on February 1, 2016. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 1/5/16. (JAB) (Entered: 01/05/2016)

Jan. 5, 2016

Jan. 5, 2016

PACER
22

Joint MOTION to Stay by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 02/01/2016)

Feb. 1, 2016

Feb. 1, 2016

RECAP
23

ORDER : IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties' joint motion to stay all proceedings for an additional 45 days [Doc. # 22 ] is granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the stay in this matter is extended until March 15, 2016. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on March 15, 2016. Status Report due by 3/15/2016. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 2/2/16. (KKS) (Entered: 02/02/2016)

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

PACER
24

STATUS REPORT by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 03/15/2016)

March 15, 2016

March 15, 2016

PACER
25

Joint MOTION to Certify Class by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 03/15/2016)

March 15, 2016

March 15, 2016

PACER
26

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the stay in this matter is extended until April 18, 2016. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on April 18, 2016. Status Report due by 4/18/2016. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 3/28/2016. (KMS) (Entered: 03/28/2016)

March 28, 2016

March 28, 2016

PACER
27

STATUS REPORT by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 04/18/2016)

April 18, 2016

April 18, 2016

RECAP
28

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the stay in this matter is extended until June 20, 2016. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file a joint status report on June 20, 2016. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 4/20/16. (JAB) (Entered: 04/20/2016)

April 20, 2016

April 20, 2016

PACER
29

STATUS REPORT (Joint) by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 06/20/2016)

June 20, 2016

June 20, 2016

PACER
30

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties shall have until July 8, 2016 to file a motion for preliminary approval of class settlement. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 6/23/16. (JAB) (Entered: 06/23/2016)

June 23, 2016

June 23, 2016

PACER
31

Joint MOTION for Settlement Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment, # 2 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1, # 3 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1, # 4 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1, # 5 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1)(Strode, Blake) (Entered: 07/08/2016)

1 Attachment

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2 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1

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3 *Restricted*

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4 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1

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5 Attachment Attached to Ex. 1

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July 8, 2016

July 8, 2016

RECAP
32

MEMORANDUM in Support of Motion re 31 Joint MOTION for Settlement Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement filed by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 07/08/2016)

July 8, 2016

July 8, 2016

RECAP
33

ORDER GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT, DIRECTING THE DISSEMINATION OF NOTICE, AND SCHEDULING A FINAL SETTLEMENT HEARING: Good cause appearing therefore, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: (SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS) Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 7/13/16. (JAB) (Entered: 07/13/2016)

July 13, 2016

July 13, 2016

RECAP
34

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the stay previously entered in this matter is lifted. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 7/21/16. (JAB) (Entered: 07/21/2016)

July 21, 2016

July 21, 2016

PACER
35

Joint MOTION for Settlement Final Approval of Class Action Settlement by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Settlement Agreement, # 2 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1)(Strode, Blake) Modified on 12/13/2016- Exhibit 3 sealed due to it containing personal identifiers (CLO). (Entered: 12/12/2016)

1 Exhibit Settlement Agreement

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2 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1

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4 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1

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5 Exhibit Attached to Exhibit 1

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Dec. 12, 2016

Dec. 12, 2016

RECAP
36

MEMORANDUM in Support of Motion re 35 Joint MOTION for Settlement Final Approval of Class Action Settlement filed by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Affidavit)(Strode, Blake) (Entered: 12/12/2016)

1 Exhibit Affidavit

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Dec. 12, 2016

Dec. 12, 2016

PACER
37

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall place Exhibit [Doc. #35-3] under seal. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall have until December 21, 2016, to refile Document #35-3 in a manner that complies with E.D.Mo. L.R. 2.17(A). Response to Court due by 12/21/2016. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 12/13/2016. (CLO) (Entered: 12/13/2016)

Dec. 13, 2016

Dec. 13, 2016

PACER
38

REDACTION to 35 Joint MOTION for Settlement Final Approval of Class Action Settlement Doc. #35-3 by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 12/13/2016)

Dec. 13, 2016

Dec. 13, 2016

RECAP
39

Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Carol E. Jackson: Settlement Conference held on 12/14/2016. Parties present for Settlement Conference. Discussion held. Motion 35 Joint Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement is granted. Order to issue. (Court Reporter:Sue Moran) (FTR Gold: No) (CLO) (Entered: 12/14/2016)

Dec. 14, 2016

Dec. 14, 2016

PACER
40

ORDER granting 35 Final Approval of Class Action Settlement: IT IS SO ORDERED. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 12/14/2016. (CLO) (Entered: 12/14/2016)

Dec. 14, 2016

Dec. 14, 2016

RECAP
41

STATUS REPORT by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 01/25/2017)

Jan. 25, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

PACER
42

AMENDED STATUS REPORT by Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) Modified on 2/7/2017 (CLO). (Entered: 02/06/2017)

Feb. 6, 2017

Feb. 6, 2017

RECAP
43

STIPULATION for Dismissal With Prejudice by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 02/10/2017)

Feb. 10, 2017

Feb. 10, 2017

PACER
44

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall make an entry in the docket record reflecting the dismissal of this action with prejudice. Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(ii). The parties shall bear their own costs. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 2/13/2017. (CLO) (Entered: 02/13/2017)

Feb. 13, 2017

Feb. 13, 2017

PACER
45

AFFIDAVIT of Settlement Administrator by Plaintiffs Edward Brown, Tonya DeBerry, Keilee Fant, Samantha Jenkins, Meldon Moffit, Allison Nelson, Herbert Nelson, Jr, Byeon Wells. (Strode, Blake) (Entered: 07/24/2017)

July 24, 2017

July 24, 2017

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Missouri

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Special Collection(s):

Fines/Fees/Bail Reform (Criminalization of Poverty)

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 8, 2015

Closing Date: Feb. 13, 2017

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A class of around 2,000 mostly black, impoverished residents of Jennings, Missouri who each were imprisoned for failure to pay court fees, traffic fines, or other minor debts.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ArchCity Defenders

Equal Justice Under Law

Civil Rights Corps

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

The City of Jennings, Missouri (Jennings, St. Louis), City

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Equal Protection

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 4.7 million

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Conditions of confinement

Fines/Fees/Bail/Bond

Over/Unlawful Detention

Poverty/homelessness