Bleick et al v. Maxfield et al
| Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Allen Skierski and Gary Petrime |
| Sheryl Maxfield, Superintendent Akil Hardy, Robert Sprague and Joy Bledsoe |
| Allen S Kinzer |
| 2:2025cv01140 |
| October 2, 2025 |
| U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio |
| Edmund A Sargus |
| S Courter Shimeall |
| Other Statutory Actions |
| 28 U.S.C. § 1331 Fed. Question |
| Plaintiff |
Docket Report
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This docket was last retrieved on March 17, 2026. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER.
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Filing 54
ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Magistrate Judge S. Courter Shimeall for all further proceedings. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Preston Deavers no longer assigned to case. Signed by Chief District Judge Sarah D. Morrison on 3/17/26. (sem)(This document has been sent by regular mail to the party(ies) listed in the NEF
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Filing 53
ORDER of USCA as to #46 Notice of Appeal, filed by Mary Bleick, Gary Petrime, Todd Butler, Allen Skierski - OPINION and JUDGMENT filed: AFFIRMED. Note: Mandate to issue. (kh)
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Filing 52
ORDER granting #51 Motion to Continue Mediation. Mediation will be reset upon Parties' notice that mediation will be fruitful. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers on February 10, 2026. (jlk)
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Filing 51
Joint MOTION to Continue Mediation by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Attachments: #1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Joint Motion for Continuance of Mediation) (Lasley, Aneca)
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NOTICE DESIGNATING MEDIATOR: Allen S Kinzer assigned as mediator to this case. Within 14 days, the mediator and parties will confer to set a date, time, and location for mediation in March 2026, or within 60 days of this notice. The mediator will then file a Notice Setting Mediation. (kk2)
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Filing 50
NOTICE: Counsel shall confer and notify the Court at #[email protected] within 10 days if this case should NOT proceed with mediation in March 2026. If the case should not proceed, counsel shall indicate whether the case should be continued to another month and, if so, which one. Deadline for notifying the court is 4:00pm EST on 1/30/2026. (kk2)
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Filing 49
Defendants' ANSWER to #1 Complaint,,, and Defenses filed by All Defendants. (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 48
Transcript of Oral Argument Proceedings held on November 14, 2025, before Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Court Reporter/Transcriber Shawna J. Evans, Telephone number 614-719-3316. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. NOTICE RE: REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: Within 5 business days of this filing, each party shall inform the Court, by filing a Notice of Redaction, of the party's intent to redact personal data identifiers from the electronic transcript of the court proceeding. The policy is located on our website at www.ohsd.uscourts.gov (Forms - Electronic Availability of Transcripts). Please read this policy carefully. For a complete copy of a transcript, please contact the Court Reporter or the Clerk's Office.. Redaction Request due 1/5/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 1/15/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 3/16/2026. (Evans, Shawna)
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Filing 47
USCA Case Number 25-3978 for #46 Notice of Appeal, filed by Mary Bleick, Gary Petrime, Todd Butler, Allen Skierski; Case Manager, Ryan (513-564-7079). (kh)
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Filing 46
NOTICE OF APPEAL re #44 Order on Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction, Order on Motion for TRO, Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Filing fee $ 605 has been paid, receipt number AOHSDC-10802179) by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 45
Transcript of Oral Argument Proceedings held on 12/08/2025, before Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Court Reporter/Transcriber Crystal Hatchett, Telephone number (614)719-3245. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. NOTICE RE: REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: Within 5 business days of this filing, each party shall inform the Court, by filing a Notice of Redaction, of the party's intent to redact personal data identifiers from the electronic transcript of the court proceeding. The policy is located on our website at www.ohsd.uscourts.gov (Forms - Electronic Availability of Transcripts). Please read this policy carefully. For a complete copy of a transcript, please contact the Court Reporter or the Clerk's Office.. Redaction Request due 1/2/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 1/12/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 3/11/2026. (Hatchett, Crystal)
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Filing 44
OPINION AND ORDER - The Court DENIES Defendants' Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. #3 ) and DENIES Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order (ECF No. #20 ). Signed by Judge Edmund A. Sargus on 12/9/2025. (cmw)
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Filing 43
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Edmund A. Sargus: Oral Argument Hearing held on 12/8/2025. (Court Reporter: Crystal Hatchett) (cmw)
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Filing 42
STIPULATION Joint Stipulations of Parties by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Crossman, Jeffrey)
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Filing 41
Supplemental Memorandum Supporting re #20 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Reply in Support filed by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 40
Witness List by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Flick, Brian)
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Filing 39
NOTICE by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague re #20 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction , #24 Order Setting Hearing on Motion,, #22 Reply to Response to Motion, #38 Witness List, #37 Response in Opposition to Motion, (DEFENDANTS WITNESS LIST FOR THE DECEMBER 8, 2025 HEARING ON PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AND FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER) (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 38
Witness List by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 37
RESPONSE in Opposition re #20 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1, #2 Exhibit 2, #3 Exhibit 3) (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 36
ORDER memorializing telephone conference pursuant to Local Civil Rule 65.1 held on November 21, 2025. Signed by Judge Edmund A. Sargus on 11/21/2025. (cmw)
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Filing 35
NOTICE of Hearing: Oral Argument Hearing set for 12/8/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 311 - Columbus before Judge Edmund A. Sargus. (cmw)
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Filing 34
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Edmund A. Sargus: Rule 65.1 Telephone Conference held on 11/21/2025. (Court Reporter: Crystal Hatchett) (cmw)
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Filing 33
NOTICE of Hearing:Rule 65.1 Telephone Status Conference set for 11/21/2025 at 11:00 AM via Teleconference before Judge Edmund A. Sargus. The Court VACATES the in-person Rule 65.1 Conference set for November 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ECF No. #24 .) (cmw)
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Filing 32
ORDER OF RECUSAL. District Judge Algenon L Marbley recused. Case transferred back to the unassigned docket and redrawn for assignment. Case reassigned to Judge Edmund A. Sargus for all further proceedings. Signed by District Judge Algenon L Marbley on 11/19/2025. (cw)
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Filing 29
Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Algenon L Marbley: Oral Argument on Abstention held on 11/14/2025. (Court Reporter: Shawna Evans) (sh2)
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Filing 28
NOTATION ORDER granting #27 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of John D. French as co-counsel. Counsel is directed to register for e-filing through PACER unless they have done so previously. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers on November 5, 2025. (jlk)
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Filing 27
MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee of $200 paid, receipt number AOHSDC-10752311) of John D. French by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing for JD French, #2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting PHV Motion for JD French) (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 26
ORDER granting #16 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of William W. Palmer. PHV Counsel is directed to register for e-filing through PACER unless they have done so previously. The Motion's imprecise language, however, requires some clarification. First, to any extent Mr. Palmer seeks to serve as trial attorney, should the case proceed to trial, any such designation would be at the discretion of the presiding District Judge. Further, despite the reference in the Motion to Mr. Palmer's desire to appear for the Class, nothing in this Order is to be construed as an appointment of class counsel under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(g). Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers on 11/3/2025. (er)
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Filing 25
PRELIMINARY PRETRIAL ORDER: Any Proposed Protective Order or Clawback Agreement Deadline due by 12/5/2025. Initial Disclosures due by 12/5/2025. Joinder of Parties/Motions to Amend due by 2/9/2026. Primary Expert due by 4/17/2026. Rebuttal Expert due by 6/5/2026. Discovery due by 9/11/2026. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on any matter related to discovery, they are directed to arrange a conference with the Court. Class Certification Motion due by 10/30/2026. Dispositive motions due by 10/30/2026. Case is referred to Mediation. Case referred to Clerk for assignment of mediator. Settlement Demand due by 12/12/2025. Response to Settlement Demand due by 1/16/2026. Mediation Deadline: 3/2026. Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed on 10/31/2025; Opposition to be filed by 12/1/2025; Reply brief to be filed by 12/15/2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers on 11/3/2025. (er)
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Filing 24
ORDER Setting Oral Argument on the threshold issue of abstention: Oral Argument set for 11/14/2025 01:30 PM in Courtroom 1, Room 331 before District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. If it is determined that this Court has jurisdiction the Court will also hold a 65.1 Conference re #20 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order/ MOTION for Preliminary Injunction: Motion Hearing set for 11/25/2025 08:30 AM in Chambers before District Judge Algenon L Marbley. Signed by District Judge Algenon L Marbley on 11/3/2025. (cw)
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Set/Reset Deadlines as to #20 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction: Responses due by 12/1/2025; Replies due by 12/15/2025. (er)
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Set/Reset Hearings: Abstention Oral Hearing set for 11/14/2025 01:30 PM in Courtroom 331 - Columbus before District Judge Algenon L Marbley. (cw)
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NOTICE : The Preliminary Pretrial Conference set for 11/4/2025 11:30 AM is VACATED. (Per email agreement of counsel.) (sln)
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Filing 23
Response by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 22
REPLY to Response to Motion re #3 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction [Defendants' Reply In Support of Motion to Dismiss or Stay Plaintiffs' Complaint on Abstention Grounds] filed by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 21
NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew M Engel for Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski (Engel, Andrew)
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Filing 20
MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order , MOTION for Preliminary Injunction ( Responses due by 11/21/2025) by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Attachments: #1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Entry Granting Motion for Injunctive Relief and TRO, #2 Supplement Declaration of Jan Peters, #3 Supplement Declaration of Gary Petrime, #4 Supplement Declaration of Mary Bleick, #5 Supplement Declaration of Todd Butler) (Crossman, Jeffrey)
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Filing 19
RULE 26(f) REPORT by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Flick, Brian)
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Filing 18
Notice of Deficiency re: Certificate of Good Standing. The Certificate of Good Standing is not from the highest court of a state or the District of Columbia. Related Document: #16 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee of $200 paid, receipt number AOHSDC-10734945) of William W. Palmer filed by Mary Bleick, Gary Petrime, Todd Butler, Allen Skierski. Deficiency Deadline by 11/10/2025. (jlk)
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Filing 17
RESPONSE to Motion re #16 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee of $200 paid, receipt number AOHSDC-10734945) of William W. Palmer filed by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 16
MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Filing fee of $200 paid, receipt number AOHSDC-10734945) of William W. Palmer by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Crossman, Jeffrey)
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Filing 15
RESPONSE to Motion re #3 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Plaintiffs Mary Bleick, Todd Butler, Gary Petrime, Allen Skierski. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A (State Court Dismissal)) (Crossman, Jeffrey)
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Filing 14
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Joy Bledsoe. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 13
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Joy Bledsoe. Joy Bledsoe served on 10/6/2025, answer due 10/27/2025. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 12
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Robert Sprague. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 11
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Robert Sprague. Robert Sprague served on 10/6/2025, answer due 10/27/2025. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 10
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Akil Hardy. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 9
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Akil Hardy. Akil Hardy served on 10/6/2025, answer due 10/27/2025. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 8
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Sheryl Maxfield. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 7
SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant Sheryl Maxfield. Sheryl Maxfield served on 10/6/2025, answer due 10/27/2025. (Dann, Marc)
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Filing 6
NOTICE of Hearing: Preliminary Pretrial Conference set for 11/4/2025 11:30 AM in Zoom Meeting before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers. (sln)
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Filing 5
NOTICE of Appearance by Andrea Elizabeth Howell for Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague (Howell, Andrea)
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Filing 4
NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua A. Klarfeld for Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague (Klarfeld, Joshua)
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Filing 3
MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Defendants Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1, #2 Exhibit 2, #3 Exhibit 3) (Lasley, Aneca)
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Filing 2
Summons Issued as to Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague. (jlk)
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Filing 1
COMPLAINT with JURY DEMAND against Joy Bledsoe, Akil Hardy, Sheryl Maxfield, Robert Sprague ( Filing fee $ 405 paid - receipt number: AOHSDC-10712001), filed by Allen Skierski, Todd Butler, Mary Bleick, Gary Petrime. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit Verification of Mary Bleick, #2 Exhibit Verification of Todd Butler, #3 Exhibit Verification of Allen Skierski, #4 Exhibit Verification of Gary Petrime, #5 Exhibit A - Browns Funding Memo, #6 Exhibit B - Browns Veto Letter, #7 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, #8 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Maxfield, #9 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Maxfield OH AG, #10 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Hardy, #11 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Hardy OH AG, #12 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Sprague, #13 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Sprague OH AG, #14 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Bledsoe, #15 Summons Form Proposed Summons on Bledsoe OH AG) (Crossman, Jeffrey)
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