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Case TitleCALDERON v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2014cv00425
Date Filed2014-03-18
Date Closed2019-10-03
JudgeJudge Tanya S. Chutkan
PlaintiffPABLO CALDERON
Case DescriptionPablo Calderon submitted a FOIA request to the Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service for records concerning loan guarantees to cover loan defaults of banks in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He also requested a fee waiver. The agency asked Calderon to narrow the scope of his request to make it more manageable, which he did. The agency then denied his fee waiver request and gave him a fee estimate of $75,000. Calderon then asked the agency if it could disclose whatever records could be made available for $5,000. The agency treated this as a new request. The agency told him it would provide a three-page document for $350 and Calderon submitted an advance payment of $250. After being unable to get any more information about the status of his request from the agency, Calderon filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Public Interest Fee Waiver, Fees - Advance Payment

DefendantUNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service
AppealD.C. Circuit 17-5088
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
Complaint attachment 8
Complaint attachment 9
Complaint attachment 10
Complaint attachment 11
Complaint attachment 12
Complaint attachment 13
Complaint attachment 14
Complaint attachment 15
Complaint attachment 16
Complaint attachment 17
Complaint attachment 18
Complaint attachment 19
Complaint attachment 20
Complaint attachment 21
Complaint attachment 22
Opinion/Order [54]
FOIA Project Annotation: Judge Tanya Chutkan has ruled that the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service failed to show that companies with loans guaranteed by the Export Credit Guarantee Program to export agricultural products to Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan would suffer competitive harm if information identifying exporters, the companies to whom they imported the products, and foreign banks providing payment for the exports, was disclosed to Pablo Calderon, who had been convicted of conspiracy and wire fraud for using falsified documents to support various trades. Calderon sent a FOIA request to FAS for records concerning guarantee applications for banks in Ukraine, Russia, and Kazakhstan and claims made as a result of those guarantees, as well as compliance reviews for all program exporters involved in the Eurasia region from FY 2002 to FY 2012. After eight months of waiting for a response from FAS, Calderon filed suit. At that time, FAS identified more than 9,000 responsive pages and sent pre-disclosure notification letters to six companies and six banks. Four of the exporters and all six banks objected to disclosure, claiming they would suffer competitive harm as a result. FAS disclosed 9,212 pages, organizing the records into three categoriesâ€"registration files, claim files, and compliance files. The agency redacted names and contact information of employees under Exemption 6 (invasion of privacy) and made extensive redactions under Exemption 4 (confidential business information). Calderon attacked the agency's statement of material facts and its Vaughn index, claiming they violated Local Rule 7(h) by failing to provide certain information that the agency relied upon. Rejecting those claims, Chutkan noted that "Calderon was not prejudiced by any non-compliance, as he had a full opportunity to submit his own Statement of Material Facts in support of his cross-motion, to submit supporting declarations, and to otherwise address any factual issues he found with FAS's submissions." Calderon complained the Vaughn index did not provide explanations of each redaction. Chutkan, however, observed that "while the index itself does not include legal justifications for applying the exemptions, the accompanying agency and submitter affidavits are sufficiently descriptive for the court and for Calderon to understand the agency's reasoning for each redaction. Given the large number of documents at issue, and that the categories are frequently repeated in the various documents, FAS's decision to refrain from repetitive and redundant explanations in its Vaughn index in favor of explaining in its submitted declarations is satisfactory to the court." The agency argued that disclosure of the information would impair its ability to get the same kind of information in the future because some exporters said they would no longer participate in the program if they knew that their confidential information might be disclosed. Chutkan pointed out that "while that may be true, the court is not convinced that whether private entities will participate in the GSM-102 Program is relevant to the court's analysis under FOIA of whether FAS will likely be impaired in its ability to obtain information in the future from those entities that do participate. When entities apply to FAS to take advantage of the Program's significant economic incentives, they will be obligated to provide the required transactional documents, and FAS has not asserted that the quality or substance of the information provided in these required documents might be diminished." After finding that there was actual competition in the market for export guarantees, Chutkan turned to FAS's explanation of why disclosure would cause substantial competitive harm. The agency argued that "for nearly all of the different categories of information in the various types of documents, disclosures would enable competitors to enter the market, reach out to potential importers and banks, and undercut the prices offered by the objecting exporters, thereby causing competitive harm from losing out on potential competition." She indicated that "FAS also argued that disclosing the names of company officials and employees 'would allow competitors to contact them with more enticing employment offers' or to ask about their business practices, and that disclosing bank account information 'would subject the affected exporters to harm by competitors, which would have information about and access to the exporters' assets.'" She noted that the objecting exporters made the same broad allegations. She pointed out that "FAS offers little explanation for how a new competitor, armed only with the disclosed names of importers, banks, and other pricing/quantity information, would overcome the 'high barriers to entry' built into structuring these program transactions. Nor does FAS or the submitters state that they, as existing market competitors, would use the disclosed information in competition with each other. Therefore, it is unclear to the court what entities would or could even make use of any of the redacted information here." Calderon argued that "the redacted information is not only stale, but in fact has no relevance or value because it concerns only transactions that occurred in Russia, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, and these countries are no longer being used or no longer qualify for the Program." Chutkan agreed. She noted that "while it might be true that the submitters may engage in non-Program transactions in Russia, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, there is simply no evidence in the record that the submitters are presently engaged in any of these markets with these transactional partners, or even that non-Program competitors are engaged in such transactions to take advantage of the disclosed information. In short, there is simply no evidence that disclosure of this information 'would likely cause substantial harm to the submitters' competitive position,' as required by the statute." Chutkan found that the names and contact information of the exporters' employees were not protected under Exemption 4. She pointed that "while the submitters may be concerned about competitors giving their employees more lucrative or attractive job offers, that is a routine aspect of competition, and is not the concern of FAS, FOIA, or this court, and therefore does not support redaction under Exemption 4." However, Chutkan agreed with the agency that the employees' contact information was protected by Exemption 6. She pointed out that 'in light of FAS's and the submitters' harassment concerns, there is a privacy interest in the employees' business e-mail addresses and business phone numbers." She rejected Calderon's claim that disclosure of such information served the public interest. Instead, she noted that "there is no logical connection between the e-mail addresses, signatures, and phone numbers of employees at entities involved in these transactions and what the government 'is up to.' As a result, the court concludes there is virtually no public interest in disclosure of this information."
