VERIFIED MOTION TO ALTER OR AMEND JUDGMENT UNDER RULE 59(e)
Plaintiff’s Motion for Reconsideration and Request for Due Process Review
APR 11, 2025
THE US DISTRICT COURT JUDGE’s ORDERS & FINAL JUDGMENT
On Friday, March 14, 2025, at 16:36 hrs., Judge Charles Eskridge released the following docket entries:
· Dkt 73: Adopting Memorandum and Recommendations (“Adopting Order”) issued by Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan (“MJCAB”).
· Dkt 74: Preclusion Order labeling Plaintiff a vexatious litigant and barring further filings.
· Dkt 75: Final Judgment dismissing Plaintiff’s claims and entering judgment for Defendants.
Notably, the docket was marked in bold/red with the phrase “Preclusion Order”, emphasizing the ruling’s severity, despite Plaintiff retaining the right to seek reconsideration or appeal. Such premature and visually dramatic labeling undermines the principles of fairness and due process.
The Adopting Order (Dkt 73) summarily purported to reflect a de novo review of Magistrate Judge Bryan’s Memoranda and Recommendations, yet the actual content fails to substantively address Plaintiff’s legal and factual objections.
Instead, the court defaulted to dismissive conclusions, further evidencing judicial neglect and procedural violations.
JUDGE JAMES HO’S MESSAGE TO US DISTRICT JUDGE CHARLES ESKRIDGE
An extract from Fifth Circuit Judge James ‘Jim” Ho’s speech at the recent Texas A&M Banquet Gala, provided by law Professor Josh Blackman on Reason, March 31, 2025, last visited April 5, 2025.
“District court decisions are made by just one judge. District judges are the only members of the judiciary who can exercise the judicial power of the United States without anyone’s consent but their own. With unilateral power, there’s unique danger that some district courts may get off track. There’s a reason why there are jokes about God wishing that he was a federal district judge. So, it’s vital that district judges exercise their powers carefully and with integrity. And it’s critical that appellate judges be ready and willing to intervene when district courts refuse to stay in their lane.”
Judge Charles Eskridge has “refused to stay in his lane” by exercising his “unilateral power” abusively and without “integrity” in these proceedings.
Additionally, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) stated on Apr. 3, 2025:
“I introduced the Judicial Relief Clarification Act to restore the constitutional role of lower courts by restraining their ability to issue universal injunctions. My bill would make temporary restraining orders… immediately appealable. What’s more, it would help prevent rash, biased decisions… It’s time to rein in unchecked authority from the lower courts that damages the separation of powers and undermines public confidence in the courts.”
JOANNA BURKE’S MESSAGE TO JUDGE CHARLES ESKRIDGE
Joanna Burke asserts that the same bias and unchecked authority applies to lower courts abusing the All Writs Act, as seen in these proceedings.
The Court’s preclusion order unlawfully restricts her access to the courts and violates both statutory and constitutional protections.
See; Kennard Law P.C. v. United Airlines, Inc. No. 23-20430, (5th Cir. Aug. 8, 2024).
Joanna Burke moves this Court to reconsider its March 14, 2025 Orders, pursuant to Rule 59(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. This motion asserts:
1. The Court failed to substantively address Plaintiff’s objections.
2. The Court issued a sweeping preclusion order that violated due process rights.
3. The Court improperly labeled Plaintiff as a vexatious litigant without evidentiary justification.
Further, the Court’s actions contradict established Fifth Circuit precedent admonishing template rulings that fail to engage with the merits of litigants’ claims.
To underscore this argument, Plaintiff incorporates case law and judicial trends from Texas and other jurisdictions, emphasizing a unilateral demand for fairness, judicial engagement, and constitutional due process adherence.
APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARDS
Standards Governing Due Process, Judicial Overreach, and Preclusion Orders
Under Rule 59(e), motions to alter or amend a judgment are granted under the following circumstances:
1. Newly Discovered Evidence: Evidence unavailable at the time of judgment, despite due diligence.
2. Intervening Change in Controlling Law: Legal developments post-judgment that materially affect the case.
3. Manifest Errors of Law or Fact: Clear errors requiring correction to prevent injustice.
4. Preventing Manifest Injustice: Situations where the judgment would lead to an unjust outcome unless altered.
These legal standards not only validate Plaintiff’s Rule 59(e) motion but also underscore the procedural deficiencies outlined throughout this motion.
While it is true that a Rule 59(e) motion cannot be used to relitigate previously decided issues or introduce arguments that could have been raised earlier, courts have long held that manifest errors of law or fact—including failure to address substantive claims—create valid grounds for reconsideration under Rule 59(e).
This motion demonstrates that the judgment is replete with such manifest errors, constitutional violations, and procedural deficiencies.
Consequently, relitigating is not only permissible but necessary to correct these injustices.
For example, both the Magistrate Judge and District Judge have misapplied res judicata based on flawed legal reasoning, conspiring to violate Plaintiff’s constitutional rights by failing to substantively engage with objections, as required under Fifth Circuit precedent.
See; Ga. Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 99 F.4th 770, 772 (5th Cir. 2024, pub.); Hager v. Brinker Tex., Inc., 102 F.4th 692, 697 (5th Cir. 2024).
This results in manifest errors that negate any Rule 59(e) prohibition against relitigating previously decided issues.
ARGUMENTS
JUDICIAL FAILURE TO ADDRESS MERITS VIOLATES DUE PROCESS
Template Orders and Fifth Circuit Precedent
The Fifth Circuit has repeatedly admonished district courts for issuing template, non-substantive orders that fail to engage with the merits of litigants’ arguments, thereby denying meaningful due process.
By failing to address Plaintiff’s objections or substantively engage with her arguments, this Court violated prior Fifth Circuit admonishments and deprived Plaintiff of her rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Texas Constitution.
This lack of engagement not only undermines Plaintiff’s claims but also reflects unforgiving judicial practices that compromise procedural fairness.
Particularly concerning is the Court’s reliance on an absurd 10-year judgment analogy based on Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 34.001, which directly conflicts with the plain reading of Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.035 and established Texas law.
This analogy undermines the fundamental protections afforded to homeowners under Texas law, including those specific to homesteads.
Erroneous Erie Guesses and Misinterpretation of Texas Law
This Court’s opinion is founded on erroneous Erie guesses, which the Court has refused to allow Plaintiff to formally contest, despite the constitutional protections specifically afforded to homeowners in Texas.
The inclusion of HELOC loans in the Texas Constitution was explicitly designed to protect homesteads from predatory lending practices—a principle that federal courts repeatedly ignore in contrived judgments that misconstrue Texas property laws.
For example, Plaintiff contends these preposterous Erie guesses defy both logic and legal precedent, leading to decisions that violate the constitutional safeguards established for Texas homeowners.
The federal courts’ recurring misinterpretation of Texas property laws ignores constitutional protections explicitly designed to prevent predatory lending practices, further exemplifying judicial negligence.
HORNBOOK TEXAS LAW
A Lender Has Only One Foreclosure Claim, Accruing Upon Acceleration
“No power of sale conferred by any deed of trust or other mortgage on real estate executed on or subsequent to the 1st day of July, 1913, or that may hereafter be executed, shall be enforced after the expiration of four years from the maturity of the indebtedness secured thereby.”
Jolly v. Fidelity Union Trust Co. 298 S.W. 530 (Tex. 1927)
It is well-established in Texas law that a lender has a singular foreclosure claim, which accrues upon acceleration of the debt.
Recent federal opinions, however, make a mockery of the statute of limitations by permitting foreclosing parties to indefinitely delay enforcement after securing a deficient foreclosure judgment.
Federal courts now allow foreclosing parties only four years to commence legal action but grant them an incredible ten years after obtaining a deficient judgment to foreclose and obtain possession of the homestead—further extending this timeframe by another decade, effectively nullifying the purpose of Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.036.
This logic is not only untenable but also fails to account for the mechanisms designed to prevent lender delay or abuse.
These judicial errors effectively nullify the statute of limitations intended to prevent lender abuse, exposing homeowners to indefinite foreclosure threats without recourse.
Ongoing Misapplication in Related Cases
In addition, opposing counsel in these proceedings, and in parallel Harris County District Court case (ALLAN, LINDA S v. NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Cause No. 202427605), has extensively cited Joanna Burke’s federal case in their motion filings to support arguments rooted in flawed Erie guesses.
Specifically, in their Harris County filing titled Nationstar Mortgage, LLC’s Motion for Summary Judgment on Plaintiff’s Claims, Dec. 20, 2024, opposing counsel referenced the Fifth Circuit decision in Deutsche Bank Nat’l Trust Co. v. Burke, 902 F.3d 548 (5th Cir. 2018), claiming there was “no injustice in allowing that foreclosure to proceed,” while ignoring the unconstitutional misinterpretation of Texas property laws that underpins this latest argument.
