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Case TitleGRAHAM v. UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2020cv00210
Date Filed2020-01-23
Date ClosedOpen
JudgeJudge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly
PlaintiffJAMES MARTIN GRAHAM
DefendantUNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Opinion/Order [40]
FOIA Project Annotation: Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has distinguished the holding in Price v. U.S. Dept of Justice Attorney's Office, 865 F. 3d 676 (D.C. Cir. 2017), in which the D.C. Circuit seemed to rule decisively against recognizing waivers of FOIA rights as part of a plea agreement, concluding instead that prisoner James Graham waived his right to records from the FBI concerning the search warrants issued during its investigation of Graham on charges of child pornography through his later plea agreement. After receiving Graham's FOIA request, the FBI declined to process it because Graham had waived his right to make a FOIA request as part of his plea agreement. Kollar-Kotelly explained that Price held that "in deciding whether to enforce the waiver provision at issue in this case, the Court must weigh any public policy harms identified by plaintiff against justice interests identified by the government." She noted that "plaintiff has not identified a plausible 'harm to public-policy that enforcement [of this agreement] would cause.'" She pointed out that "with respect to plaintiff's original FOIA request, then, the Court finds that defendant is entitled to summary judgment based on the waiver provision in the irrefutably valid plea agreement."
Issues: Litigation - Jurisdiction - Failure to State a Claim
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-01-23Initiating Pleading & IFP Application Received on 1/23/2020. A copy of the docket sheet has been mailed to the address of record for the pro se party. (zmd) (Entered: 01/28/2020)
2020-01-231COMPLAINT against UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (zmd) (Entered: 01/28/2020)
2020-01-232MOTION for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (zmd) (Entered: 01/28/2020)
2020-01-233PARTIAL PRISONER TRUST FUND ACCOUNT STATEMENT by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (zmd) (Entered: 01/28/2020)
2020-03-094ORDER directing an initial partial filing fee in the amount of $0 from Prison Account of JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM and granting MOTION for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (see order for full details). Pro Se party has been notified by first class mail. Signed by Judge Trevor N. McFadden on 03/06/2020. (zsb) (Entered: 03/10/2020)
2020-03-09Case Assigned to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. (zsb) (Entered: 03/10/2020)
2020-03-195ORDER ESTBLISHING PROCEDURES FOR CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE COLLEEN KOLLAR-KOTELLY. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 03/19/2020. (DM) (Entered: 03/19/2020)
2020-04-086Letter from Plaintiff (ztd);(Document filed per Pro Se Staff 4/8/2020) (Entered: 04/09/2020)
2020-04-09MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiff has inquired about service of process in this FOIA case. Because plaintiff is proceeding in forma pauperis , the court officers will prepare and issue the summons and effect service of same, subject to Standing Order 20-18 (BAH), In re: Suspension of Process Service by U.S. Marshals Service in District of Columbia Due to Exigent Circumstances Created by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Accordingly, plaintiff's request for a signed and sealed summons is DENIED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 4/9/20. (ah) (Entered: 04/09/2020)
2020-05-12Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $50.57, receipt number: 4616103086. (zsb) (Entered: 05/21/2020)
2020-06-23Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $22.20, receipt number: 4616103376. (zrdj) (Entered: 07/22/2020)
2020-07-24Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $40.00, receipt number: _461610364. (zrdj) (Entered: 08/03/2020)
2020-08-037SUMMONS (3) Issued as to UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General sent to the U.S. Marshals Service (zsb) (Entered: 08/03/2020)
2020-08-038MOTION to Amend/Correct 1 Complaint by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM (ztd) (Entered: 08/04/2020)
2020-08-039AFFIDAVIT by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd) (Entered: 08/04/2020)
2020-08-11Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $48.00, receipt number: 4616103856. (zrdj) (Entered: 08/19/2020)
2020-08-1210RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 8/4/2020. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 9/3/2020. (ztd) (Entered: 08/12/2020)
2020-08-1311RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 8/4/2020. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 9/3/2020. (ztd) (Entered: 08/17/2020)