Issues: Exemption 4 - Competitive harm, Exemption 6 - Invasion of privacy
User-contributed Documents
 23 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment
23-01 Defendant's SOF
23-02 Memorandum in Support for Defendant's Motion for SJ
23-03 List of Exhibits
23-04 Affidavit of Sally Klusaritz
23-05 Exhibits 1 - 4
23-06 Exhibit 5
23-07 Exhibit 6, 8 - 10
23-08 Affidavit of Chris Nikkel (Bunge)
23-09 Affidavit of Simon Brother (Bunge)
23-10 Affidavit of Karla Hennessy
23-11 Affidavit of George Del Canto (GDC)
23-12 Affidavit of Ray Carter (GSTS)
24 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgement
24-02 Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for SJ
24-03 Plaintiff's SOF
24-04 Exhibit List to Plaintiff's SOF
24-05 Exhibits Part 1
24-06 Exhibits Part 2
24-07 Exhibits Part 3
24-08 Exhibits Part 4
24-09 Exhibits Part 5
24-10 Exhibits Part 6
27 Memorandum in opposition to re 24 Motion for SJ
27-01 Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Statement of Facts
27-02 Affidavit of Sally Klusaritz (supplemental)
27-03 Affidavit of Submitters (Bunge, Cargill, GDC, and GSTS)
27-04 Exhibits 1-6 (Government Opposition Exhibits)
29 Memorandum in opposition to re 23 Motion for SJ
29-01 SOF Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's SOF
29-02 Exhibits Part 1
29-02 Exhibits Part 2
31 Reply to Plaintiff's opposition
31-01 Defendant's response to Plaintiff's SOF
32 Reply in support of Plaintiff's motion for SJ
32-01 Plaintiff's additional SOF
32-02 Affidavit of Brett Lillemoe
32-03 Affidavit of Pablo Calderon
32-04 Exhibits Part 1
32-05 Exhibits Part 2
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2014-03-181COMPLAINT for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief against UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE -Foreign Agricultural Service ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0090-3654563) filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, # 3 Summons US Attorney General, # 4 Summons US Attorney for the District of Columbia, # 5 Exhibit 1, # 6 Exhibit 2, # 7 Exhibit 3, # 8 Exhibit 4, # 9 Exhibit 5, # 10 Exhibit 6, # 11 Exhibit 7, # 12 Exhibit 8, # 13 Exhibit 9, # 14 Exhibit 10, # 15 Exhibit 11, # 16 Exhibit 12, # 17 Exhibit 13, # 18 Exhibit 14, # 19 Exhibit 15, # 20 Exhibit 16, # 21 Exhibit 17, # 22 Exhibit 18)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 03/18/2014)
2014-03-18Case Assigned to Judge Ellen S. Huvelle. (md, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)
2014-03-182ELECTRONIC SUMMONS (3) ISSUED as to UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Summons 2nd, # 2 Summons 3rd, # 3 Notice of Consent, # 4 Consent Form)(md, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)
2014-05-223AMENDED COMPLAINT against UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 13, # 14 Exhibit 14, # 15 Exhibit 15, # 16 Exhibit 16, # 17 Exhibit 17, # 18 Exhibit 18, # 19 Exhibit 19, # 20 Exhibit 20)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 05/22/2014)
2014-05-294RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/23/2014. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 6/22/2014. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 05/29/2014)
2014-06-045RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General May 27, 2014. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 06/04/2014)
2014-06-046RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE served on 5/27/2014 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 06/04/2014)
2014-06-047MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Douglas B. Sanders, :Firm- Baker & McKenzie LLP, :Address- 300 East Randolph Street, Suite 5000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Phone No. - (312) 861-8075. Fax No. - (312) 698 2375 by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Douglas B. Sanders in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 06/04/2014)
2014-06-04MINUTE ORDER granting 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: UPON CONSIDERATION of the Motion for Admission of Douglas B. Sanders Pro Hac Vice in the above-captioned matter and the Declaration of Douglas B. Sanders in support thereof, it is hereby ORDERED that the Motion for Admission of Douglas B. Sanders Pro Hac Vice be, and the same hereby is, GRANTED; and it is further ORDERED that Douglas B. Sanders be allowed to appear pro hac vice in court proceedings in the above-captioned matter. Signed by Judge Ellen S. Huvelle on June 4, 2014. (AG) (Entered: 06/04/2014)
2014-06-06Case reassigned to Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Judge Ellen S. Huvelle no longer assigned to the case. (ztnr, ) (Entered: 06/06/2014)
2014-06-06Case directly reassigned to Judge Ellen S. Huvelle, as this case was assigned to Judge Chutkan in error. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan no longer assigned to the case. (gt, ) (Entered: 06/06/2014)
2014-06-09Case reassigned to Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Judge Ellen S. Huvelle no longer assigned to the case. (ztnr, ) (Entered: 06/09/2014)
2014-06-208Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Guzman, Javier) (Entered: 06/20/2014)
2014-06-23MINUTE ORDER: Defendant's motion 8 for an extension of time to respond to Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint 3 is hereby granted. Defendant shall answer or otherwise respond not later than July 11, 2014. Signed by Judge Ellen S. Huvelle on 6/23/14. (lctsc1) (Entered: 06/23/2014)
2014-06-24Reset Deadlines: Answer due by 7/11/2014, (tj ) (Entered: 06/24/2014)
2014-07-119ANSWER to 3 Amended Complaint, by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Related document: 3 Amended Complaint, filed by PABLO CALDERON.(Guzman, Javier) (Entered: 07/11/2014)
2014-07-31MINUTE ORDER: Before the Court in this FOIA case are a complaint and an answer. The requirements of LCvR 16.3 and Rule 26(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil procedure appear to be inapplicable. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties shall meet and confer and propose a schedule for proceeding in this matter. The schedule should address the status of Plaintiff's FOIA request, the anticipated number of documents responsive to Plaintiff's FOIA request, the anticipated date(s) for release of the documents requested by Plaintiff, whether a motion for an Open America stay is likely in this case, whether a Vaughn index will be required in this case, whether and when either party anticipates filing a dispositive motion, and any other pertinent issues. The parties shall file a joint status report that addresses these issues and that contains a proposed schedule and order not later than August 13, 2014. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 7/13/14. (lctsc1, ) (Entered: 07/31/2014)
2014-08-05Reset Deadlines: Meet & Confer Statement due by 8/13/2014; Status Report due by 8/13/2014. (tj) (Entered: 08/05/2014)
2014-08-1310STATUS REPORT - Joint by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/13/2014)