Furthermore, Defendant’s law firm advances the same erroneous analogy, claiming an allowance of 10 years to foreclosure in their briefing scheduled for a motion hearing on Monday, April 14, 2025.
This is particularly troubling as these arguments were expressly rejected by the Texas Supreme Court in PNC Mortgage v. Howard, 668 S.W.3d 644 (Tex. 2023).
At oral argument, with Mark Hopkins present for PNC, Texas Supreme Court [Chief] Justice Blacklock clearly stated on the record:
“If the original mortgage holder does not follow the rules, they don’t get to foreclose…”.
Defendants and their counsel’s reliance on flawed precedents underscores Plaintiff’s objections and supports her formal motion regarding the interlocutory appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1292 to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
To prevent manifest errors and injustice, Plaintiff seeks redress not only for herself but also for other Texas homeowners similarly situated.
PRECLUSION ORDER VIOLATES ACCESS TO COURTS
Preclusion Order & Prefiling Restrictions
The preclusion order labeling Plaintiff Joanna Burke as a vexatious litigant imposes sweeping restrictions, barring her from filing future cases without prior court approval and rerouting out-of-jurisdiction filings to this Court for dismissal.
These actions represent judicial overreach and a violation of Plaintiff’s constitutional right to access the courts.
Arbitrary and Overbroad Application
The preclusion order is both arbitrary and inconsistently applied. Similar cases demonstrate disparities in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX):
· Flores v. Berleth, No. 7:24-cv-00271 (S.D. Tex.): Texas attorney Robert Flores, subject to preclusion orders, did not face the public “red/bold” docket warning imposed on Plaintiff.
· Babineaux v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 4:23-cv-01563 (S.D. Tex.): Despite the adoption of a detailed Memorandum and Recommendation on vexatious litigant laws, no bold/red docket warnings were applied.
· Thibeaux v. Cayce (4:24-cv-02836), S.D. Texas Feb 13, 2025, Judge Charles Eskridge. Subject to sanctions/preclusion order, Thibeaux did not face the public “red/bold” docket warning imposed on Plaintiff.
· Thibeaux v. Finner (4:23-cv-03783), S.D. Texas, Dec. 18, 2023, Judge Charles Eskridge. Subject to sanctions/preclusion order, Thibeaux did not face the public “red/bold” docket warning imposed on Plaintiff.
· Provino v. Wray (1:23-cv-00149), S.D. Texas, Apr 10, 2024. Despite Judge Rolando Olvera’s adoption of a detailed M&R deeming Provino a Vexatious Litigant with prefiling restrictions, no bold/red docket warnings were applied.
These examples suggest judicial bias and procedural inconsistencies that unfairly target Plaintiff Joanna Burke while sparing others from similar public admonishment.
Coleman v. Carrington Mortg. Servs., LLC Comparison
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals addressed preclusion orders in Coleman v. Carrington Mortg. Servs., LLC, No. 21-CV-0744 (D.C. Ct. App. Mar. 28, 2024), overturning an injunction despite a 20-year history of litigation.
Indeed, Coleman has been a tenant-in-sufferance since March of 2019.
The Coleman ruling underscores that Plaintiff’s litigation history—far less extensive—fails to meet the egregiousness necessary to justify barring court access.
Improper Issuance of the Preclusion Order
The preclusion order disregards substantive merits, relying on disputed litigation history that fails to demonstrate bad faith or frivolity.
In Coleman, the court ruled that “mere litigiousness does not, on its own, support the issuance of an injunction.”
The premature labeling of Plaintiff’s case with “Preclusion Order” in bold/red further violates due process by presupposing guilt, contrasting sharply with more measured practices like those in the District of New Jersey (DNJ).
And any such sale under such powers after the expiration of such times, shall be void, and such sale may be enjoined.
– A century of Texas law which federal courts are rewriting for the benefit of Wall St. lenders and nonbanks. It ain’t happenin’ citizens, ask @SupremeCourt_TX pic.twitter.com/n7Ql8kjO5E— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 7, 2024
By failing to address Plaintiff’s valid claims and inconsistently applying preclusion orders, this Court has violated constitutional rights.
To correct this injustice, the preclusion order must be vacated.
VEXATIOUS LITIGANT DETERMINATION
Plaintiff’s claims are substantive and highlight serious legal deficiencies in Defendants’ position as erroneously adopted by this court:
1. Res Judicata Does Not Apply: Plaintiff’s claims raise distinct legal issues that were not adjudicated in prior proceedings, rendering the doctrine of res judicata inapplicable.
2. Lack of Jurisdiction: This Court lacks jurisdiction over several aspects of this case, further undermining any justification for imposing a vexatious litigant label.
3. Void Foreclosure Order: The foreclosure order issued by Judge David Hittner is void and unenforceable, exposing significant legal deficiencies in the Defendants’ position.
4. Time-Barred Foreclosure: The foreclosure is time-barred under Texas law, confirming the substantive legal merit of Plaintiff’s objections.
Case Study: Andrew Peter Lehman
Texas domiciled felon Andrew Peter Lehman’s case study showcases his exploitation of the legal system to target individuals like Joanna Burke.
Despite claiming in forma pauperis (IFP) status to avoid court fees, Lehman has been documented living in million-dollar rentals and driving luxury vehicles, including Porsche and Maserati, exposing the fraudulent nature of his financial hardship claims.
Lehman’s litigation archive is extensive, aimed at intimidating and silencing those who challenge him.
See; 202514896 – LEHMAN, ANDREW P vs. BLOGGER INC (Court 215), Apr. 3, 2025, (Img #’s, 119821059, 119821065, 119821062, 119821063, 119821064 and 119821061).
Among his most egregious actions: his defamation lawsuit against Blogger Inc., Joanna Burke, the late John Burke, Mark Burke, and others, stemming from critical reporting on LIT about his $3 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2020.
See; ANDREW LEHMAN, et al. vs MARK BURKE, et al., Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Case Number: 23STCV00341 (Jan. 9, 2023).
By engaging in venue and judge shopping, Lehman strategically filed the case in Los Angeles, California, and obtained a judgment of nearly $2 million against Blogger Inc., along with injunctive relief to remove 14 articles and one tweet.
At the outset of Lehman’s case, Mark Burke and Joanna Burke had put Texas district attorneys, the CFPB, the LA Court, and California Chief Justice on notice, warning them about Lehman’s abusive litigation tactics.
However, these authorities declined to intervene.
The judgment itself came from Judge Gail Killefer, whose familial ties to Wall Street are deeply embedded—her father, a banker, represents a legacy of financial interests that raises questions about impartiality in cases involving Lehman.
This decision underscores the court’s unwillingness to adhere to basic legal principles regarding jurisdiction by allowing Texas felons to proceed with a baseless and frivolous lawsuit built on perjury, threats and absurd accusations, with full knowledge and approval of the Judge.
Similarly, in these proceedings, the court has allowed Defendants via counsel to blatantly lie on the record without sanction or admonishment, and this is far from the first infliction:
Shelley Hopkins falsely claims that Plaintiff Joanna Burke owns and operates the website Laws In Texas, using it to harass defendants, attorneys, and judges.
However, Plaintiff is not the owner of this website, nor has she ever been, and the motion provided no evidence substantiating this accusation. The assertion that Plaintiff’s social media posts “border on threatening” is equally unsubstantiated, intended to mischaracterize Plaintiff’s lawful expressions of opinion as malicious.
Lehman’s unchecked actions parallel the behavior of Texas foreclosure defense lawyers and their investor clients, who use fraudulent deeds, clouding titles, and other unethical schemes while benefiting from tacit judicial approval.
Protected by their professional status, these individuals avoid sanctions and preclusion orders, allowing them to act with impunity.
Lehman’s accomplice, Monica Lynn Riley, further illustrates this pattern of lawlessness.
While on bond alongside Lehman, Riley was charged with child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, and operating a stolen vehicle while impaired.
Her bond was revoked on February 28, 2025, resulting in a five-year sentence.
Lehman, meanwhile, continues to avoid accountability, with his probation revocation hearing outcome still pending.
This case study is a live and ongoing controversy involving an individual, Lehman, who personally abused, harassed, and taunted Joanna Burke, claiming he would soon move into her home and to “get it ready for him”.
This calculated behavior highlights the judiciary’s failure to protect those fighting for truth and fairness while enabling individuals like Lehman to exploit its weaknesses.
Such unchecked abuse of the legal system is pivotal in illustrating the broader inequities that undermine trust in the judiciary.