2020-08-3114RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION served on 8/31/2020 (ztd) (Entered: 09/30/2020)
2020-09-0212MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 09/02/2020)
2020-09-02MINUTE ORDER: The Court has received Defendant's 12 Motion for an Extension of Time. The Court acknowledges that Defendant was unable to confer with Plaintiff due to Plaintiff's incarceration. The Court notes that this is Defendants first request for an extension. Accordingly, and for good cause shown, the Court GRANTS Defendant's 12 motion. Defendant shall respond to the complaint by or before OCTOBER 2, 2020. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on September 2, 2020. (lcckk1) (Entered: 09/02/2020)
2020-09-11Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $8.00, receipt number: 4616104093. (zrdj) (Entered: 09/14/2020)
2020-09-1813RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 9/9/2020. (ztd) (Entered: 09/24/2020)
2020-10-0215ANSWER to 1 Complaint by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.(Seabrook, April) (Entered: 10/02/2020)
2020-10-0216RESPONSE re 8 MOTION to Amend/Correct 1 Complaint filed by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 10/02/2020)
2020-10-14Partial Filing Fee Received from JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM in the amount of $3.02, receipt number: 4616104364. (zrdj) (Entered: 10/15/2020)
2020-10-1417RESPONSE re 15 Answer to Complaint filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(ztd) (Entered: 10/16/2020)
2020-11-16MINUTE ORDER: Pending before the Court is defendant's Answer filed on October 2, 2020. This action brought under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, is exempt from the requirements of Local Civil Rule 16.3(b) and the analogous Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Local Civil Rule 16.3(b)(10). Therefore, an Answer does little to advance the proceedings. In light of the affirmative defenses set out in the Answer and the request for dismissal, defendant shall file either a dispositive motion or a proposed schedule on or before December 7, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 11/16/20.(psu1) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-11-16Set/Reset Deadlines: Dispositive Motion or a Proposed Schedule due by 12/7/2020. (dot) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-12-0718PROPOSED BRIEFING SCHEDULE by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 12/07/2020)
2020-12-18MINUTE ORDER. Plaintiff's motion 8 to amend his FOIA complaint by adding an individual defendant is DENIED, since individuals are not subject to suit under the FOIA. Martinez v. Bureau of Prisons , 444 F.3d 620, 624 (D.C. Cir. 2006). SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 12/18/20.(psu1) (Entered: 12/18/2020)
2020-12-18MINUTE ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE. Upon consideration of 18 Defendant's proposed briefing schedule, the parties shall adhere to the following deadlines. Defendant's motion for summary judgment is due on or before January 26, 2021; Plaintiff's opposition is due on or before March 5, 2021; and Defendant's reply, if needed, is due on or before March 22, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 12/18/20.(psu1) (Entered: 12/18/2020)
2020-12-18Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Summary Judgment Motion due by 1/26/2021. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/5/2021. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/22/2021. (dot) (Entered: 12/18/2020)
2021-01-1919MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines, Order, by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 01/19/2021)
2021-02-01MINUTE ORDER. Defendant's motion 19 to amend the briefing schedule is GRANTED. The parties shall adhere to the following revised deadlines. Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment is due on or before March 25, 2021; Plaintiff's Opposition is due on or before May 4, 2021; Defendant's Reply, if needed, is due on or before May 18, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 2/1/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 02/01/2021)
2021-02-01Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Summary Judgment Motion due by 3/25/2021. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/4/2021. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/18/2021. (dot) (Entered: 02/01/2021)
2021-02-08Partial Filing Fee Received from James Graham in the amount of $14.00, receipt number: 403920708420. (fb) (Entered: 02/08/2021)
2021-03-1820MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
2021-03-22Partial Filing Fee Received from James Martin Graham in the amount of $135.00, receipt number: 4616105049. (fb) Modified on 3/22/2021 to correct receipt #(fb). (Entered: 03/22/2021)
2021-04-2122RESPONSE filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd) (Entered: 04/27/2021)
2021-04-2123MOTION for Order or Injunctive Relief by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd); (See docket entry no. 22 to view.) (Entered: 04/27/2021)
