Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitlePETROFF v. SESSIONS et al
DistrictMiddle District of Georgia
CityAlbany
Case Number1:2017cv00067
Date Filed2017-03-27
Date Closed2020-03-23
JudgeUS DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER
PlaintiffSEAN PETROFF
Case DescriptionSean Petroff, a federal prisoner, submitted a FOIA request to the Department of Justice. After hearing nothing further from the agency, Petroff filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit

DefendantUS Attorney General JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III
DefendantUS Attorney General JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III
TERMINATED: 02/14/2018
DefendantJOHN DOE Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
DefendantJOHN DOE Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
TERMINATED: 02/14/2018
DefendantJOHN DOE U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
DefendantJOHN DOE U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
TERMINATED: 02/14/2018
DefendantJOHN DOE Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
DefendantJOHN DOE Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia
TERMINATED: 02/14/2018
DefendantUNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2017-03-271COMPLAINT against JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III filed by SEAN PETROFF (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 03/27/2017)
2017-03-272MOTION for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 03/27/2017)
2017-03-273Consent Form (28 USC 636(c)(1)) sent to SEAN PETROFF. (mdm) (Entered: 03/27/2017)
2017-04-254ORDER granting 2 Motion for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis. Plaintiff is DIRECTED to resubmit the exhibits docketed in 1:11-cr-00011-WLS-TQL-1 as exhibits in this case. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 04/25/2017. (mdm) (Entered: 04/25/2017)
2017-05-085NOTICE of Filing of Correspondence from US Department of Justice to Petroff regarding incorrect service. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 05/08/2017)
2017-05-116MOTION for Leave to Submit Exhibits as Directed by the Court Filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits A - H - Exhibits docketed in case number 1:11-cr-11)(bcl) (Entered: 05/11/2017)
2017-05-157This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 6 Motion for Leave to File Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 5/15/17 (rlw2) (Entered: 05/15/2017)
2017-05-198Letter from Sean Petroff regarding service. (Attachments: # 1 Letter from USDOJ, # 2 Notice of Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons - Session, # 3 Notice of Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons - US Attorney, # 4 Notice of Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons - GAMD US Attorney, # 5 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 05/22/2017)
2017-05-249ORDER FOR SERVICE. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 05/24/2017. (mdm) (Entered: 05/24/2017)
2017-05-2410USM 285 Process Receipt and Return ISSUED for JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III (Attachments: # 1 USM 285, # 2 USM 285, # 3 USM 285)(mdm) (Main Document 10 replaced on 5/24/2017) (mdm). (Entered: 05/24/2017)
2017-05-2411Summons Issued as to JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons)(mdm) (Entered: 05/24/2017)
2017-05-2612USM 285 Process Receipt and Return MAILED for JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III (mdm) (Entered: 05/26/2017)
2017-07-11Filing fee Paid: Initial Partial Filing Fee $20.15 (bcl) (Entered: 07/11/2017)
2017-07-3113MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III filed by STEWART R BROWN. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 07/31/2017)
2017-08-1814MOTION for Leave to Amend for Purpose of Enjoining Parties filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 08/21/2017)
2017-08-1815RESPONSE filed by SEAN PETROFF re 13 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 08/21/2017)
2017-09-0116REPLY to Response filed by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III re 13 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint, : (BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 09/01/2017)
2017-09-0117RESPONSE filed by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III re 14 MOTION for Leave to File Amend for Purpose of Enjoining Parties (BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 09/01/2017)
2017-09-1518SURREPLY FILED WITHOUT PERMISSION by SEAN PETROFF re 13 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 09/15/2017)
2017-09-15Notice of Deficiency (related document(s): 18 SURREPLY FILED WITHOUT PERMISSION by SEAN PETROFF ); Document requires leave of court before filing. (mdm) (Entered: 09/15/2017)
2017-09-2219MOTION for Leave to Submit, Pursuant to FRE 201, Motion for Order; MOTION for Relief filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Various Case Related Documents, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 09/22/2017)
2017-09-2520RESPONSE filed by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III re 19 MOTION for Leave to File Submit, Pursuant to FRE 201, Motion for OrderMOTION for Relief (BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 09/25/2017)
2017-09-2821MOTION for Leave to Submit Traverse Motion filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Deficiency, # 2 Proposed Traverse Response, # 3 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 09/28/2017)
2017-10-2322MOTION for Leave to Submit Reply to 20 Response filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 10/23/2017)