INCONSISTENT STANDARDS & FORECLOSURE FRAUD
Judicial Errors in Legal Analysis
The Plaintiff highlights critical misapplications of law and judicial standards that have significantly impacted the proceedings:
Res Judicata Does Not Apply
Plaintiff’s claims address distinct legal and factual issues that were not resolved in prior proceedings.
The doctrine of res judicata, which precludes re-litigation of the same claims, is inapplicable because the claims raised here involve separate transactions, legal grounds, and factual underpinnings.
Established case law requires that courts carefully evaluate whether the elements of res judicata—such as identity of claims, parties, and final judgment—are satisfied, which is not the case here.
Lack of Jurisdiction
Several aspects of this case fall outside this Court’s jurisdiction, undermining the validity of certain rulings.
Federal jurisdiction is not established under the requirements of subject matter jurisdiction or personal jurisdiction in key areas.
Additionally, procedural defects in the foreclosure order further highlight the absence of judicial authority to adjudicate specific claims.
These jurisdictional flaws invalidate the actions taken against Plaintiff.
Void Foreclosure Order
The foreclosure order issued by Judge David Hittner is void due to procedural and substantive deficiencies.
Specifically, the order fails to adhere to Texas legal standards governing foreclosure actions and adherence to statutory requirements.
A void order carries no legal force and cannot be enforced, rendering Defendants’ reliance on it fundamentally flawed.
Time-Barred Foreclosure
Under Texas law, foreclosure actions are subject to strict limitations periods, which require enforcement within the statutory timeframe from the date of acceleration of the debt.
Here, the foreclosure is time-barred, as Defendants failed to initiate proceedings within the allowable period.
The lack of action within this statutory timeframe confirms the validity and substantive merit of Plaintiff’s objections.
No update on Galveston Criminal proceedings from 2 days ago. Lehman ain’t in Jail per record search. Where is elusive Andrew ‘Thug with a JD’ Lehman this Friday morn? Part of the US Gov. Protection Program for Criminals n’ Felons with Law Degrees in Texas? https://t.co/hYg4qkbzpg https://t.co/OSaEPxryrY pic.twitter.com/dFXd1zMOtj
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) April 11, 2025
PATTERNS OF EXPLOITATION
Fraud by Legal Practitioners & the Judiciary
Plaintiff highlights critical inequities, prejudices, and abuses in the judicial handling of foreclosure cases, compounded by fraudulent practices orchestrated by certain legal practitioners. These failures harm vulnerable litigants but also undermine trust in the judiciary.
1. Exploitation by Foreclosure Defense Lawyers and Real Estate Investors
Independent investigative reporting by Blogger Inc. (via portals such as lawsintexas.com (“LIT”), lawsinny.com (“LINNY”), lawsinflorida.com (“LIF”), dbntco.com (“DBNTCO”), and midfirst.mortgage (“MIDFIRST”)) has exposed these fraudulent practices in both state and federal courts.
Numerous attorneys and real estate investors claiming to assist homeowners have consistently engaged in exploitative and fraudulent practices. These include:
Attorneys such as Robert C. Vilt, Erick J. Delarue, Jason Leboeuf, Ray Shackelford, John Gannon Helstowski, James Minerve, James Pope, and David Medearis, among others.
Real estate investors like Justina De Pasquale, Sandy Forsythe, Kevin Pawlowski, Susan Casias and others who actively participate in $10 fraudulent deed schemes designed to obscure ownership, cloud titles, and evade foreclosure proceedings in violation of TUFTA (Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act).
As documented in cases such as Burke (Michael), the Victors’, Urbach, Dunn, and many more – these fraudulent deed schemes targeting distressed homeowners serve to unjustly enrich lawyers and investors at the expense of homeowners’ rights and financial well-being.
For instance, in the Victors’ case, nearly a decade of thwarted foreclosure proceedings revolved around unpaid installments manipulated through questionable loan modifications previously denied.
2. Judicial Inconsistencies and Procedural Failures
Courts have demonstrated pervasive inconsistencies in applying rules and enforcing standards, disproportionately penalizing Plaintiff Joanna Burke while favoring certain litigants and attorneys. These failures undermine procedural fairness and deepen mistrust in judicial integrity.
Attorneys exploiting foreclosure litigation underscore these judicial lapses.
The court’s failure to hold such practices accountable exacerbates the inequities faced by vulnerable litigants.
Similarly, procedural mandates like pro hac vice requirements and filing fees, critical to fairness even among in-state attorneys, are often disregarded—diminishing the very principles they are meant to uphold.
Clerks have played a role in this procedural erosion by delaying the filing of Plaintiff’s pleadings and backdating documents, creating intentional disadvantages for her case.
This misconduct undermines public trust and further compounds the inequities inherent in foreclosure disputes.
Moreover, documented instances of foreclosure defense fraud, such as those in Burke v. Flagstar Bank, involve opposing counsel’s perjury and fraudulent submissions.
Despite irrefutable evidence, these actions have been ignored, allowing malpractice to persist unchecked.
Together, these examples—highlighted by independent investigations and findings of fraud—point to orchestrated efforts to seize Plaintiff’s homestead through manipulative practices and judicial abuses.
The harmful and permanent impact on Plaintiff’s rights cannot be understated, demanding immediate accountability and reform.
3. Motion to Reconsider and Vacate Orders and Final Judgment
To address these inequities and restore integrity to the judicial system, Plaintiff requests the Court vacate the final orders in this case.
Doing so is vital not only for justice in Plaintiff’s case but also for addressing the broader abuses perpetuated by attorneys and endorsed by the courts.
In light of the sweeping absolute immunity afforded to judges, only through corrective internal action can the judiciary combat its own ochlocracy that continues to erode public trust.
#LITAMO2025
CA5 SUBMITS CERTIFIED QUESTION TO TEXAS SUPREME COURT
Fifth Circuit Panel: Smith, Richman, and Graves, Circuit Judges. Per Curiam: “The case implicates Texas’s compelling interest in maintaining an impartial judiciary…” https://t.co/BOJnZoN1u7 pic.twitter.com/gwSLOLQ6KV— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) April 12, 2025
BROADER JUDICIAL TRENDS
Incorporating Comparative State Law Precedent
The following table highlights relevant decisions from New York appellate courts that underscore the requirement for judicial accountability and timely action:
COMPARATIVE NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS
Statutes of Limitations and Judicial Trends
A review of statutes of limitations across several states highlights significant differences in how courts manage foreclosure and contractual disputes.
This analysis underscores the importance of fairness, judicial accountability, and adherence to established legal precedents.
In addition to its flexible provisions for lenders, Texas courts have also enshrined constitutional protections under Article XVI, Section 50 of the Texas Constitution, safeguarding homeowners from predatory lending practices.
This dual approach underscores a commitment to fairness while maintaining procedural rigor, reflecting the judiciary’s acknowledgment of the unique challenges facing homeowners and lenders alike.
This comparative analysis demonstrates that states employ diverse procedural tools to achieve balance and fairness.
However, in Plaintiff’s case, the absence of such fairness and procedural adherence highlights significant judicial deficiencies.
These nationwide practices emphasize the Court’s obligation to engage substantively with litigants’ claims, a responsibility unfulfilled here.
When Epstein Island is trending on X https://t.co/HEcWYCExzO pic.twitter.com/5psxgWyIaA
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) June 17, 2024
PROCEDURAL DEFICIENCIES IN MOTION FILINGS & JUDICIAL ORDERS
1. Orders Pertaining to Motion-Filings
Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan’s orders, adopted by Judge Eskridge (Dkt 73), demonstrate repeated failures to substantively engage Plaintiff’s motions, including:
• Dkt 54: Denial of Plaintiff’s Supplement identifying key fraud claim details.
• Dkt 55: Denial of Plaintiff’s First Amended Surreply distinguishing Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.036.
• Dkt 56: Denial of Leave to file a Surreply addressing Defendant PHH’s Vexatious Litigant Motion.
These rulings, along with the denial of related motions (Dkt 45, Dkt 51, and Dkt 53), obstruct Plaintiff’s access to meaningful due process, dismissing legal and factual arguments without specific reasoning.
2. Certified Question and Interlocutory Appeal Motion
Plaintiff’s Motion to Certify Questions for appellate review (Dkt 62) met all criteria under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b) but was summarily denied with no reasoning.
Comparative rulings highlight proper judicial handling absent in this case:
· Doe v. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (W.D. Tex., Feb. 2025): Judge Pitman provided detailed rulings addressing certified questions for appeal.
· Weah v. Estancia Villas LLC (W.D. Tex., July 2024): Judge Rodriguez reaffirmed procedural requirements for interlocutory appeals.