2021-04-2321MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines, 20 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 04/23/2021)
2021-04-27MINUTE ORDER. Defendant's motions 20 21 to amend the briefing schedule in this FOIA action are GRANTED. The parties shall adhere to the following deadlines. Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment is due on or before May 21, 2021; Plaintiff's Opposition is due on or before June 30, 2021; and Defendant's Reply, if needed, is due on or before July 21, 2021. Consequently, Plaintiff's pending motion 23 in his anticipatory opposition 22 , which seeks to compel the release of records, is DENIED as premature. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 4/27/2021.(psu1) Modified on 4/27/2021 (psu1). (Entered: 04/27/2021)
2021-04-27Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Summary Judgment Motion due by 5/21/2021. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 6/30/2021. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 7/21/2021. (dot) (Entered: 04/28/2021)
2021-05-0424RESPONSE re 21 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines, 20 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd) (Entered: 05/06/2021)
2021-05-0425MOTION for Default Judgment as to, MOTION for Summary Judgment, MOTION Injunctive Relief by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd); (See docket entry no. 24 to view.) (Entered: 05/06/2021)
2021-05-1826MOTION to Stay All Proceedings by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Plea Agreement, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Plea Transcript, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Aug 2020 Comp. Motion, # 4 Exhibit 4 - April 2021 Comp. Motion)(Seabrook, April) (Entered: 05/18/2021)
2021-06-0130RESPONSE re 21 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines, 20 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd) (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-0131MOTION for Order by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd); (See docket entry no. 30 to view.) (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-02MINUTE ORDER DENYING 26 MOTION TO STAY. Defendant has moved to stay these FOIA proceedings pending the outcome of plaintiff's post-conviction proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. FOIA's unambiguous language requires prompt disclosure of agency records save for unusual circumstances defined in the Act, see 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(3)(A), (6)(B), but upon which the instant motion is not grounded. It is established, moreover, that "except in certain cases involving claims of privilege," U.S. Dep't of Def. v. Fed. Lab. Rels. Auth. , 510 U.S. 487, 496 (1994), a FOIA requester's identity and purpose for the disclosure are irrelevant to an agency's disclosure obligations, Clay v. U.S. Dep't of Justice , 680 F. Supp. 2d 239, 248 (D.D.C. 2010) (citing North v. Walsh , 881 F.2d 1088, 1096 (D.C. Cir. 1989)) (other citations omitted). See Stonehill v. I.R.S. , 558 F.3d 534, 538-39 (D.C. Cir. 2009) ("[W]hen a document must be disclosed under FOIA, it must be disclosed to the general public and the identity of the requester is irrelevant to whether disclosure is required."). Accordingly, Defendant's motion to stay is DENIED, and the briefing schedule is amended as follows. Defendant's motion for summary judgment is due on or before June 30, 2021; Plaintiff's opposition is due on or before August 11, 2021; Defendant's reply, if needed, is due on or before September 1, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 6/2/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 06/02/2021)
2021-06-02MINUTE ORDER denying as baseless 25 Plaintiff's Motion for Default Judgment and related relief. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 6/2/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 06/02/2021)
2021-06-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Summary Judgment Motion due by 6/30/2021. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 8/11/2021. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 9/1/2021. (dot) (Entered: 06/03/2021)
2021-06-0427MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 06/04/2021)
2021-06-04MINUTE ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO AMEND. Upon consideration of defendant's motion 27 to amend the recently revised briefing schedule, the parties shall adhere to the following new deadlines. As proposed, Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment is due on or before July 30, 2021; Plaintiff's Opposition is due on or before September 10, 2021; and Defendant's Reply, if needed, is due on or before October 1, 2021. No further extensions will be granted to the defendant except upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances, which the Court considers to be beyond those supporting the instant motion. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 6/4/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 06/04/2021)