2014-08-19MINUTE ORDER: In light of the Status Report 10 filed by the parties requesting a conference to resolve disputes regarding how this case should proceed, a Status Conference is hereby set for 9/18/14, 2014 at 10:30 a.m in Courtroom 2. Status Conference set for 9/18/2014 10:30 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/19/14. (DJS, ) (Entered: 08/19/2014)
2014-08-2211NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by John Cuong Truong on behalf of UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Substituting for attorney Javier Guzman (Truong, John) (Entered: 08/22/2014)
2014-09-18Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan; Status Conference held on 9/18/2014. Parties are to submit a joint order and a proposed scheduling order. (Court Reporter Vicki Eastvold) (sm) (Entered: 09/18/2014)
2014-09-1912TRANSCRIPT OF STATUS CONFERENCE before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan held on 9/18/2014; Page Numbers: 1-25. Date of Issuance: 9/19/2014. Court Reporter Vicki Eastvold, Telephone number 202-354-3242, Court Reporter Email Address : vickieastvold@yahoo.com. For the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at ww.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 10/10/2014. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 10/20/2014. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/18/2014.(Eastvold, Vicki) (Entered: 09/19/2014)
2014-10-02MINUTE ORDER: The parties were instructed at the Status Conference held on 9/18/14 to submit a joint proposed scheduling order and have not done so. The parties are therefore ordered to submit a joint proposed scheduling order in accordance with the Court's rulings at the 9/18/14 Status Conference by October 10, 2014. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 10/2/2014. (lctsc2) (Entered: 10/02/2014)
2014-10-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Proposed Joint Scheduling Order due by 10/10/2014. (zsm) (Entered: 10/03/2014)
2014-10-1013STATUS REPORT (JOINT) AND PROPOSED ORDER by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 10/10/2014)
2014-10-1414SCHEDULING AND CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER. If Defendant fails to meet the October 31, 2014 deadline for production of documents, Defendant must submit a status report in accordance with the instructions in the attached Order by November 3, 2014. Status Report due by 11/19/2014 Summary Judgment motions due by 11/19/2014. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/5/2014. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/12/2014. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 10/14/2014. (lctsc2) (Entered: 10/14/2014)
2014-11-0315STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 11/03/2014)
2014-11-1916STATUS REPORT -Joint by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 11/19/2014)
2014-11-20MINUTE ORDER: Having considered the parties' Joint Status Report 16 , it is hereby ordered that the parties shall file a joint status report by December 10, 2014. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 11/20/14. (DJS) (Entered: 11/20/2014)
2014-11-20Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 12/10/2014. (sm) (Entered: 11/20/2014)
2014-12-1017STATUS REPORT -Joint by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 12/10/2014)
2015-01-1418Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete and Produce Vaughn Index by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 01/14/2015)
2015-01-15MINUTE ORDER: Granting 18 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Produce Vaughn Index. Defendant shall have up to and including January 21, 2015, to complete and provide the Vaughn Index to Plaintiff. It is further ordered that the parties shall file a jointly proposed schedule for moving forward with this case not later than 1/30/15. The parties shall also submit a proposed order not later than 1/30/15. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 1/15/15. (DJS) (Entered: 01/15/2015)
2015-01-15Set/Reset Deadlines: Vaughn Index due by 1/21/2015. Joint Proposed Schedule and Proposed Order due by 1/30/2015. (sm) (Entered: 01/15/2015)
2015-01-3019MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit Joint Proposed Briefing Schedule by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 01/30/2015)
2015-01-31MINUTE ORDER: Granting 19 Motion for Extension of Time to Submit Jointly Proposed Briefing Schedule. Proposed Briefing Schedule due 2/3/15. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 1/31/15. (DJS) (Entered: 01/31/2015)
2015-02-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Jointly Proposed Briefing Schedule due by 2/3/2015. (sm) (Entered: 02/02/2015)
2015-02-0320STATUS REPORT - Joint Proposed Schedule by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed] Scheduling Order for Motions for Summary Judgment)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 02/03/2015)
2015-02-25MINUTE ORDER: Per the parties' proposed [20-1] scheduling order, the following deadlines shall apply: Plaintiff must send Defendant a list of the subset of redacted documents Plaintiff proposes for use in cross-motions for summary judgment by March 3, 2015. The parties must agree on the proposed subset of documents by April 3, 2015, and may file them with the Court at that time. Summary judgment motions due by May 5, 2015. Oppositions due by May 28, 2015. Replies due by June 11, 2015. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 2/25/2015. (lctsc2) (Entered: 02/25/2015)
2015-02-25Set/Reset Deadlines: Redacted Document List due by 4/3/2015. Summary Judgment motions due by 5/5/2015. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/28/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 6/11/2015. (sm) (Entered: 02/25/2015)
2015-03-3121Consent MOTION to Modify In Part The Court's February 25, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 03/31/2015)
2015-04-01MINUTE ORDER: Granting 21 Consent Motion to Modify Schedule. The parties shall have up to and including April 17, 2015, to submit a proposed subset of documents to serve as exemplar for summary judgment purposes. ALL OTHER DEADLINES set forth in the February 25, 2015 Scheduling Order SHALL REMAIN UNCHANGED. igned by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 4/1/15. (DJS) (Entered: 04/01/2015)
2015-04-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Proposed exemplar due by 4/17/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 04/02/2015)
2015-04-2922Consent MOTION to Modify The Court's February 25, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 04/29/2015)
2015-04-30MINUTE ORDER: Granting 22 Consent Motion to Modify Scheduling Order. Defendant's motion for summary judgment due June 1, 2015. Plaintiff's response due June 16, 2105. Defendant's Reply due July 10, 2015. THE COURT WILL VIEW FURTHER REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WITH DISFAVOR. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 4/30/15. (DJS) (Entered: 04/30/2015)
