Updated: 10/20/2026 05:05 AM
Case Title: DOWLING v. THE GEO GROUP, INC., et alAssigned To: Magistrate Judge Bruce E. ReinhartFiled: 02/25/26Terminated:Nature of Suit: 440 Civil Rights: OtherCause: 28:1441 Notice of Removal
| Plaintiff: Thomas J. Dowling | represented by | Thomas J. Dowling 118 SW 8th Place Boynton Beach, Fl 33426 561-597-1033 tjdowling67@gmail.com PRO SE |
| Defendant: Wilson Captain, in his official and individual capacity | ||
| Defendant: WAYNE CALABRESE | represented by | Carlos A Garcia Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy Ford, P.A. 515 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 847-4800 CGarcia1@wickersmith.com |
| Defendant: THE GEO GROUP, INC., | represented by | Carlos A Garcia Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy Ford, P.A. 515 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 847-4800 CGarcia1@wickersmith.com |
| Jaclyn Marie Lopez Wicker, Smith, O'Hara, McCoy , Ford, P.A. 515 East Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-847-4802 jlopez@wickersmith.com | ||
| Kevin George Peter Wicker Smith 515 East Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 9548474832 kpeter@wickersmith.com | ||
| Defendant: SHAY HATCHER | represented by | Carlos A Garcia Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy Ford, P.A. 515 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 847-4800 CGarcia1@wickersmith.com |
| Defendant: Holmes Warden, in his official and individual capacity | ||
| Defendant: Hayes Colonel, in her official and individual capacity | ||
| Defendant: Fireson officer, in her official and individual capacity | ||
| Defendant: Cardenas Officer, in her official and individual capacity |
| Case Number | Filed | Entered | Document Number | Docket Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 02/25/26 | 02/25/26 | 1 | NOTICE OF REMOVAL (STATE COURT COMPLAINT - Complaint US 42 1983 Pursuant to Civil Rights Violation Act) Filing fee $ 405.00 receipt number AFLSDC-19256709, filed by THE GEO GROUP, INC. (No Answer/Motion to Dismiss Filed) (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit Exhibit A - Copy of State Court Docket, # (2) Exhibit Exhibit B - Service of Process, # (3) Exhibit Exhibit C - Notice of Filing Notice of Removal., # (4) Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet - JS44 Civil Cover Sheet - 02.25.2026 - Final (Dowling))(Garcia, Carlos) Modified Text on 2/26/2026 (wce). (Entered: 02/25/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 02/25/26 | 02/26/26 | 2 | Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart. Pro se (NON-PRISONER) litigants may receive Notices of Electronic Filings (NEFS) via email after filing a Consent by Pro Se Litigant (NON-PRISONER) to Receive Notices ofElectronic Filing. The consent form is available under the forms section of our website. (wce) (Entered: 02/26/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 02/26/26 | 02/26/26 | 3 | ORDER OF INSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANT Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 2/26/2026. See attached document for full details. (dt01) (Entered: 02/26/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 02/26/26 | 02/26/26 | 4 | ORDER on PROCEDURE FOR OPTING OUT OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE JURISDICTION. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 2/26/2026. See attached document for full details. (dt01) (Entered: 02/26/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/04/26 | 03/04/26 | 5 | Joint MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM Defendants' Joint Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 3/18/2026. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit Exhibit A)(Lopez, Jaclyn) (Entered: 03/04/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/20/26 | 03/20/26 | 6 | PAPERLESS ORDER Setting Zoom Status Conference: Zoom/Telephonic Status Conference set for 3/31/2026 11:00 AM in West Palm Beach Division before Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 3/20/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 03/20/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/20/26 | 03/20/26 | 7 | EMERGENCY MOTION to Remand and Memorandum of Law in Support of this Motion to Remand by THOMAS J. DOWLING. Responses due by 4/3/2026. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibits)(scn) (Entered: 03/20/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/20/26 | 03/20/26 | 8 | PAPERLESS ORDER taking under advisement [7] Motion to Remand to State Court and decertifying emergency status. The Motion does not qualify as an emergency. Defendants shall respond to the Motion by 5:00 p.m. March 27, 2026. Responses due by 3/27/2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 3/20/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 03/20/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/27/26 | 03/27/26 | 9 | RESPONSE in Opposition re [7] MOTION to Remand to State Court Defendants' Joint Response in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion to Remand filed by WAYNE CALABRESE, SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Attorney Carlos A Garcia added to party WAYNE CALABRESE(pty:dft), Attorney Carlos A Garcia added to party SHAY HATCHER(pty:dft). Replies due by 4/3/2026. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit Exhibit A - Motion for Extension of Time, # (2) Exhibit Exhibit B -Copy of Court Docket, # (3) Exhibit Exhibit C - Returns of Service)(Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 03/27/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/31/26 | 03/31/26 | 10 | PAPERLESS Minute Order for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart: and MINUTE ORDER re [6] Order Setting Status Conference,. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 3/31/2026, Status Conference held on 3/31/2026. Total time in court: 12 minutes. Attorney Appearance(s): Carlos A Garcia, (dt01) (Entered: 03/31/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 03/31/26 | 03/31/26 | 11 | ORDER MEMORIALIZING RULINGS AT [10] STATUS CONFERENCE: Plaintiff may file a response to [5] Defendants' Motion to Dismiss no later than April 30, 2026. Plaintiff may file a reply to [7] Defendants' Response to the Motion to Remand no later than April 14, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 3/31/2026. See attached document for full details. (wce) (Entered: 03/31/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 04/13/26 | 04/13/26 | 12 | Plaintiff's Response in Opposition to Defendant's Notice of Removal and Renewed Motion to Remand filed by THOMAS J. DOWLING. (wce) (Entered: 04/13/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 04/27/26 | 04/28/26 | 13 | ORDER REQUIRING PRO SE PLAINTIFF TO CONSENT TO RECEIVE ELECTRONIC FILINGS: It is hereby ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that, on or before May 11, 2026, Plaintiff shall complete and file with the Court the "Consent by Pro Se Litigant (Non-Prisoner) to receive NEFs" form, which can be found at https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 4/27/2026. See attached document for full details. (wce) (Entered: 04/28/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 04/27/26 | 04/28/26 | 14 | NOTICE of Compliance per Order at DE [13], the Clerk has mailed a copy of the Order to the Plaintiff. (wce) (Entered: 04/28/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 04/28/26 | 04/28/26 | 15 | Joint MOTION to Strike [12] Reply in Support of Motion Defendants' Joint Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Response In Oppsition to Defendant's Notice of Removal and Renewed Motion to Remand by WAYNE CALABRESE, SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 5/12/2026. (Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 04/28/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 05/04/26 | 05/04/26 | 16 | PAPERLESS ORDER denying [15] Motion to Strike. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 5/4/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 05/04/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 05/06/26 | 05/06/26 | 17 | Consent by Pro Se Litigant (Non-Prisoner) THOMAS J. DOWLING to receive Notices of Electronic Filing at email address: tjdowling67@gmail.com (wce) (Entered: 05/06/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 05/19/26 | 05/19/26 | 18 | PAPERLESS ORDER denying [7] Motion to Remand to State Court. For the reasons stated in Defendants' response, this case was properly removed from state court. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart (BER) (Entered: 05/19/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 05/26/26 | 05/26/26 | 19 | MEMORANDUM of Law in Support of [12] Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Improper Attempt to Remove or Remand by Thomas J. Dowling. (wce) (Entered: 05/26/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 06/16/26 | 06/16/26 | 20 | ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO DISMISS [ECF No. [5]]: Plaintiff shall file an amended complaint by July 1, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 6/16/2026. See attached document for full details. (wce) (Entered: 06/16/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 06/29/26 | 06/29/26 | 21 | AMENDED COMPLAINT against SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,, Holmes, Hayes, Wilson, Fireson, and Cardenas filed in response to Order Granting Motion for Leave, filed by Thomas J. Dowling.(wce) (Entered: 06/29/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 06/29/26 | 06/29/26 | 22 | NOTICE of Filing Civil Cover Sheet by Thomas J. Dowling. (wce) (Entered: 06/29/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/13/26 | 07/13/26 | 23 | Defendant's MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer as to [21] Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal by SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 7/27/2026. (Juarez, Michelle) (Entered: 07/13/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/14/26 | 07/14/26 | 24 | PAPERLESS ORDER DENYING without prejudice [23] Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer. The Motion states that Defendants failed to confer with Plaintiff before filing the Motion because "Local Rule 7.1(a)(3) requiring conferral does not apply as Plaintiff is proceeding pro se." ECF No. 23 at 2. Local Rule 7.1(a)(3) provides that "counsel for the movant shall confer (orally or in writing), or make reasonable effort to confer (orally or in writing), with all parties or non-parties who may be affected by the relief sought in the motion." L.R. 7.1(a)(3). Further, Local Rule 1.1 expressly provides, "When used in these Local Rules, the word 'counsel' shall be construed to apply to aparty if that party is proceeding pro se." L.R. 1.1. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 7/14/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 07/14/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/14/26 | 07/14/26 | 25 | Renewed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer as to [21] Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal Defendants' Renewed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint. by SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 7/28/2026. (Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 07/14/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/15/26 | 07/15/26 | 26 | Petitioner's Opposition to [25] Defendants' Motion for Extension of Time filed by Thomas J. Dowling. Replies due by 7/22/2026. (wce) (Entered: 07/15/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/15/26 | 07/15/26 | 27 | PAPERLESS ORDER granting [25] Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Amended Complaint. Response to Amended Complaint due by 7/23/2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 7/15/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 07/15/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/15/26 | 07/15/26 | 28 | Amended Plaintiff's Opposition to [23] Defendants' Motion for Extension of Time by Thomas J. Dowling. (wce) (Entered: 07/15/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/16/26 | 07/16/26 | 0 | Reset Answer Due Deadline: Deadline set in error RE: DE[25]. Corrected as to GEO GROUP, INC. d/b/a SOUTH BAY. CORRECTIONAL & REHABILITION FACILITY, and S. HATCHER only.. (cqs) (Entered: 07/16/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/16/26 | 07/16/26 | 29 | NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Kevin George Peter on behalf of THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Attorney Kevin George Peter added to party THE GEO GROUP, INC., (pty:dft). (Peter, Kevin) (Entered: 07/16/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/23/26 | 07/23/26 | 30 | Joint MOTION TO DISMISS [21] Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM Defendant's Joint Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by WAYNE CALABRESE, SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 8/6/2026. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit Exhibit A - Retrun of Service for Shay Hatcher)(Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 07/23/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 07/30/26 | 07/30/26 | 31 | Plaintiff's Response in Opposition to [30] Defendants' Joint Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by Thomas J. Dowling. Replies due by 8/6/2026. (wce) (Entered: 07/30/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/06/26 | 08/06/26 | 32 | REPLY in Support of Motion re [30] Joint MOTION TO DISMISS [21] Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM Defendant's Joint Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Amended Complaint. Reply to Plaintiff's Response in Opposition to Defendant's Joint Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by WAYNE CALABRESE, SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. (Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 08/06/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/07/26 | 08/07/26 | 33 | PAPERLESS ORDER Setting Zoom Status Conference: Zoom Status Conference set for 8/26/2026 01:30 PM in West Palm Beach Division before Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart. The parties will receive the Zoom information via email prior to the status conference. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 8/7/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 08/07/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/12/26 | 08/12/26 | 34 | Defendant's MOTION to Reset Status Conference scheduled for August 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. re [33] Order Setting Status Conference, Defendants' Motion to Reset Hearing Date by WAYNE CALABRESE, SHAY HATCHER, THE GEO GROUP, INC.,. Responses due by 8/26/2026. (Garcia, Carlos) (Entered: 08/12/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/12/26 | 08/12/26 | 35 | Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Reset Hearing Date filed by Thomas J. Dowling. Replies due by 8/19/2026. (wce) (Entered: 08/12/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/13/26 | 08/13/26 | 0 | Deadline(s)/Hearing(s) terminated. (swr) (Entered: 08/13/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 08/13/26 | 08/13/26 | 36 | PAPERLESS ORDER granting [34] Motion. The Zoom status conference re [33] set for August 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. is hereby RESCHEDULED and now set for September 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The parties will receive the Zoom information prior to the status conference. Status Conference set for 9/2/2026 02:00 PM in West Palm Beach Division before Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 8/13/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 08/13/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 09/23/26 | 09/23/26 | 37 | Plaintiff's Motion for Entry of Interim Case Management Deadlines and for an Order Preserving Evidence by Thomas J. Dowling. Responses due by 10/7/2026. (wce) (Entered: 09/23/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 10/02/26 | 10/02/26 | 38 | PAPERLESS ORDER REFERRING CASE to Volunteer Attorney Program. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 10/2/2026. (dt01) (Entered: 10/02/26) |
| 9:26-cv-80196-BER | 10/08/26 | 10/08/26 | 39 | ORDER ON MOTION TO DISMISS [ECF NO. [30]]: The Motion to Dismiss, ECF No. 30, is GRANTED WITH LEAVE TO AMEND. Mr. Dowling may file a second amended complaint no later than October 29, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart on 10/8/2026. See attached document for full details. (wce) (Entered: 10/08/26) |