2021-06-04Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Summary Judgment Motions due by 7/30/2021. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 9/10/2021. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 10/1/2021. (dot) (Entered: 06/04/2021)
2021-06-0428RESPONSE re 27 MOTION to Amend/Correct Set/Reset Deadlines filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd). (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-0429MOTION for Default Judgment as to, MOTION for Summary Judgment, MOTION Injunctive Relief by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (ztd); (See docket entry no. 28 to view.) (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-08MINUTE ORDER denying as baseless 29 Plaintiff's Motion for Default Judgment and related relief filed in response to Defendant's motion to amend the briefing schedule; and 31 Plaintiff's Motion for an Order to compel the same injunctive relief that is sought from the Complaint. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 6/8/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-22Partial Filing Fee Received from James Martin Graham in the amount of $25.21, receipt number: 200001. (fb) (Entered: 06/22/2021)
2021-07-3032MOTION for Summary Judgment by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Memorandum in Support, # 3 Exhibit 1 - Seidel Declaration (with Exhibits), # 4 Exhibit 2 - Mateo Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 3 - Plea Hrg Transcript, # 6 Exhibit 4 - First Mot for Release, # 7 Exhibit 5 - Second Mot for Release, # 8 Exhibit 6 - Sentencing Hrg Transcript, # 9 Exhibit 7 - Indictment, # 10 Certificate of Service)(Seabrook, April) (Entered: 07/30/2021)
2021-08-0433Order advising plaintiff to respond to defendant's motion for summary judgment by the scheduled deadline of September 10, 2021, or risk entry of judgment in defendant's favor or dismissal of the case for failure to prosecute (see document for details). Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 8/4/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 08/04/2021)
2021-08-04Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiff's Response to 32 Motion for Summary Judgment due by 9/10/2021. (dot) (Entered: 08/04/2021)
2021-08-2634Memorandum in opposition to re 32 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JAMES MARTIN GRAHAM. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(ztd) (Entered: 08/30/2021)
2021-09-2335MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 09/23/2021)
2021-09-29MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of 35 Defendant's Motion for an Extension of Time, the motion is GRANTED. Defendant shall file its Reply on or before November 3, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 9/29/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 09/29/2021)
2021-09-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Reply to 32 Motion for Summary Judgment due by 11/3/2021. (dot) (Entered: 09/29/2021)
2021-10-2936MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 32 MOTION for Summary Judgment by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Seabrook, April) (Entered: 10/29/2021)
2021-11-02MINUTE ORDER. Defendant's motion 36 for an extension of time is GRANTED. Defendant shall file its reply to Plaintiff's opposition to summary judgment on or before November 19, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 11/2/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 11/02/2021)
2021-11-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Reply to 32 Motion for Summary Judgment due by 11/19/2021. (dot) (Entered: 11/02/2021)
2021-11-1737MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Seabrook, April) (Entered: 11/17/2021)
2021-12-01MINUTE ORDER. Defendant's motion 37 for an extension of time is GRANTED. Defendant shall file its reply to Plaintiff's opposition to summary judgment on or before December 3, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 12/1/2021.(psu1) (Entered: 12/01/2021)
2021-12-01Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Reply to 32 Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/3/2021. (dot) (Entered: 12/01/2021)
2021-12-0338REPLY to opposition to motion re 32 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 8 - Magistrate R&R)(Seabrook, April) (Entered: 12/03/2021)
2022-02-1139ORDER granting 32 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and entering judgment in favor of the defendant, for the reasons stated in the Memorandum Opinion issued separately this day. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 2/11/2022.(psu1) (Entered: 02/11/2022)
2022-02-1140MEMORANDUM OPINION accompanying the final order issued separately this day. Signed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on 2/11/2022.(psu1) (Entered: 02/11/2022)
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