2015-04-30Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motion due by 6/1/2015. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 6/16/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 7/10/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 04/30/2015)
2015-06-0123MOTION for Summary Judgment by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Memorandum in Support, # 3 Index of Exhibit, # 4 Affidavit of Sally Klusartiz (FAS), # 5 Exhibit 1-4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, 8-10, # 8 Affidavit of Chris Nikkel (Bunge), # 9 Affidavit of Simon Brother (Bunge), # 10 Affidavit of Karla Hennessy (Cargill), # 11 Affidavit of George Del Canto (GDC), # 12 Affidavit of GSTS)(Truong, John) (Entered: 06/01/2015)
2015-06-0124MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Memorandum in Support, # 3 Statement of Facts, # 4 Appendix, # 5 Exhibit Part 1 of Exhibit 1, # 6 Exhibit Part 2 of Exhibit 1, # 7 Exhibit Part 3 of Exhibit 1, # 8 Exhibit Exhibits 2-10, # 9 Exhibit Exhibits 11-15, # 10 Exhibit Exhibits 16-19)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 06/01/2015)
2015-06-0325Unopposed MOTION to Modify April 30, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 06/03/2015)
2015-06-08MINUTE ORDER: Granting 25 Motion to Modify Briefing schedule. The parties shall have up to and including July 1, 2015, to file their respective Oppositions, and July 15, 2015, to file their Replies. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 6/8/15. (DJS) (Entered: 06/08/2015)
2015-06-08Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 7/1/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 7/15/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 06/08/2015)
2015-06-2526Unopposed MOTION to Modify The Court's June 8, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 06/25/2015)
2015-06-26MINUTE ORDER: Granting 26 Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion to Modify Scheduling Order. The parties shall have up to and including July 15, 2015, to file their respective Oppositions, and August 5, 2015, to file their Replies. THE COURT WILL VIEW FURTHER REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS OF TIME WITH DISFAVOR AND WILL GRANT SUCH REQUESTS ONLY FOR GOOD CAUSE. The parties are reminded that failure to prepare sufficiently in advance of deadlines, without more, is not good cause. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 6/26/15. (DJS) (Entered: 06/26/2015)
2015-06-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Responses due by 7/15/2015. Replies due by 8/5/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 06/29/2015)
2015-07-1527Memorandum in opposition to re 24 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Attachments: # 1 Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Statement of Facts, # 2 Affidavit of Sally Klusaritz (supplemental), # 3 Affidavit of Submitters (Bunge, Cargill, GDC, and GSTS), # 4 Exhibit 1-6 (Gov. Opp. Exhs))(Truong, John) (Entered: 07/15/2015)
2015-07-1528NOTICE of Govt. Opposition Exh. 7-9 (part of ECF No. 27) by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 10-11 (Gov. Opp. Exhs))(Truong, John) (Entered: 07/15/2015)
2015-07-1529Memorandum in opposition to re 23 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Statement of Material Facts for which there is No Genuine Dispute and Additional Material Facts in Support of his Motion, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 1 to Plaintiff's Additional Statement of Facts, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 2 to Plaintiff's Additional Statement of Facts, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 3 to Plaintiff's Additional Statement of Facts, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit 4 to Plaintiff's Additional Statement of Facts)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 07/15/2015)
2015-07-16NOTICE OF ERROR re 28 Notice (Other); emailed to john.truong@usdoj.gov, cc'd 3 associated attorneys -- The PDF file you docketed contained errors: 1. In the future all filings must follow filing format: caption, case #, title & body. (td, ) (Entered: 07/16/2015)
2015-07-3030Consent MOTION to Modify the Court's June 26, 2015 Scheduling Order and to Modify the Page Limit for Both Parties' Replies by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 07/30/2015)
2015-08-04MINUTE ORDER: Granting in part and denying in part 30 Consent Motion to Modify June 26, 2015 Scheduling Order. Plaintiff and Defendant shall have up to and including Wednesday, August 12, 2015 to file their Replies. The Motion is denied with respect to the request to increase the page limit. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/4/15. (DJS) (Entered: 08/04/2015)
2015-08-05Set/Reset Deadlines: Replies due by 8/12/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 08/05/2015)
2015-08-1231REPLY to opposition to motion re 23 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts)(Truong, John) (Entered: 08/12/2015)
2015-08-1232REPLY to opposition to motion re 24 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 TO MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT, # 2 Exhibit 1 TO ADDITIONAL STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS, # 3 Exhibit 2 TO ADDITIONAL STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS, # 4 Exhibit 2 TO MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT, # 5 Exhibit 3 TO MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/12/2015)
2015-08-14MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiff's Reply 32 in support of his MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment 24 does not comply with LCvR 7(h), which does not provide for the filing of an "Additional Statement of Material Facts" accompanying a reply brief. Rather than striking Plaintiff's "Additional Statement of Material Facts" and directing Plaintiff to refile his reply brief, the Court believes that it would be in the interests of justice to order rebriefing of both parties' motions for summary judgment. In rebriefing their summary judgment motions, the parties are reminded to comply fully with LCvR 7(h), which only permits a statement of material facts as to which a moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be filed with a motion for summary judgment. Additionally, in light of the fact that the parties are seeking summary judgment on the same issue, rather than filing simultaneous cross-motions for summary judgment, (i) Defendant will first file its motion for summary judgment; (ii) Plaintiff will then file his opposition and COMBINED cross-motion for partial summary judgment; (iii) Defendant will then file its reply and COMBINED opposition; and (iv) Plaintiff will then file his reply. The parties are also directed to file a joint proposed briefing schedule reflecting the sequential briefing set forth above, with an accompanying proposed scheduling order, by 8/21/15. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/14/15.(lctsc2) (Entered: 08/14/2015)