2017-10-2323REPLY to Response filed by SEAN PETROFF re 19 MOTION for Leave to File Submit, Pursuant to FRE 201, Motion for Order MOTION for Relief. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 10/23/2017)
2018-02-0524MOTION for Rule 16(b) Pretrial Conference filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 02/05/2018)
2018-02-0525MOTION for Rule 26(f) Conference of the Parties filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 02/05/2018)
2018-02-1226RESPONSE filed by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III re 24 MOTION for Rule 16(b) Pretrial Conference, 25 MOTION for Rule 26(f) Conference of the Parties (BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 02/12/2018)
2018-02-1427ORDER granting 13 Motion to Dismiss Complaint; granting in part and denying in part 14 MOTION for Leave to Amend for Purpose of Enjoining Parties. The following parties are hereby DROPPED as Defendants in this action: (1) Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia; (2) the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia; (3) Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia; (4) United States Attorney General Jefferson Sessions. The Clerk of Court is DIRECTED to add the United States Department of Justice as a defendant in this case and dismiss all other named Defendants. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 02/14/2018. (mdm) (Entered: 02/14/2018)
2018-02-2628MOTION for Leave to File Petitioner's Motion to Name Defendant/Motion to Amend or Add Defendant Nunc Pro Tunc filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Motion to Name Defendant/Motion to Amend or Add Defendant Nunc Pro Tunc, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 02/26/2018)
2018-02-2829ANSWER to Complaint by JOHN DOE(U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Office of U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JOHN DOE(Assistant U.S. Attorney - Middle District of Georgia), JEFFERSON B SESSIONS, III, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.(BROWN, STEWART)Attorney STEWART R BROWN added to party UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE(pty:dft) (Entered: 02/28/2018)
2018-03-2230RULES 16/26 ORDER :Proposed Scheduling/Discovery order due by 4/23/2018. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 3/22/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Required Form)(far) (Entered: 03/22/2018)
2018-03-2631MOTION for Extension of Time to File to Respond to Document 29 . Filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(bcl) (Entered: 03/26/2018)
2018-04-0932MOTION for Leave to Submit Notice to Court filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Notice to Court, # 2 Cover Letter, # 3 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 04/09/2018)
2018-04-1033ORDER denying 31 Motion for Extension of Time. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 04/10/2018. (mdm) (Entered: 04/10/2018)
2018-04-2734SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER :Discovery to be complete by 10/22/2018. Dispositive motions due by 11/21/2018. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 04/27/2018. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Scheduling & Discovery Order)(mdm) (Entered: 04/27/2018)
2018-04-2735MOTION for Leave to File Second Notice to Court and Motion for Extension of Time filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Second Notice to Court, # 2 Motion for Extension of Time, # 3 Note & Request for Service, # 4 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 04/27/2018)
2018-05-2136MOTION for Leave to Submit Notice from Plaintiff to Courtroom Deputy Filed by SEAN PETROFF. Included in the envelope was a letter addressed to Judge Abrams' Courtroom Deputy. Clerk forwarded the letter to Felicia Rushing. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter, # 2 Notice from Plaintiff to Courtroom Deputy, # 3 Envelope)(bcl) Modified on 5/23/2018 to add text (bcl). (Entered: 05/22/2018)
2018-05-2137MOTION for Leave to File Motion to appeal Document #34 Order Filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Motion to Appeal Document #34 Order, # 2 Envelope)(bcl) (Entered: 05/22/2018)
2018-05-2538MOTION for Leave to Submit Rule 11 Motion for Sanctions Filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Motion for Sanctions, # 2 Exhibit A - Plaintiff's Communication #1, # 3 Exhibit B - Plaintiff's Communcation #2, # 4 Exhibit C - Plaintiff's Communication #3, # 5 Exhibit D - Plaintiff's Communication #4, # 6 Exhibit E - Defendant's April 11, 2018 Letter, # 7 Envelope)(bcl) (Entered: 05/25/2018)
2018-06-1139Letter from Sean Petroff regarding service of Motions and request for copy of docket sheet. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) ***Copy of docket sheet sent to Petroff with a note indicating he is responsible for service of documents upon opposing parties.*** (Entered: 06/12/2018)
2018-08-1340MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Various Case Related Documents, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 08/13/2018)
2018-09-0441RESPONSE filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE re 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Letter from EOUSA dated 7/20/18)(BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 09/04/2018)
2018-09-1142ORDER granting 22 MOTION for Leave to Submit Reply; denying 24 MOTION for Rule 16(b) Pretrial Conference; denying 25 MOTION for Rule 26(f) Conference of the Parties; denying as moot 28 MOTION for Leave to File Petitioner's Motion to Name Defendant/Motion to Amend or Add Defendant Nunc Pro Tunc; denying 19 MOTION for Leave to Submit, Pursuant to FRE 201, Motion for Order; MOTION for Relief; denying as moot 21 MOTION for Leave to Submit Traverse Motion. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE J ABRAMS on 09/11/2018. (mdm) (Entered: 09/11/2018)