This Court’s refusal to certify Plaintiff’s interlocutory appeal contradicts nationwide judicial trends, undermining procedural fairness and constitutional due process protections.
3. De Novo Review of Memoranda and Recommendations
Plaintiff’s objections to Magistrate Judge Bryan’s Memoranda and Recommendations (Dkts 64, 65, and 66) were dismissed by Judge Eskridge as “substantially identical,” despite clear distinctions in content.
By failing to address Plaintiff’s objections with specificity, the court violated due process and exercised judicial discretion inappropriately.
Key objections included rulings on vexatious litigant status (Dkt 28), summary judgment dismissal (Dkt 27), and jurisdictional challenges (Dkt 33).
These procedural failures culminated in the unjust entry of Final Judgment (Dkt 75) and Pre-Filing Injunction Order (Dkt 74).
No doubt it’s because we provide true, fact-verified articles with no filter and no BS. https://t.co/Rj5dIRYeAn pic.twitter.com/EMJkCL53mA
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) March 15, 2025
SUMMARY
In 2025, frustration with the judiciary reached a boiling point. Congress and the people have expressed growing discontent with courts that refuse to “stay in their lane,” exhibiting behaviors that undermine constitutional principles and erode public trust.
This pervasive dissatisfaction underscores the Plaintiff’s role not as a disgruntled court loser, but as a whistleblower who has been systematically silenced and marginalized—a victim of ochlocracy, where mob rule within powerful institutions overrides justice and fairness.
The Plaintiff’s case exemplifies the consequences of judicial tyranny, where judges and officers of the court abuse their authority to target those who dare to expose fraud, inequity, and misconduct.
This motion is not merely a legal plea; it is a call to action against a judiciary emboldened by unaccountability, Wall Street’s undue influence, and government agencies complicit in upholding systemic corruption.
The Plaintiff’s relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to her unwavering resolve to shed light on these injustices, not only for herself but for all who have been victimized by these entrenched powers.
Fifteen years of relentless litigation have taken an immeasurable toll on Plaintiff, marked by the devastating loss of her husband amid this protracted battle against the judiciary, mortgage servicers, and entrenched legal systems.
The emotional burden of navigating a flawed and unyielding system is compounded by the heartbreak of losing a life partner who shared in the struggle.
This unwarranted and vindictive litigation transcends the personal, echoing a growing nationwide frustration with a judicial system perceived as prioritizing institutions over individuals.
It takes place in a broader climate where public frustration with the judiciary is finally mounting.
In 2025, Members of Congress have publicly voiced support for the impeachment of Article III judges who exploit their authority and violate ethical standards.
As Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced an impeachment resolution against a federal judge, alleging conduct “so utterly lacking in intellectual honesty and basic integrity,” the parallels to the Plaintiff’s case are undeniable.
Just as Congress scrutinizes judges who abuse their power, the Plaintiff’s case reveals the same judicial overreach and corruption at a personal level.
Personally, Joanna Burke’s relentless fight for justice serves as a testament to the injustices entrenched in the judicial system.
In 2023, the Plaintiff filed a lawsuit “against the judicial machinery itself” to recover the “missing” mortgage servicer loan file—a file the Plaintiff knows lacks her purported mortgage loan application due to lender fraud.
Her case was filed in Minnesota, where investors in similar suits had successfully recovered billions of dollars from fraudulent mortgage applications.
In the Plaintiff’s view, this is why Defendants approached her with a settlement offer that effectively admitted the loan was fraudulent, with a promise to formally extinguish it.
However, their proposal sought to recover 14 years’ worth of escrowed taxes and insurance payments—costs the Plaintiff maintains were voluntarily incurred without any legal basis.
The Plaintiff has repeatedly highlighted how this litigation should have ended in 2011 before Judge Lynn Hughes, who initially retained the Burkes’ case after admonishing Deutsche Bank’s counsel for lacking the necessary paperwork to foreclose.
Hughes, however, demonstrated tyrannical behavior, declaring, “I will conduct the foreclosure myself,” and belittling John Burke by stating, “Just because you wear a suit doesn’t make you a lawyer.”
Despite an agreement to end the case before Hughes, Deutsche Bank quickly recommenced litigation, leading to a bench trial in 2015 before the Honorable Stephen Wm. Smith. Smith ruled in favor of the Plaintiff, rejecting Deutsche Bank’s claim to her homestead.
On remand, Smith reaffirmed his decision, further solidifying the Plaintiff’s victory against Deutsche Bank’s baseless foreclosure attempts.
In memory of her husband of over 60 years, Scottish-born and a naturalized American citizen, the Plaintiff has vowed to continue their shared fight against oppression, corruption, and inequity.
Her husband, who served his country as a British Military Policeman and Paratrooper, was a veteran who stood for justice and fairness—values the Plaintiff promised to continue with unwavering determination.
Joanna Burke steadfastly asserts that any court appointed officers involved in the unlawful seizure of her homestead of over two decades will be criminal thieves with her blood on their hands.
The Plaintiff’s ongoing battle exposes the deep flaws in a judiciary that punishes truth-seekers while empowering those who manipulate the system for their own financial gain.
No power of sale conferred by any deed of trust or other mortgage on real estate executed on or subsequent to the 1st day of July, 1913, or that may hereafter be executed, shall be enforced after the expiration of four years from the maturity of the indebtedness secured thereby pic.twitter.com/lS5z4TSgHG
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 7, 2024
DECLARATION
Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 132.001 and “In lieu of a sworn affidavit, a litigant may submit an unsworn declaration as evidence against summary judgment. See 28 U.S.C. §1746.”, I hereby provide my unsworn declaration. My name is Joanna …, and I declare under penalty of perjury that all information herein is true and correct.
CONCLUSION
Relief Requested
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff respectfully requests the Court to:
1. Vacate the March 14, 2025 Orders.
2. Issue a ruling that substantively engages with Plaintiff’s objections on their merits.
3. Strike the preclusion order barring Plaintiff from filing future cases as a vexatious litigant.
4. Reinforce judicial accountability by adhering to the Fifth Circuit’s admonishments and national standards of due process.
An order was previously supplied.
JUDGE CHARLES ESKRIDGE
Adopting M&R, etc.

As expected. The anticipated and duly received rubber stamp of judicial ochlocracy and corruption in the lawless courts of Texas, endorsed by the United States Government, and which continues under Trump 47.
We’ll be checkin’ in frequently to see when his multi-million dollar Wells Fargo home loans are paid off (think Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, at the Supreme Court citizens) as a thank you from Wall St., that NAZI-funding German Bank and the most fined nonbank in American History, ONITY, et al.
DISHONORABLE CHARLES ESKRIDGE
Plaintiff Joanna Burke initiated this lawsuit in state court against several defendants as a pro se litigant.
All defendants other than PHH Mortgage Corporation were dismissed after removal to this Court.
Dkt 23.
The matter was then referred for pretrial management to Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan.
Dkt 26.
Defendant PHH Mortgage Corporation filed motions for summary judgment and to declare Plaintiff a vexatious litigant.
Dkts 27 & 28.
Plaintiff filed her own motion to dismiss.
Dkt 33.
Pending are several Orders and Memoranda and Recommendations from Judge Bryan dated January 23, 2025.
In sum, these rulings:
o Deny a motion by Plaintiff (Dkt 51) for leave to supplement her response to Defendant’s summary judgment motion;
o Deny as moot her motion (Dkt 45) for leave to file a surreply to Defendant’s summary judgment motion;
o Deny her motion (Dkt 53) for leave to file a surreply to Defendant’s motion to declare Plaintiff a vexatious litigant;
o Recommend denying Plaintiff’s motion (Dkt 33) to dismiss;
o Recommend granting Defendant’s motion (Dkt 27) for summary judgment;
and
o Recommend granting Defendant’s motion (Dkt 28) to declare Plaintiff a vexatious litigant.
Dkts 54–59.
Also pending are objections by Plaintiff to each of the above.
Dkts 64–69.
And pending is an Order of the Magistrate Judge on February 20, 2025, denying Plaintiff’s motions to stay or to certify questions to the Fifth Circuit for review.
Dkt 70 (order); see Dkts 61 & 62 (motions).
Also pending is an objection and request for reconsideration by Plaintiff.
Dkt 72.
Although unclear, it may also request reconsideration of certain of the Orders noted above.
See id at 5.
As to the Orders, a district court will set aside a non- dispositive order of a magistrate judge to which a party has specifically objected only if it is clearly erroneous or contrary to law.
See FRCP 72(a) & 28 USC § 636(b)(1)(A);
see also Castillo v. Frank, 70 F3d 382, 385 (5th Cir 1995).
The objections by Plaintiff to the Orders of Judge Bryan from January 2025 are substantially identical despite addressing different rulings.
The objections lack merit.
The Orders clearly detail the pertinent facts and correctly apply controlling law.
As such, the objections will be overruled.
Dkts 67, 68 & 69.
And the Orders of the Magistrate Judge will be adopted as the Orders of this Court.
Dkts 54, 55 & 56.
The objection and request for reconsideration of the Order from February 2025 has been reviewed de novo.
It contains no specifics, and indeed, no arguments.
As such the objection will be overruled and the request for reconsideration denied, inclusive of any underlying motion referenced by citation.
Dkt 72.
And the subject Order will be adopted as the Order of this Court.
Dkt 70.
As to the Memoranda and Recommendations, a district court reviews de novo those conclusions of a magistrate judge to which a party has specifically objected.
See FRCP 72(b)(3) & 28 USC § 636(b)(1)(C);
see also United States v Wilson, 864 F2d 1219, 1221 (5th Cir 1989, per curiam).
The district court may accept any other portions to which there’s no objection if satisfied that no clear error appears on the face of the record.
See Guillory v PPG Industries Inc, 434 F3d 303, 308 (5th Cir 2005), citing Douglass v United Services Automobile Association, 79 F3d 1415, 1430 (5th Cir 1996, en banc);
see also FRCP 72(b) advisory committee note (1983).
Plaintiff has filed substantially identical objections to the three separate Memoranda and Recommendations by Judge Bryan.
Dkts 64, 65 & 66.
Rule 72(b)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires parties to file “specific written objections to the proposed findings and recommendations.”
By this standard, it is legally insufficient to present the district court with a broad assortment of issues accompanied by little more than a directive to resolve them.
But that, in the main, is all that’s been done here.
Certain standards from the Fifth Circuit are clear in this regard.
For instance, the findings and conclusions of the magistrate judge needn’t be reiterated on review.
See Keotting v Thompson, 995 F2d 37, 40 (5th Cir 1993). Likewise, objections that are frivolous, conclusory, or general in nature needn’t be considered.
See Battle v United States Parole Commission, 834 F2d 419, 421 (5th Cir 1987);
United States v Ervin, 2015 WL 13375626, at *2 (WD Tex), quoting Arbor Hill Concerned Citizens Neighborhood Association v County of Albany, 281 FSupp2d 436, 439 (NDNY 2003).
And de novo review isn’t invoked by simply re-urging arguments contained in the underlying motion.
Edmond v Collins, 8 F3d 290, 293 n7 (5th Cir 1993);
see also Smith v Collins, 964 F2d 483, 485 (5th Cir 1992)
(finding no error in failure to consider objections because plaintiff “merely reurged the legal arguments he raised in his original petition”);
Williams v Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center, 891 F Supp 2d 301, 310–11 (EDNY 2012)
(de novo review not warranted for conclusory or general objections or which merely reiterate original arguments).
Simply put, where the objecting party makes only conclusory or general objections, or simply reiterates original arguments, review of the memorandum and recommendation may permissibly be for clear error only.
That’s the situation here.
Reasonable depth and explanation were needed to properly present any one of these issues if de novo review was intended.
No clear error appears upon review and consideration of the Memorandum and Recommendations, the record, and the applicable law.
Even though that’s all of the review required, the Court has nevertheless also examined the objections de novo and finds that they lack merit for the reasons stated by the Magistrate Judge.
The objections by Plaintiff will be overruled.
Dkts 64, 65 & 66.
And the Memoranda and Recommendations of the Magistrate Judge will be adopted as the Memoranda and Orders of this Court.
Dkts 57, 58 & 59.
* * *
The objections by Plaintiff Joanna Burke to the Orders of the Magistrate Judge of January 23, 2025, are OVERRULED.
Dkts 67, 68 & 69.
The Orders of the Magistrate Judge are ADOPTED as the Orders of this Court.
Dkts 54,
55 & 56.
As such, the related motions by Plaintiff are DENIED.
Dkts 45, 51 & 53.
The objection by Plaintiff Joanna Burke to the further Order of the Magistrate Judge of February 20, 2025, is OVERRULED, and the included motion for reconsideration is further DENIED upon de novo review.
Dkt 72.
The Order of the Magistrate Judge is ADOPTED as the Order of this Court.
Dkt 70.
As such, the related motions by Plaintiff are DENIED.
Dkts 61 & 62.
The objections by Plaintiff to the Memoranda and Recommendations of the Magistrate Judge are OVERRULED.
Dkts 64, 65 & 66.
The Memoranda and Recommendations of the Magistrate Judge are ADOPTED as the Memoranda and Orders of this Court.
Dkts 57, 58 & 59.
As such, the related motions by Defendant PHH Mortgage Corporation are GRANTED
Dkts 27 & 28.
And the related motion by Plaintiff is DENIED.
Dkt 33.
Any other pending motion, if any, is DENIED AS MOOT.
This action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
Plaintiff is hereby declared to be a VEXATIOUS LITIGANT.
A FINAL JUDGMENT and a PRE-FILING INJUNCTION ORDER will both enter separately.
So ordered.
Signed on March 14, 2025, at Houston, Texas.
And here’s the conclusion: with the appeal before Judge Charles Eskridge affirmed. The debtor’s legal fees were paid by PHH OCWEN ONITY ($43K) and the loan released shortly thereafter due to the perjury and fraud by many foreclosure mill counsel inc. the wolves very own Brandon. pic.twitter.com/fqQCHvu9Kp
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) December 12, 2024
CLERKGATE III
NOV 21, 2024
JAN 23, 2025
Despite two USPS Express Mail Packages being sent to the same court address, and both delivered with signature receipts recorded, only the later of the two deliveries has made it onto the court docket.
USPS Express Contents Delivered Nov. 21, 2024:
The November 20, 2024 combined filing.
USPS Express Contents Delivered Nov. 14, signed for Nov. 15, 2024:
The November 13, 2024 combined filing.
and
The November 11, 2024 combined filingg.
Hello Joanna Burke,
Your item was picked up at postal facility at
9:47 am on November 21, 2024 in HOUSTON, TX 77208.
The item was signed for by B LACEY.
Tracking Number: 9481730109355000162426
Package Shipped from: HQ – ECNS
Delivered, Individual Picked Up at Postal Facility
Hello Joanna Burke,
Your item was picked up at postal facility at
9:06 am on November 15, 2024 in HOUSTON, TX 77208.
The item was signed for by H LERMA.
Tracking Number: 9481730109355000137813
Package Shipped from: HQ – ECNS
Delivered, Individual Picked Up at Postal Facility
DOCSENT,MAG |
U.S. District Court
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS (Houston)
CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 4:24-cv-00897
Burke v. PHH Mortgage Corporation et al Assigned to: Judge Charles Eskridge Referred to: Magistrate Judge Christina A Bryan
Cause: 28:1332 Diversity-Injunctive & Declaratory Relief |
Date Filed: 03/12/2024 Jury Demand: Plaintiff Nature of Suit: 220 Real Property: Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Diversity |
Date Filed | # | Docket Text |
---|---|---|
11/10/2024 | 42 | RESPONSE in Opposition to 33 MOTION to Dismiss, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 11/10/2024) |
11/21/2024 | 43 | PLAINTIFF’S REPLY to 42 Response in Opposition to Motion, filed by Joanna Burke. (cng4) (Entered: 11/21/2024) |
11/21/2024 | 44 | SURREPLY to 27 MOTION for Summary Judgment , filed by Joanna Burke. (cng4) (Entered: 11/21/2024) |
PACER Service Center | |||
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Transaction Receipt | |||
11/21/2024 17:26:47 |
DOCSENT,MAG |
U.S. District Court
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS (Houston)
CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 4:24-cv-00897
Burke v. PHH Mortgage Corporation et al Assigned to: Judge Charles Eskridge Referred to: Magistrate Judge Christina A Bryan
Cause: 28:1332 Diversity-Injunctive & Declaratory Relief |
Date Filed: 03/12/2024 Jury Demand: Plaintiff Nature of Suit: 220 Real Property: Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Diversity |
Date Filed | # | Docket Text |
---|---|---|
03/12/2024 | 1 | NOTICE OF REMOVAL from 11th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, case number 2023-86973 (Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ATXSDC-31316463) filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 03/12/2024) |
03/13/2024 | 2 | ORDER for Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference and Order to Disclose Interested Persons. Initial Conference set for 7/12/2024 at 02:30 PM in Room 11521 before Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr. (Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified.(DanielBerger, 4) (Entered: 03/13/2024) |
03/13/2024 | 3 | NOTICE to Pro Se Litigant of Case Opening. Party notified, filed. (DanielBerger, 4) (Entered: 03/13/2024) |
03/14/2024 | 4 | NOTICE of Appearance by Shelley L. Hopkins on behalf of PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 03/14/2024) |
03/19/2024 | 5 | Emergency MOTION to Remand integrating memorandum and brief in support by Joanna Burke, filed. Motion Docket Date 4/9/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (AaronJackson, 4) (Entered: 03/19/2024) |
03/27/2024 | 6 | CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by PHH Mortgage Corporation identifying Ocwen Financial Corporation as Corporate Parent, filed. (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 03/27/2024) |
03/29/2024 | 7![]() |
Opposed MOTION for Clarification by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 4/19/2024. (Attachments: # 1![]() |
04/05/2024 | 8 | RESPONSE in Opposition to 5 MOTION to Remand, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 04/05/2024) |
04/10/2024 | 9 | REPLY to Response to 5 MOTION to Remand, filed by Joanna Burke. (dah4) (Entered: 04/10/2024) |
04/10/2024 | 10 | RESPONSE to 7![]() |
04/12/2024 | 11 | MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 5/3/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 04/12/2024) |
05/15/2024 | 12 | NOTICE of Non-Response by Plaintiff re: 11 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 05/15/2024) |
05/16/2024 | 13 | MOTION for Extension of Time to respond to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s motion to declare plaintiff Joanna Burke as a vexatious litigant by Joanna Burke, filed. Motion Docket Date 6/6/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (acj4) (Entered: 05/20/2024) |
05/16/2024 | 14 | MOTION to Strike PHH Mortgage Corporation’s 11 MOTION Declare Plaintiff Joanna Burke as a Vexatious Litigant by Joanna Burke, filed. Motion Docket Date 6/6/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (acj4) (Entered: 05/20/2024) |
06/05/2024 | 15 | RESPONSE in Opposition to 14 MOTION to Strike 11 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, 13 MOTION for Extension of Time to respnd to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s moton to declare plaintiff Joanna Burke as a vexatious litigant, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 06/05/2024) |
06/12/2024 | 16 | Opposed MOTION for Continuance of Initial Pretrial & Scheduling Conference by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 7/3/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 06/12/2024) |
06/13/2024 | 17![]() |
REPLY to 11 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, 14 MOTION to Strike 11 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, and motion for extension of time, filed by Joanna Burke. (acj4) (Entered: 06/14/2024) |
06/17/2024 | 18![]() |
ORDER Denying 5 Plaintiff’s Emergency Motion to Remand (Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified. (dm4) (Entered: 06/17/2024) |
06/17/2024 | 19![]() |
ORDER denying 11 PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant but WITHOUT PREJUDICE to refiling following a motion for dispositive relief; Denying as moot 13 Plaintiff’s Motion for Extension of Time to Respond; Denying as moot 14 Motion to Strike.(Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified. (dm4) (Entered: 06/17/2024) |
06/17/2024 | 20![]() |
ORDER denying as moot 7![]() |
06/17/2024 | 21![]() |
ORDER to Show Cause; within ten (10) days after the entry of this Order, the Plaintiff shall file a response to show cause, if any exists, why this case should not be dismissed without prejudice; Order to (Show Cause Response due by 6/27/2024); ORDER Denying as Moot 16 Defendant’s MOTION to Continue Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference; Ordered that the Scheduling Conference set for July 12, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. is hereby CANCELED. (Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified. (dm4) (Entered: 06/17/2024) |
06/27/2024 | 22 | Verified REPLY to 10 Day Show Cause 21![]() |
07/10/2024 | 23 | ORDER OF PARTIAL DISMISSAL. ORDERED that Plaintiff’s claims against Defendants Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, AVT Title Services, LLC, Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, PC, Judge Tami Craft aka Judge Tamika Craft-Demming, Judge Elaine Palmer, Sashagaye Prince, Mark D. Hopkins, Shelley L. Hopkins, and Hopkins Law, PLLC are DISMISSED without prejudice in accordance with Rule 4(m) and for want of prosecution. The Court further observes that Plaintiff has requested a thirty-day extension to brief why the Court’s orders in this case are void and to abate any briefing and responses by Defendant PHH Mortgage Corporation. There are no pending motions in this case, and thus, there are no outstanding briefing deadlines. Plaintiff’s request for extension and to abate responses is DENIED. (Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified. (mf4) (Entered: 07/10/2024) |
07/11/2024 | 24 | RECUSAL ORDER. Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr recused. Deadlines in scheduling orders subsist. Court settings are vacated. (Signed by Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr) Parties notified. (mf4) (Entered: 07/11/2024) |
07/11/2024 | 25 | NOTICE of Reassignment. Case reassigned to Judge Charles Eskridge. Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr no longer assigned to the case. Parties notified, filed. (mf4) (Entered: 07/11/2024) |
07/23/2024 | 26 | ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified. (jmg4) (Entered: 07/23/2024) |
08/05/2024 | 27 | MOTION for Summary Judgment Motions referred to Christina A Bryan. by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/26/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I) (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 08/05/2024) |
08/05/2024 | 28 | MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious LitigantMotions referred to Christina A Bryan. by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/26/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 08/05/2024) |
08/27/2024 | 29 | MOTION for Extension of Time Motions referred to Christina A Bryan. by Joanna Burke, filed. Motion Docket Date 9/17/2024. (bmn4) (Entered: 08/29/2024) |
09/03/2024 | 30 | RESPONSE in Opposition to 29 MOTION for Extension of Time, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 09/03/2024) |
09/18/2024 | 31 | ORDER granting in part and denying in part 29 Motion for Extension of Time; It is further ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Responses to the pending Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF 27) and Motion to Declare Plaintiff a Vexatious Litigant (ECF 28) are due on or before October 7, 2024. Replies will be due 14 days after Responses are filed. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Christina A Bryan) Parties notified. (mem4) (Entered: 09/18/2024) |
09/25/2024 | 32 | REPLY to Response to 29 MOTION for Extension of Time, filed by Joanna Burke. (dah4) (Entered: 09/25/2024) |
10/07/2024 | 33 | MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Motions referred to Christina A Bryan. by Joanna Burke, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/28/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Supplement Cover Sheet, # 3 Exhibit) (abb4) (Entered: 10/07/2024) |
10/07/2024 | 34 | RESPONSE to 28 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, filed by Joanna Burke. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Supplement Cover Sheet) (abb4) (Entered: 10/07/2024) |
10/07/2024 | 35 | RESPONSE to 27 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Joanna Burke. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Supplement Cover Sheet, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit) (abb4) (Entered: 10/07/2024) |
10/15/2024 | 36 | MOTION for Extension of Time Replies to ResponsesMotions referred to Christina A Bryan. by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 11/5/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 10/15/2024) |
10/16/2024 | 37 | ORDER granting : 36 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Replies. It is further ORDERED that PHH may file its Reply to Plaintiff’s Response to PHH’s Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF 34 ) and its Reply to Plaintiff’s Response to Second Motion to Declare Plaintiff Joanna Burke as a Vexatious Litigant (ECF 35 ) on or before November 4, 2024. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Christina A Bryan) Parties notified. (mem4) (Entered: 10/16/2024) |
10/18/2024 | 38 | MOTION for Extension of Time to File ResponseMotions referred to Christina A Bryan. by PHH Mortgage Corporation, filed. Motion Docket Date 11/8/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 10/18/2024) |
10/23/2024 | 39 | ORDER granting 38 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response. PHH may file its Response to Plaintiff’s Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction (ECF 33 ) on or before November 11, 2024.(Signed by Magistrate Judge Christina A Bryan) Parties notified. (mem4) (Entered: 10/23/2024) |
11/04/2024 | 40 | REPLY to Response to 27 MOTION for Summary Judgment , filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 11/04/2024) |
11/04/2024 | 41 | REPLY to Response to 28 MOTION Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Mark) (Entered: 11/04/2024) |
11/10/2024 | 42 | RESPONSE in Opposition to 33 MOTION to Dismiss, filed by PHH Mortgage Corporation. (Hopkins, Shelley) (Entered: 11/10/2024) |
11/21/2024 | 43 | PLAINTIFF’S REPLY to 42 Response in Opposition to Motion, filed by Joanna Burke. (cng4) (Entered: 11/21/2024) |
11/21/2024 | 44 | SURREPLY to 27 MOTION for Summary Judgment , filed by Joanna Burke. (cng4) (Entered: 11/21/2024) |
PACER Service Center | |||
---|---|---|---|
Transaction Receipt | |||
11/21/2024 19:16:45 |
In Texas, forget business or litigation funding. Just cozy up to the Judiciary and rake in illicit, illegal gains for life. 💰 #JudicialCorruption #TexasJustice https://t.co/mijSNNSBct https://t.co/LYYz1cDlQL pic.twitter.com/m02b9KP4Mh
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 21, 2024
MEMORANDUM AND RECOMMENDATION
Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan, Houston, Div’n
JAN 23, 2025
Plaintiff, a veteran litigant proceeding pro se, initiated this case in state court on December 21, 2023, as part of her approximately 14-year effort to thwart foreclosure on residential property located in Kingwood, Texas (Property).1
ECF 1- 4;
See also
ECF 18,
ECF 33-3 at 36-37.
Before the Court is PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Second Motion to Declare Plaintiff Joanna Burke as a Vexatious Litigant.
ECF 28.
The Court recommends PHH’s Motion be GRANTED.
I. Procedural Background
The procedural background of this case is extensive and has been set forth by multiple judges in multiple cases, most recently by this Court in its Memorandum and Recommendation recommending that PHH’s Motion for Summary Judgment be granted.
1 The District Judge referred this case to the undersigned Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B), the Cost and Delay Reduction Plan under the Civil Justice Reform Act, and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72. ECF 26.
ECF 58.
A timeline provides the most efficient means for summarizing the background information relevant to the current motion.
May 21, 2007: Plaintiff and her now deceased husband, John Burke, executed a $615,000.00 home equity note secured by deed of trust on residential property located in Kingwood, Texas (Property).
June 15, 2009: Plaintiff sued the Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner, in state small claims court for matters related to her mortgage.
Defendant removed the case, Burke v. Geithner, Civil Action No. 4:09-cv-2572, to federal court and it was dismissed by joint stipulation on February 16, 2010.
2010: The Burkes stopped making payments on the loan, paying taxes, and paying insurance.
Dec. 6, 2010: The Burkes filed an Original Petition in state court to stop foreclosure.
Defendants removed the case to federal court where it was styled Burke v. IndyMac Mort. Servs., Civil Action No. 4:11-cv-00341.
March 4, 2011: Civil Action 4:11-cv-00341 was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice.
April 29, 2011: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., in its capacity as assignee of the note and deed of trust, filed Deutsche Bank Nat’l Tr. Co. v. Burke, Civil Action No. 4:11-CV-01658, seeking an order authorizing foreclosure.
Nov. 13, 2018: The Burkes filed a state court lawsuit against the lawyers involved in Civil Action No. 4:11-CV-01658, which was removed to this Court where it was styled Burke v. Hopkins, Civil Action No. 4:18-CV-04543.
Nov. 15, 2018: The Burkes filed a state court lawsuit against Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, which was removed to this Court where it was styled Burke v. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Civil Action No. 4:18-CV-04544.
Nov. 29, 2018: After lengthy litigation, including two appeals to the Fifth Circuit, a final Order authorizing foreclosure was entered in Civil Action No. 4:11-CV-01658.
March 19, 2019: A final dismissal order was entered in Civil Action No. 4:18-CV- 04544.
March 18, 2020: A final judgment was entered dismissing Civil Action No. 4:18- CV-04543.
March 30, 2021: The Fifth Circuit denied Plaintiff’s consolidated appeal of the dismissals of Civil Action No. 4:18-CV-04543 and 4:18-CV- 04544.
Aug. 9, 2021: The Burkes filed a Complaint in federal court against Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC and its lawyers, styled Burke v. Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC et al., Civil Action No. 4:21-CV-02591.
Aug. 29, 2022: The district court dismissed Civil Action No. 4:21-CV-02591, warning the Burkes that “any additional litigation against Defendants related to the Property or foreclosure proceedings will be clear and compelling evidence of bad faith, such that the imposition of sanctions and pre-filing injunctions would be just.”
ECF 50 at 8.
Oct. 30 , 2023: The United States District Court in Minnesota dismissed for improper venue a case the Burkes brought in that court in 2023 against PHH, the lawyers representing PHH in the Southern District of Texas, and the Clerk of the Fifth Circuit.
Burke v. PHH Mortg. Co., Civil Action No. 0:23-cv-1119, 2023 WL 7126709 (D. Minn. Oct. 30, 2023).
The Eighth Circuit summarily affirmed the dismissal.
Burke v. PHH Mortg. Co., No. 23-3593, 2024 WL 2704150 (8th Cir. Feb. 5, 2024).
Dec. 5, 2023: Joanna Burke filed a motion to intervene in an unrelated lawsuit in Texas state court that is now pending in this district as Samuels v. PHH Mortgage Corporation, Civil Action No. 4:23-CV- 04687.
Dec. 21, 2023: Joanna Burke filed the instant action in Texas state court, which was removed to this Court where it is styled Burke v. PHH Mortgage Corp., Civil Action No. 4:24-CV-00897.
Dec. 28, 2023: Joanna Burke filed a Chapter 13 Petition in Bankruptcy, Case No. 23-35083.
Jan. 17, 2024: Bankruptcy Case No. 23-35083 was dismissed for failure to make necessary filings.
March 1, 2024: Joanna Burke filed a Chapter 13 Petition in Bankruptcy, Case No. 24-30885.
March 29, 2024: Joanna Burke filed an adversary proceeding, Burke v. Deutsche Bank Nat’l Trust Co. et al., Adversary No. 24-03056, in her already dismissed Bankruptcy Case No. 23-35083. The adversary proceeding was dismissed on June 4, 2024.
April 1, 2024: Bankruptcy Case No. 24-30885 was dismissed for failure to make necessary filings.
Jan. 23, 2024: Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan recommended PHH’s Motion for Summary Judgment be granted and Civil Action No. 4:24- CV-00897 be dismissed with prejudice based on res judicata and Plaintiff’s failure to meet her burden to show any disputed issue of material fact.
In addition to the above proceedings, Joanna Burke attempted unsuccessfully to intervene in unrelated litigation in other jurisdictions, including
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Ocwen Financial Corp., et al., Case No. 9:17-cv-80495, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida;
Jose L. Parra v. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Case No. 1:18-cv-5936, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois;
and
In Re Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation, Kenneth P. Kellogg, et al. v. Watts Guerra, LLP, et al., Case Nos. 2:18- cv-2408 and 2:14-md-2591, in federal court in Kansas.
II. Legal Standards
“A district court has jurisdiction to impose a pre-filing injunction to deter vexatious, abusive, and harassing litigation.”
Baum v. Blue Moon Ventures, LLC, 513 F.3d 181, 187 (5th Cir. 2008) (citations omitted).
This authority includes the authority to enjoin pro se litigants, from making vexatious filings with the court.
Ford v. Am. Homes 4 Rent, No. 4:22-CV-2162, 2023 WL 3215368, at *2 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 24, 2023).
The court’s authority is derived from the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651, or its inherent power.
Matter of Carroll, 850 F.3d 811, 815 (5th Cir. 2017).
The district court’s decision to enter a pre-filing injunction is reviewed for abuse of discretion.
Baum, 513 F.3d at 187.
In deciding whether a pre-filing injunction is warranted, the Court must weigh the following factors:
(1) the party’s history of litigation, in particular whether she has filed vexatious, harassing, or duplicative lawsuits;
(2) whether the party had a good faith basis for pursuing the litigation, or simply intended to harass;
(3) the extent of the burden on the courts and other parties resulting from the party’s filings;
and
(4) the adequacy of alternative sanctions.
Crear v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 491 F. Supp. 3d 207, 219 (N.D. Tex. 2020) (citing Baum, 513 F.3d at 189).
III. Analysis
Based on the procedural history set forth above, Burke’s numerous judicial and state bar complaints about lawyers and judges involved in her lawsuits, and harassing social media posts, PHH asks the Court to declare Burke a vexatious litigant and to impose on her a pre-filing injunction.
ECF 28.
The Court finds that the four factors set out in Baum, 513 F.3d at 189, support imposition of a pre-filing injunction against Ms. Burke.
Happy 86th Birthday @jcbrhodesia
You’ve been thru WWII, married a Paratrooper, lived in Africa during war and revolution. Now, living in America you have witnessed the type of Govt bribery n corruption that you thought was only for dictators. They underestimated your heart. xx pic.twitter.com/T1AWSBtuHh— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 25, 2024
A. Ms. Burke has a history of filing vexatious, harassing, and duplicative lawsuits.
Ms. Burke’s extensive litigation history regarding the Property is summarized in the timeline set out above. Courts have consistently found her filings to be without merit and dismissed her cases.
In 2022, District Judge Alfred Bennett considered a motion to declare Burke a vexatious litigant in Civil Action No. 21-CV-2591
(ECF 50).