2015-08-1933SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by PABLO CALDERON (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/19/2015)
2015-08-2134STATUS REPORT -Joint by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/21/2015)
2015-08-21MINUTE ORDER: Per the parties' [Proposed] Scheduling Order for Motions for Summary Judgment [34-1], the following deadlines shall apply: Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment shall be filed no later than September 3, 2015; Plaintiff's Combined Opposition and Partial Motion for Summary Judgment shall be filed no later than September 24, 2015; Defendant's Combined Opposition and Reply shall be filed no later than October 15, 2015; Plaintiff's Reply shall be filed no later than October 27, 2015. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/21/15. (lctsc2) (Entered: 08/21/2015)
2015-08-24Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motions due by 9/3/2015. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 9/24/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 10/15/2015. Reply due by 10/27/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 08/24/2015)
2015-08-25MINUTE ORDER: Granting in part and denying in part 33 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal. The Clerk of the Court shall seal Document 24-6. Not later than 9/1/15 Plaintiff shall refile the Exhibits found in Document 24-6 in its entirety as a separate document with the appropriate information redacted. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/25/15. (DJS) (Entered: 08/25/2015)
2015-08-25Set/Reset Deadlines: Exhibits due by 9/1/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 08/25/2015)
2015-08-2635REDACTED DOCUMENT- Redacted - 24-6 Part 2 of Exhibit 1 by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/26/2015)
2015-09-0336Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 09/03/2015)
2015-09-0437MOTION for Summary Judgment by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Memorandum in Support, # 3 Affidavit of Sally Klusartiz, # 4 Exhibit 1-4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, 8-10, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 11 (Nikkel Declaration), # 9 Exhibit 12 (Brotherton Declaration), # 10 Exhibit 13 (Hennessy Declaration), # 11 Exhibit 14 (Del Canto Declaration), # 12 Exhibit 15 (GSTS Letter), # 13 Exhibit 16)(Truong, John) (Entered: 09/04/2015)
2015-09-08MINUTE ORDER: Granting 36 Motion for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 9/8/15. (DJS) (Entered: 09/08/2015)
2015-09-2338Consent MOTION to Modify the Court's August 21, 2015 Scheduling Order and to Set the Page Limit for Plaintiff's Combined Opposition and Motion for Partial Summary Judgment by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 09/23/2015)
2015-09-26MINUTE ORDER: Granting 38 Motion to Modify Scheduling Order. Plaintiff's Combined Opposition and Motion for Partial Summary Judgment shall be filed no later than Thursday, October 1, 2015; Defendant' s Combined Opposition and Reply shall be filed no later than October 22, 2015; and Plaintiff's Reply shall be filed no later than November 3, 2015. Due to the unique circumstances of this case, that the page limit for Plaintiffs Combined Opposition and Motion for Partial Summary Judgment shall be set to 60 pages. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 9/26/15. (DJS) (Entered: 09/26/2015)
2015-09-28Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 10/1/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 10/22/2015. Reply due by 11/3/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 09/28/2015)
2015-10-0139MOTION for Summary Judgment (Partial) and Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Memorandum in Support, # 3 Statement of Facts, # 4 Appendix, # 5 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 1, # 6 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 2, # 7 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 3, # 8 Exhibit Exs 2 - 5, # 9 Exhibit Ex 6, # 10 Exhibit Ex 7 - 14, # 11 Exhibit Ex 15 - 20, # 12 Statement of Facts RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT'S STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS FOR WHICH THERE IS NO GENUINE DISPUTE, AND PLAINTIFF'S STATEMENT OF GENUINE ISSUES)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 10/01/2015)
2015-10-0240ERRATA by PABLO CALDERON substituting redacted exhibit. See Attachment 6 to 39 Plaintiff's Partial Motion for Summary Judgment/Opposition filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 2 (redacted version))(Chasin, Steven) Modified on 10/6/2015 (DJS). (Entered: 10/02/2015)
2015-10-0241Memorandum in opposition to re 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Appendix, # 3 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 1, # 4 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 2, # 5 Exhibit Ex 1 - Part 3, # 6 Exhibit Exs 2-5, # 7 Exhibit Ex 6, # 8 Exhibit Exs 7-14, # 9 Exhibit Exs 15-22, # 10 Statement of Facts Response to Defendant's Statement of Facts and Plaintiff's Statement of Issues)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 10/02/2015)
2015-10-1642Consent MOTION to Modify The Court's September 26, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 10/16/2015)
2015-10-18MINUTE ORDER: Granting 42 Consent Motion to Modify Briefing Schedule. Defendant's Reply and Opposition to Motion for Partial Summary Judgment due November 12, 2015. Plaintiff's Reply due December 4, 2015. The Court will view further requests for extensions with disfavor. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 10/18/15. (DJS) (Entered: 10/18/2015)
2015-10-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 11/12/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/4/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 10/19/2015)
2015-11-0743MOTION to Modify The Court's October 18, 2015 Scheduling Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 11/07/2015)
2015-11-0944Memorandum in opposition to re 43 MOTION to Modify The Court's October 18, 2015 Scheduling Order filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 11/09/2015)
2015-11-09MINUTE ORDER granting 43 Motion to Modify Scheduling Order. Defendant's Reply and Opposition to Motion for Partial Summary Judgment shall be filed no later than December 2, 2015 and Plaintiff's Reply shall be filed no later than December 18, 2015. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 11/9/15. (lctsc2) (Entered: 11/09/2015)
2015-11-10Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/2/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/18/2015. (zsm) (Entered: 11/10/2015)
2015-12-0145MOTION to Modify November 9, 2015 Minute Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 12/01/2015)
2015-12-0246Memorandum in opposition to re 45 MOTION to Modify November 9, 2015 Minute Order filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 12/02/2015)