2018-09-2743REPLY to Response filed by SEAN PETROFF re 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Letter from USDOJ and Copy of Email, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 09/27/2018)
2019-01-0844ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER STAYING CIVIL PROCEEDINGS Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE CLAY D LAND on 01/08/19. (ans) (Entered: 01/08/2019)
2019-01-1445Letter from Sean Petroff regarding status of pending Motion for Summary Judgment re 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment. (Attachments: # 1 SASE, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 01/14/2019)
2019-01-1546Letter from Clerk of Court to Sean Petroff in response to 45 Letter from Sean Petroff regarding status of pending Motion for Summary Judgment. (mdm) (Entered: 01/15/2019)
2019-01-2947ORDER LIFTING ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER STAYING CIVIL PROCEEDINGS. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE CLAY D LAND on 01/29/19. (ans) (Entered: 01/29/2019)
2019-03-0448Letter from Sean Petroff requesting a copy of the docket sheet. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) ***Mailed copy of current docket sheet to Petroff.*** (Entered: 03/04/2019)
2019-03-0649ORDER denying 32 Motion for Leave to File; denying 35 Motion for Leave to File; denying 36 Motion for Leave to Submit Notice from Plaintiff to Courtroom Deputy; denying 37 Motion for Leave to File; denying 38 Motion for Leave to File; denying 40 Motion for Summary Judgment. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER on 03/06/2019. (mdm) (Entered: 03/06/2019)
2019-04-0550RESPONSE to Court Order filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE re 49 Order on Motion for Leave to File,,,, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief,,,,,, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 2 to Defendant's Response to ECF 49 March 21, 2019 FOIA Submission, # 2 Exhibit 3 to Defendant's Response to ECF 49 USPS Form 3811)(BROWN, STEWART) (Entered: 04/05/2019)
2019-04-0851MOTION for Stay of Dispositive Ruling and Objections to the Defendant's Fulfillment and Compliance with the Court's Order 49 Order on Motion for Leave to File, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Two Page Letter from Defendant, # 2 Exhibit B - Pages 3 and 4 from Doc. 20, # 3 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 04/08/2019)
2019-04-0952MOTION for Reconsideration re 49 Order on Motion for Leave to File, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Various Case Related Documents, # 2 Envelope)(mdm) (Entered: 04/09/2019)
2019-05-1053MOTION to Correct Filing Dates re 51 MOTION to Stay of Dispositive Ruling re 49 Order on Motion for Leave to File, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, 52 MOTION for Reconsideration re 49 Order on Motion for Leave to File, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, Filed by SEAN PETROFF. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(bcl) (Entered: 05/10/2019)
2019-05-2854NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by W TAYLOR MCNEILL on behalf of UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Attorney W TAYLOR MCNEILL added to party UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE(pty:dft) (MCNEILL, W) (Entered: 05/28/2019)
2019-06-1155Letter from Sean Petroff regarding Failed mailing (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(dht) (Entered: 06/11/2019)
2019-09-3056NOTICE of Change of Address (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(mdm) Modified on 9/30/2019 to reflect that a copy of the docket sheet was mailed to Petroff. (mdm) (Entered: 09/30/2019)
2020-01-1357ORDER denying 51 Motion to Stay; denying 52 Motion for Reconsideration; granting 53 MOTION to Correct Filing Dates. Defendant is ORDERED to respond to Plaintiff's Objection 51 within twenty-one (21) days of the date of this Order. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER on 01/13/2020. (mdm) (Entered: 01/13/2020)
2020-01-3158RESPONSE to Court Order filed by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE re 57 Order on Motion to Stay,, Order on Motion for Reconsideration,, Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Declaration of David Luczynski, # 2 Exhibit 2: FOIA Exemptions)(MCNEILL, W) (Entered: 01/31/2020)
2020-02-1859PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO THE COURT'S ORDER by SEAN PETROFF re 58 RESPONSE to Court Order, (dht) Modified on 2/19/2020 to revise docket text. (mdm) (Entered: 02/18/2020)
2020-02-25NOTICE OF SETTING Status Conference set for 3/10/2020 at 2:00 PM in Albany before US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER. (far) (Entered: 02/25/2020)
2020-03-1060Minute Entry for proceedings held before US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER: Status Conference held on 3/10/2020. Court Reporter: Mindy Martin.Time in Court: 11 MINS. (mdm) (Entered: 03/11/2020)
2020-03-1761NOTICE of Defendant United States Department of Justice's Status Update by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE re 60 Status Conference (MCNEILL, W) (Entered: 03/17/2020)
2020-03-2362ORDER DISMISSING without prejudice 1 Complaint filed by SEAN PETROFF. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER on 03/23/2020. (mdm) (Entered: 03/23/2020)
2020-03-2363JUDGMENT OF DISMISSAL. (mdm) (Entered: 03/23/2020)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar