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Case TitleSOWERS v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE et al
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2018cv01954
Date Filed2018-08-21
Date Closed2019-09-10
JudgeJudge Emmet G. Sullivan
PlaintiffRANDY SOWERS
Case DescriptionRandy Sowers, a dairy farm operator, submitted FOIA requests to the Department of Justice and the IRS for records concerning his petition for remission or mitigation of funds seized several years earlier by the IRS. Sowers also requested a fee waiver. The agencies acknowledged receipt of the requests. The IRS disclosed 341 pages, but withheld 81 pages in part and 48 pages in full. Sowers filed an administrative appeal, which was denied. After hearing nothing further DOJ, Sowers filed suit against both agencies.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Public Interest Fee Waiver, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DefendantINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
DefendantINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
TERMINATED: 05/29/2019
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
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2018-08-211COMPLAINT against INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0090-5650790) filed by RANDY D SOWERS. (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 Civil Cover Sheet, # 12 Summons USAO, # 13 Summons AG, # 14 Summons DOJ, # 15 Summons IRS)(Beato, Matthew) (Attachment 11 replaced on 9/19/2018) (zmd). (Entered: 08/21/2018)
2018-08-21Case Assigned to Judge Emmet G. Sullivan. (zmd) (Entered: 08/22/2018)
2018-08-232STANDING ORDER: The parties are directed to read the attached Standing Order Governing Civil Cases Before Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in its entirety upon receipt. The parties are hereby ORDERED to comply with the directives in the attached Standing Order. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 08/23/18. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1) (mac) (Entered: 08/23/2018)
2018-08-273REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by RANDY SOWERS. (Attachments: # 1 Summons DOJ, # 2 Summons AG, # 3 Summons IRS)(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 08/27/2018)
2018-08-284SUMMONS (4) Issued Electronically as to INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(sth) (Entered: 08/28/2018)
2018-08-285CIVIL COVER SHEET (corrected) by RANDY SOWERS filed by RANDY SOWERS.(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 08/28/2018)
2018-08-296RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 8/29/2018. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 9/28/2018. (Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 08/29/2018)
2018-09-067NOTICE of Appearance by Johnny Hillary Walker, III on behalf of All Defendants (Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 09/06/2018)
2018-09-198RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 8/29/2018. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 9/28/2018.), RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 8/31/2018., RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE served on 8/30/2018; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE served on 8/31/2018 (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Lisa Dorn)(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 09/19/2018)
2018-09-259Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by Defendant DOJ, Tax Division, and by Defendant IRS by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 09/25/2018)
2018-09-25MINUTE ORDER granting 9 defendants' unopposed motion for extension of time to file answer. The defendants shall therefore answer or otherwise respond to the complaint by no later than October 31, 2018. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 9/25/2018. (lcegs3) (Entered: 09/25/2018)
2018-09-26Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant Answer Or Otherwise Response To The Complaint due by 10/31/2018. (mac) (Entered: 09/26/2018)
2018-10-3110ANSWER to Complaint by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.(Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 10/31/2018)
2018-10-3111ANSWER to Complaint by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.(Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 10/31/2018)
2018-12-03MINUTE ORDER. Plaintiff brings this action pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. The parties are directed to meet and confer and propose a joint scheduling order for further proceedings in this case by no later than January 3, 2019. The parties' joint proposed scheduling order shall address the following: (1) The status of plaintiff's FOIA request; (2) The anticipated number of documents responsive to plaintiff's FOIA request; (3) The anticipated date(s) for release of documents responsive to plaintiff's FOIA request; (4) Whether a motion for an Open America stay is likely in this case; (5) Whether a Vaughn index will be required in this case; (6) Whether this case would benefit from referral to a magistrate judge or the District Court Mediation Program for purposes of settlement; and (7) A proposed briefing schedule for dispositive motions, if applicable. If the parties are unable to agree on a joint recommendation, the joint proposed scheduling order shall include each party's individual recommendations. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 12/3/2018. (lcegs3) (Entered: 12/03/2018)
2018-12-04Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Scheduling Order due by 1/3/2019. (mac) (Entered: 12/04/2018)
2018-12-2012Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to file a Joint Proposed Schedule by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 12/20/2018)
2018-12-20MINUTE ORDER granting 12 joint motion for an extension of time. The parties shall therefore file its proposed joint scheduling order by no later than January 10, 2019. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 12/20/2018. (lcegs3) (Entered: 12/20/2018)
2018-12-20Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Proposed joint scheduling order due by 1/10/2019. (zcdw) (Entered: 12/26/2018)
2019-01-0813MOTION to Stay in light of lapse of Congressional appropriations by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 01/08/2019)
2019-01-09MINUTE ORDER granting 13 motion to stay in light of lapse of appropriations. Defendants are directed to notify the Court when appropriations are restored or if a continuing resolution is enacted. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 1/9/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 01/09/2019)
2019-01-3014NOTICE of restoration of Congressional appropriations by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 01/30/2019)
2019-02-04MINUTE ORDER. In view of 14 Notice of Restoration of Congressional Appropriations, the parties are directed to file a joint status report by no later than February 14, 2019, proposing a schedule for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 2/4/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 02/04/2019)
2019-02-05Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 2/14/2019. (mac) (Entered: 02/05/2019)
2019-02-1315MOTION for Summary Judgment based upon prior settlement agreement setting forth two controlling releases by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Affidavit of Joseph Hunsader, # 4 Exhibit re: Hunsader affidavit, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 02/13/2019)
2019-02-1416Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 02/14/2019)
2019-02-14MINUTE ORDER. In view of the 16 Joint Status Report, the parties are directed to file a joint status report by no later than June 12, 2019, updating the Court on the status of Defendant Department of Justice's responses to Plaintiff's FOIA requests and proposing a schedule for further proceedings. In view of the 15 Defendant Internal Revenue Service's Motion for Summary Judgment Based Upon Prior Settlement Agreement Setting Forth Two Controlling Releases, the parties shall adhere to the following briefing schedule: (1) Plaintiff shall file his Opposition by no later than March 12, 2019, and (2) Defendant IRS shall file its Reply by no later than March 27, 2019. The Court declines to adopt Plaintiff's proposal for a summary judgment briefing schedule for the FOIA merits substantially for the reasons set forth in Defendant IRS' proposal. See Joint Status Report, ECF No. 16 at 4. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 2/14/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 02/14/2019)
2019-02-15Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 6/12/2019. Plaintiff Opposition due by 3/12/2019. Defendant IRS Reply due by 3/27/2019. (mac) (Entered: 02/15/2019)
2019-03-1117Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 15 MOTION for Summary Judgment based upon prior settlement agreement setting forth two controlling releases by RANDY SOWERS (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 03/11/2019)
2019-03-12MINUTE ORDER granting 17 Plaintiff's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 15 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment. The parties shall adhere to the following modified schedule: (1) Plaintiff shall file his Opposition to the Motion for Summary Judgment by no later than April 2, 2019, and (2) Defendant IRS shall file its Reply by no later than April 17, 2019. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/12/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 03/12/2019)
2019-03-13Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiff Opposition To Motion For Summary Judgment due by 4/2/2019. Defendant IRS Reply due by 4/17/2019. (mac) (Entered: 03/13/2019)
2019-03-13MINUTE ORDER. On March 13, 2019, Chambers received a voicemail message from government counsel stating that (1) Plaintiff's counsel was on the call and (2) government counsel seeks to discuss the briefing schedule. The parties are advised that to the extent they seek an extension of time they may do so by filing a motion on the public docket. See Standing Order, ECF No. 2 at 2, § 3(b) ("Parties are to communicate with the Court in writing by motion, opposition, and reply; not by letter or telephone call. This includes, but is not limited to, inquiries regarding the status or scheduling of any pending matter, or inquiries regarding the clarification of Court Orders."). Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/13/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 03/13/2019)
2019-03-2618Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 15 MOTION for Summary Judgment based upon prior settlement agreement setting forth two controlling releases by RANDY SOWERS (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 03/26/2019)
2019-03-27MINUTE ORDER. Currently pending before the Court are 15 Defendant Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")'s Motion for Summary Judgment Based Upon Prior Settlement Agreement Setting Forth Two Controlling Releases and 18 Plaintiff's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to Defendant IRS' Motion for Summary Judgment. The Court has broad authority to control the disposition of the cases on its docket. E.g., Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. 681, 706 (1997); Landis v. N. Am. Co., 299 U.S. 248, 254-55 (1936). In light of the parties' representations that their settlement negotiations may resolve this action against the IRS, see Pl.'s Mot., ECF No. 18 at 1, the Court HEREBY STAYS further briefing on Defendant IRS' motion for summary judgment. See, e.g., Furniture Brands Int'l Inc. v. U.S. Int'l Trade Comm'n, No. 11-202, 2011 WL 10959877, at *1 (D.D.C. Apr. 8, 2011) ("[S]taying further briefing of the plaintiff's summary judgment motion will allow the parties to avoid the unnecessary expense, the undue burden, and the expenditure of time to brief a motion that the Court may not decide."). It is FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff's motion for an extension of time is denied as moot. The parties are directed to file a joint status report with a recommendation for further proceedings by no later than May 24, 2019. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 3/27/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 03/27/2019)
2019-03-27Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 5/24/2019. (mac) (Entered: 03/27/2019)
2019-05-2919NOTICE of Settlement against Defendant Internal Revenue Service only by RANDY SOWERS (Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 05/29/2019)
2019-05-30MINUTE ORDER. In light of the parties' 19 Notice of Settlement that states Plaintiff and Defendant Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") have reached a "negotiated resolution" on the claims asserted against the IRS, the Court DENIES AS MOOT 15 Defendant IRS' Motion for Summary Judgment Based Upon Prior Settlement Agreement Setting Forth Two Controlling Releases. It is FURTHER ORDERED that Mr. Sowers and Defendant United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") shall file a joint status report by no later than June 14, 2019, updating the Court on the status of the DOJ's response to Mr. Sowers' FOIA request and proposing a joint recommendation for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 5/30/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 05/30/2019)
2019-05-30Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 6/14/2019. (mac) (Entered: 05/30/2019)
2019-05-3120STIPULATION of Dismissal of Defendant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (Hunsader, Joseph) (Entered: 05/31/2019)
2019-06-1221Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 06/12/2019)
2019-06-13MINUTE ORDER. In view of the 21 Joint Status Report, Plaintiff and Defendant U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") are directed to file a joint status report by no later than July 12, 2019, updating the Court on the status of their discussions regarding the DOJ's release and proposing a joint recommendation for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 6/13/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 06/13/2019)
2019-06-14Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 7/12/2019. (mac) (Entered: 06/14/2019)
2019-07-1222Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 07/12/2019)
2019-07-15MINUTE ORDER. In view of the 22 Joint Status Report, the parties shall file another joint status report by no later than August 12, 2019, proposing a joint recommendation for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 7/15/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 07/15/2019)
2019-07-16Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/12/2019. (mac) (Entered: 07/16/2019)
2019-08-1223Joint STATUS REPORT by RANDY SOWERS. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Beato, Matthew) (Entered: 08/12/2019)
2019-08-13MINUTE ORDER. In view of the 23 Joint Status Report, the parties shall file a joint status report by no later than September 12, 2019, updating the Court on the status of their dispute and, if necessary, proposing a schedule for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on 8/13/2019. (lcegs3) (Entered: 08/13/2019)
2019-08-14Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 9/12/2019. (mac) (Entered: 08/14/2019)
2019-09-1024STIPULATION of Dismissal by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Walker, Johnny) (Entered: 09/10/2019)
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