2015-12-02ORDER granting 45 Motion to Modify. Defendant's Reply and Opposition to Motion for Partial Summary Judgment is now due on December 22, 2015 and Plaintiff's Reply is now due on January 15, 2016. Any further requests for extensions will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances, and after a hearing. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 12/2/15. (lctsc2) (Entered: 12/02/2015)
2015-12-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 12/22/2015. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 1/15/2016. (zsm) (Entered: 12/03/2015)
2015-12-2247Memorandum in opposition to re 39 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Partial) and Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Declaration of Sally Klusaritz (Third), # 3 Declaration of Simon Brotheron (Third))(Truong, John) (Entered: 12/22/2015)
2015-12-2248REPLY to opposition to motion re 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment (See ECF No. 47 for Statement of Facts and Declarations) filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 12/22/2015)
2016-01-1549REPLY to opposition to motion re 39 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Partial) and Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 01/15/2016)
2016-05-24MINUTE ORDER. By no later than 5:00pm on Friday, May 27, 2016, Defendant shall file a Notice of no more than three pages apprising the court of its position regarding Plaintiff's claims in Part III of his reply brief (ECF No. 49) that (i) shippers, product amounts and product weights redacted from the bills of lading produced to Plaintiff can be determined by cross-referencing information which has not been redacted from those bills of lading against the PIERS database; and that (ii) because "foreign banks' LC Documentary Credit Numbers on the LC advice documents" produced to Plaintiff were not redacted, "the identity of the bank can be discerned from th[at] number alone" because "each bank has a distinctive format for such numbers." Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 5/24/16. (lctsc2) (Entered: 05/24/2016)
2016-05-25Set/Reset Deadlines: Notice due by 5/27/2016. (zsm) (Entered: 05/25/2016)
2016-05-2750Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Notice by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 05/27/2016)
2016-05-31MINUTE ORDER: Granting 50 Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Notice. By June 10, 2016, Defendant shall file a Notice that complies with this court's 05/24/2016 Minute Order. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 5/31/16. (DJS) (Entered: 05/31/2016)
2016-05-31Set/Reset Deadlines: Notice due by 6/10/2016. (zsm) (Entered: 05/31/2016)
2016-06-1051NOTICE by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE re Order,,, (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Truong, John) (Entered: 06/10/2016)
2016-09-25VACATED PURSUANT TO ORDER DATED 9/28/16.....MINUTE ORDER: A Motion Hearing is hereby set for 10/21/2016 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 2, at which the court will hear argument on the parties' motions 37 39 for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 9/25/16. (DJS) Modified on 9/29/2016 (zsm). (Entered: 09/25/2016)
2016-09-26Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 10/21/2016 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (zsm) (Entered: 09/26/2016)
2016-09-2852Consent MOTION to Modify the Court's September 25, 2016 Minute Order and Reschedule the Summary Judgment Motions Hearing by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 09/28/2016)
2016-09-28MINUTE ORDER granting 52 consent motion to reschedule hearing. The hearing previously scheduled for 10/21/2016 is VACATED and hereby rescheduled for 12/7/2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 2. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 9/28/2016. (lctsc2) (Entered: 09/28/2016)
2016-09-29Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 12/7/2016 at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (zsm) (Entered: 09/29/2016)
2016-10-17MINUTE ORDER: Due to a conflict with the court's schedule, the hearing previously scheduled for 12/7/2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 2 is hereby VACATED and RESCHEDULED for 12/14/2016 at 10:00 a.m. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 10/17/2016. (lctsc2) (Entered: 10/17/2016)
2016-10-17Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 12/14/2016 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (zsm) (Entered: 10/17/2016)
2016-12-14Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan: Motion Hearing held on 12/14/2016 re 37 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, and 39 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Partial) and Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by PABLO CALDERON. Motions taken under advisement. (Court Reporter Elizabeth Saint_Loth.) (zsm) (Entered: 12/14/2016)
2017-02-1053TRANSCRIPT OF MOTION HEARING before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan held on 12-14-2016; Page Numbers: 1 - 47. Date of Issuance:02-10-2017. Court Reporter/Transcriber Elizabeth Saint-Loth, Telephone number 302-354-3242, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the <a href="http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/node/110">Transcript Order Form</a><P></P><P></P>For the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.<P> NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov.<P></P> Redaction Request due 3/3/2017. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/13/2017. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/11/2017.(Saint-Loth, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/10/2017)
2017-02-2154MEMORANDUM AND OPINION re 37 Defendant's motion for summary judgment and 39 Plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 2/21/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 02/21/2017)
2017-02-2155ORDER granting in part and denying in part 37 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment; granting in part and denying in part 39 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment. A status conference is hereby set for 3/7/2017 at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2. The parties are ORDERED to submit a joint status report with a proposed schedule for moving forward with this matter by 5:00 p.m. on 3/6/2017. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 2/21/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 02/21/2017)
2017-02-22Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Joint Status Report due by 5:00 p.m. on 3/6/2017. Status Conference set for 3/7/2017 at 03:30 PM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (tb) (Entered: 02/22/2017)
2017-03-0356Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Joint Status Report and to Reschedule the Status Conference by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 03/03/2017)
2017-03-03MINUTE ORDER granting 56 Parties' Joint Motion for Extension of Time to File. The status conference previously scheduled for 3/7/2017 at 3:30 p.m. is hereby VACATED and RESCHEDULED for 4/6/2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2. Parties are ordered to file their joint status report by 5:00 p.m. on 4/4/2017. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 3/3/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 03/03/2017)
2017-03-03Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Joint Status Report due by 5:00 p.m. on 4/4/2016. Status Conference set for 4/6/2017 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (tb) (Entered: 03/03/2017)
2017-03-1057Consent MOTION to Continue Status Conference and to Allow for Participation in the Status Conference Telephonically by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 03/10/2017)
2017-03-15MINUTE ORDER: Granting Defendant's Consent Motion 57 to Reschedule. The April 6, 2017 Status Conference is hereby RESCHEDULED to April 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2. Mr. Douglas Sanders and Mr. Pablo Calderon may participate in the conference telephonically. Those participating by telephone shall contact the court's Courtroom Deputy at least three business days PRIOR to the date of the call to make the appropriate arrangements. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 3/15/17. (DJS) (Entered: 03/15/2017)
2017-03-15Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference RESCHEDULED to 4/27/2017 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (tb) (Entered: 03/15/2017)
2017-04-0458Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 04/04/2017)
2017-04-1059NOTICE of Defendant's Supplemental Filing Relating to the Joint Status Report (ECF No. 58) by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 04/10/2017)
2017-04-2060NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to 55 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 54 Memorandum & Opinion by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Truong, John) (Entered: 04/20/2017)
2017-04-2161Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed, and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals docketing fee was not paid because the fee was an Appeal by the Government re 60 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court. (jf) (Entered: 04/21/2017)
2017-04-24MINUTE ORDER: In light of 60 Defendant's Notice of Appeal, the parties are hereby ORDERED to jointly submit by 4/26/2017 at 5:00 p.m. their respective positions in a single filing as to whether a stay of further proceedings is warranted given the overlap in legal issues and, if not, whether the appeal impacts their proposals for the case going forward. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 4/24/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 04/24/2017)
2017-04-24Set/Reset Deadlines: Parties' respective positions as to whether to stay further proceedings due by 4/26/2017. (tb) (Entered: 04/24/2017)
2017-04-26USCA Case Number 17-5088 for 60 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (td) (Entered: 04/26/2017)
2017-04-26MINUTE ORDER: The status conference scheduled for 4/27/2017 at 10:00 a.m. is hereby VACATED. The court will issue a separate Order rescheduling the hearing at a later date. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 4/26/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 04/26/2017)
2017-04-2662Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 04/26/2017)
2017-05-01MINUTE ORDER: The status hearing previously scheduled for 4/27/2017 is hereby RESCHEDULED for 5/19/2017 at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2. As previously ordered, Mr. Douglas Sanders and Mr. Pablo Calderon may participate in the status hearing telephonically. Those participating by telephone shall contact the court's Courtroom Deputy at least three business days prior to the date of the call to make the appropriate arrangements. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 5/1/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 05/01/2017)
2017-05-02Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference reset for 5/19/2017 at 02:30 PM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (tb) (Entered: 05/02/2017)
2017-05-09MINUTE ORDER: Due to a scheduling conflict, the status hearing previously rescheduled to 5/19/2017 is VACATED and RESCHEDULED for 5/16/2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 2. As previously ordered, Mr. Douglas Sanders and Mr. Pablo Calderon may participate in the status hearing telephonically. Those participating by telephone shall contact the court's Courtroom Deputy at least three business days prior to the date of the call to make the appropriate arrangements. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 5/9/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 05/09/2017)
2017-05-10Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference set for 5/16/2017 at 10:30 AM in Courtroom 2 before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. (tb) (Entered: 05/10/2017)
2017-05-16Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan: Status Conference held on 5/16/2017. Order forthcoming as to clarification of the Court's previous orders entered in February. The parties shall meet and confer as to the documents discussed on the record, and if they cannot agree, they shall file their objections with the Court. As to further briefing, the parties shall confer and file a proposed schedule. (Court Reporter: Bryan Wayne.) (kt) (Entered: 05/16/2017)
2017-05-22MINUTE ORDER: As stated in court at the status hearing held on 5/16/2017, the court hereby clarifies that (1) the scope of its 2/21/2017 Order regarding the application of Exemption 4 to transactional documents involving Russia and Ukraine applies to all such documents, including bills of lading relating to those countries and the names of shippers and pricing information included on those documents, and (2) the court's 2/21/2017 Order was not an injunction or final judgment. For the reasons stated in court, Defendant's request for a temporary stay is denied. The parties shall meet and confer to determine whether they can agree to a protective order for the use of certain documents in support of their renewed motions for summary judgment. The parties are directed to file a status report with the court with their proposal, or respective positions if no agreement is reached, as well as their proposed schedule for their renewed cross-motions for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 5/22/2017. (lctsc2) (Entered: 05/22/2017)
2017-05-2263TRANSCRIPT OF 5/16/17 STATUS HEARING, before Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, held on May 16, 2017. Page Numbers: 1-17. Date of Issuance: May 22, 2017. Court Reporter: Bryan A. Wayne. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order Form For the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the t ranscript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 6/12/2017. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 6/22/2017. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/20/2017.(Wayne, Bryan) (Entered: 05/22/2017)
2017-05-3164MANDATE of USCA as to 60 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ; USCA Case Number 17-5088. (Attachments: # 1 USCA Order)(td) (Entered: 06/01/2017)
2017-06-26MINUTE ORDER: By 7/12/17 the parties shall file a jointly proposed protective order and a joint proposal setting forth dates for the briefing of their renewed cross-motions for summary judgment. The parties' filing shall include proposed orders. In the event that the parties have not yet reached agreement, the parties shall file a joint status report updating the court as to their efforts to prepare a proposed protective order. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 6/26/17. (DJS) (Entered: 06/26/2017)
2017-06-26Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Proposed Protective Order and Proposed Briefing Schedule due by 7/12/2017. (tb) (Entered: 06/26/2017)
2017-07-1165Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Status Report by PABLO CALDERON (Sanders, Douglas) (Entered: 07/11/2017)
2017-07-12MINUTE ORDER: Granting 65 Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Joint Status Report. The Parties shall submit a Joint Status Report, including a proposed schedule and proposed order for moving forward with this matter by 5:00 PM EST on August 15, 2017. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 7/12/17. (DJS) (Entered: 07/12/2017)
2017-07-13Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/15/2017. (tb) (Entered: 07/13/2017)
2017-08-1566Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Status Report by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1 - Memorandum in Support of Motion to Modify Protective Order)(Sanders, Douglas) (Entered: 08/15/2017)
2017-08-17MINUTE ORDER: Granting 66 Motion for Extension of Deadlines. The parties shall file a joint status report, including a proposed schedule for moving forward with this matter, by September 29, 2017. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/17/17. (DJS) (Entered: 08/17/2017)
2017-08-22Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 9/29/2017. (tb) (Entered: 08/22/2017)
2017-09-2867Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit Joint Status Report by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 09/28/2017)
2017-09-30MINUTE ORDER: Granting 67 Joint Motion for Extension of Time to File Status Report. The Parties shall submit a joint status report, including a proposed schedule for moving forward with this matter, by November 13, 2017. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 9/30/17. (DJS) (Entered: 09/30/2017)
2017-10-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 11/13/2017. (tb) (Entered: 10/03/2017)
2017-11-1368Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit Joint Status Report by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 11/13/2017)
2017-11-14MINUTE ORDER: Granting 68 Joint Motion for Extension of Deadlines. The Parties shall submit a Joint Status Report by January 12, 2018 and every 30 days thereafter. To the extent the status report includes a proposed briefing schedule, the parties shall attach a proposed order. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 11/14/17.(DJS) (Entered: 11/14/2017)
2017-11-15Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 1/12/2018. (tb) (Entered: 11/15/2017)
2018-01-1169Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit Status Report by PABLO CALDERON (Sanders, Douglas) (Entered: 01/11/2018)
2018-01-16Minute ORDER: Granting 69 Joint Motion for Extension of Time to File Joint Status Report. The parties shall file a joint status report by January 26, 2018 and every 60 days thereafter. If the joint status report contains a proposed briefing schedule the parties shall also submit a proposed order. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 1/16/18. (DJS) (Entered: 01/16/2018)
2018-01-17Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 1/26/2018. (tb) (Entered: 01/17/2018)
2018-01-2270Consent MOTION to Stay All Proceedings In Light of Lapse of Appropriations by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 01/22/2018)
2018-01-23MINUTE ORDER: Finding as moot 70 Motion to Stay. The parties shall file a joint status report by February 1, 2018 and every 60 days thereafter. To the extent the status report contains a proposed briefing schedule, the parties shall attach a proposed order. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 1/23/18. (DJS) (Entered: 01/23/2018)
2018-01-24Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 2/1/2018. (tb) (Entered: 01/24/2018)
2018-01-3071Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 01/30/2018)
2018-02-1472MOTION to Reassign Case Designated as Related by PABLO CALDERON (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 02/14/2018)
2018-02-1573ERRATA Regarding Exhibits B and C to Motion for Reassignment of Designated Related Case by PABLO CALDERON 72 MOTION to Reassign Case Designated as Related filed by PABLO CALDERON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit B, # 2 Exhibit C)(Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 02/15/2018)
2018-02-17MINUTE ORDER denying 72 Motion to Reassign Case. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 2/17/18. (DJS) (Entered: 02/17/2018)
2018-04-0274Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 04/02/2018)
2018-06-0475Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 06/04/2018)
2018-08-0376Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 08/03/2018)
2018-10-0277Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 10/02/2018)
2018-12-0378Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 12/03/2018)
2019-03-0479Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 03/04/2019)
2019-05-1080Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 05/10/2019)
2019-07-0981Joint STATUS REPORT by PABLO CALDERON. (Chasin, Steven) (Entered: 07/09/2019)
2019-08-0882Joint STATUS REPORT and Proposed Order by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 08/08/2019)
2019-08-26MINUTE ORDER: Having considered the parties' joint status report 82 , it is hereby ordered, that if necessary, the following schedule shall govern the parties' submissions with respect to FOIA Exemption (b)(4), based on the Supreme Court's recent decision in Food Marketing Inst. v. Argus Leader Media, 588 U.S. --, 139 S. Ct. 2356 (U.S.): Defendant's motion to reconsider due on October 8, 2019. Plaintiff's response due on November 1, 2019. Defendant's reply due on November 14, 2019. Signed by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on 8/26/19. (DJS) (Entered: 08/26/2019)
2019-08-2783NOTICE of Settlement in Principle by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (Truong, John) (Entered: 08/27/2019)
2019-08-27Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's motion for reconsideration due by 10/8/2019. Response due by 11/1/2019 Reply due by 11/14/2019. (tb) (Entered: 08/27/2019)
2019-10-0184STIPULATION of Settlement and Dismissal by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (Truong, John) (Entered: 10/01/2019)
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