At that time, Burke’s litigation history included “four cases filed in or removed to the Southern District of Texas, three appeals to the Fifth Circuit, four motions to intervene in three unrelated lawsuits in three separate United States District Courts, two appeals to the Eleventh Circuit based on the denial of said motions, . . . and a writ to the Supreme Court.”
Id. ECF 50 at 6.
Judge Bennett found Burke’s conduct, particularly her conduct after the Fifth Circuit’s 2018 decision awarding foreclosure, to be of concern and noted there were “many indications of harassment in the record,” but gave Burke “the benefit of the doubt” regarding good faith.
Id. at 7.
Nonetheless, Judge Bennett issued an “emphatic” warning and notice “that any additional litigation against Defendants related to the Property or foreclosure proceedings will be clear and compelling evidence of bad faith such that the imposition of sanctions and pre-filing injunctions would be just.”
Id.
The Court finds that Ms. Burke has an extensive history of bringing meritless litigation that has continued despite an “emphatic warning” from a district judge in this district.
At this time, the Court recommends that a pre-filing injunction be imposed.
B. Ms. Burke has no good faith basis for repeatedly pursuing litigation regarding the Property.
Judge Bennett’s “emphatic warning” in the August 29, 2022 Order did not deter Ms. Burke from pursing litigation.
Since then, she has filed a lawsuit suit in Minnesota, multiple motions to intervene, an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court, and this action.
Although PHH was not a named defendant in Civil Action No. 21-CV-2591 before Judge Bennett, that litigation is part and parcel of the litigation by Burke designed to prevent foreclosure on the Property.
Even giving her the benefit of the doubt as a pro se litigant, the filing of additional litigation after Judge Bennett’s warning evidences bad faith and an intent to harass.
See Matter of Carroll, 850 F.3d at 816 (holding that “repeated attempts to litigate issues that have been conclusively resolved” supports finding of bad faith).
C. Ms. Burke’s vexatious litigation has placed a burden on the courts and other litigants.
The burden Burke’s pattern of harassing litigation has placed on the Court is demonstrated by the number of written rulings necessitated in this case alone, including 6 written rulings issued on this one day.
The litigation timeline shows the extent of the burden, not only on this Court, but on courts across the country that have no connection to the Property.
Furthermore, PHH, the current Defendant, has been burdened by Plaintiff’s continued litigation, as have various lawyers and government officials in the court system that have come into contact with the Burke litigation.
The excessive burden created by Ms. Burke’s continued vexatious litigation supports the imposition of a pre-filing injunction.
D. No alternative sanctions are likely to be adequate to deter Ms. Burke from filing frivolous litigation.
Finally, the Court finds that Burke’s history of repetitive, frivolous filings, her blatant disregard of court rulings, and her failure to heed an express warning that a prefiling injunction would be imposed if further suits about the Property were filed, all demonstrate that alternative sanctions are not sufficient to deter her behavior.
Thus, a pre-filing injunction is appropriate.
See Ford v. Am. Homes 4 Rent, No. 4:22-CV-2162, 2023 WL 3215368, at *2 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 24, 2023)
(recommending pre-filing injunction against plaintiff who “has filed in this Court multiple times, appealed to the 5th Circuit, and filed at ‘least five additional lawsuits in Texas state court against the same defendants, based on the same facts’”),
Memorandum and Recommendation adopted, Civil Action No. 22-CV-2162 (slip op. June 30, 2023);
see also Montes v. Tibbs, No. CV H-23-1352, 2024 WL 1119419, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Mar. 14, 2024)
(entering a preclusion order because “[t]he relaxed standard for interpreting the pleadings of pro se litigants does not allow for repeated meritless litigation.”).
Dismissal of this case is not an appropriate or sufficient alternative sanction because the Court has already recommended this case be dismissed on the merits.
Furthermore, Ms. Burke has already been warned that imposition of a pre- filing injunction was likely if she continued to file litigation related to the Property.
There is no reason to delay imposition of a pre-filing injunction because issuing another warning is not likely to alleviate the burden that will be imposed by additional litigation about the Property.
IV. Conclusion and Recommendation
For the reasons stated above, the Court RECOMMENDS that Defendant’s Motion (ECF 28) be GRANTED
and
Plaintiff Joanna Burke be declared a vexatious litigant and that she be enjoined from filing any further pleadings in the Southern District of Texas without first seeking, in writing, permission from the Miscellaneous District Judge on duty for the month in which the filing would be made.
The Clerk of the Court shall send copies of the memorandum and recommendation to the respective parties, who will then have fourteen days to file written objections, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l)(C).
Failure to file written objections within the period provided will bar an aggrieved party from attacking the factual findings and legal conclusions on appeal.
Douglass v. United Servs. Auto. Ass’n, 79 F.3d 1415, 1428-29 (5th Cir. 1996) (en bane), superseded by statute on other grounds.
Signed on January 23, 2025, at Houston, Texas.
Ford v. American Homes 4 Rent (4:22-cv-02162)
District Court, S.D. Texas
Ford v. Am. Homes 4 Rent, No. 4:22-CV-2162, 2023 WL 3215368, at *2 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 24, 2023)
MEMORANDUM AND RECOMMENDATION
Pending before the Court1 are Plaintiff’s Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint, and Motion for Default Judgement.
(Dkt. Nos. 7, 12, 16.)
Based on a thorough review of the issues and relevant law, the Court RECOMMENDS the Motions be DENIED and Plaintiff’s complaint be DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
The Court further RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff be declared a vexatious litigant.
I. BACKGROUND
In Ford v. Camillo Properties, No. CV H-21-3115, 2022 WL 799749, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Mar. 16, 2022), a case with an identical complaint to the complaint in this action, Judge Rosenthal summarized Larry F. Ford’s (“Plaintiff”) allegations as follows:
[Plaintiff], representing himself, sued the defendants because the subdivision where he and his wife own a home has rental properties owned by Camillo Properties. [Plainitff] alleges that he and his wife wanted to spend their retirement in a subdivision with single family homeowners, but instead are surrounded by rental properties that have brought violence to the neighborhood. [Plaintiff] sued the
1 The District Court referred the motion to the undersigned on March 20, 2023. (Dkt. No. 15.)
defendants for violations of the Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Elder Justice Act, and various state laws.
Plaintiff filed this lawsuit on June 6, 2022, in this Court.
(Dkt. No. 1.)
On July 11, 2022, Plaintiff filed an application to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”).
(Dkt. No. 7.)
On January 3, 2023, he then filed a Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint.
(Dkt. No. 12.)
Finally, on April 3, 2023, he filed a Motion for Default Judgment.
(Dkt. No. 16.)
Because Plaintiff’s claim is frivolous, these motions should be denied and this case should be dismissed.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Plaintiff’s Claim should be Dismissed Sua Sponte.
“The ability to proceed IFP is not without limitation.”
Bell v. Cnty. of Galveston, No. 3:15- CV-0209, 2015 WL 13016010, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 7, 2015), aff’d, 628 F. App’x 295 (5th Cir. 2016).
“A court must—at any time—dismiss any IFP action that is frivolous, malicious, fails to state a claim, or seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief.”
Id. (citing 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(b)).
“Pursuant to § 1915(e)(2)(B), a claim is frivolous when it lacks an arguable basis either in law or in fact.”
Kempton v. J.C. Penney’s Co., No. MC C-13-121, 2013 WL 1869995, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 18, 2013), report and recommendation adopted sub nom. Kempton v. JC Penney’s Co., No. 2:13-MC-00121, 2013 WL 1932668 (May 7, 2013) (citing Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989)).
Claims lack this arguable basis when they are “fanciful,” “delusional,” or “based on an indisputably meritless legal theory.”
Denton v. Hernandez, 504 U.S. 25, 32 (1992); Harper v. Showers, 174 F.3d 716, 718 (5th Cir. 1999).
“Pro se complaints are liberally construed in favor of the plaintiff, but district courts are given broad discretion in determining when such complaints are frivolous.”
Martinez v. Wells, No. 3:15-CV-261, 2016 WL 1702596, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 28, 2016) (citing Macias v. Raul A. (Unknown) Badge No. 153, 23 F.3d 94, 97 (5th Cir. 1994)).
However, in IFP actions, the Court has “the unusual power to pierce the veil of the complaint’s factual allegations and dismiss those claims whose factual contentions are clearly baseless” and “is not bound, as it usually is when making a determination based solely on the pleadings, to accept without question the truth of the plaintiff’s allegations.”
Denton, 504 U.S. at 32 (citations omitted).
“Accordingly, the Court sua sponte addresses whether [Plaintiff]’s suit should be dismissed under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).”
Bell, 2015 WL 13016010, at *1.
This Court has already determined that Plaintiff’s claims are based on indisputably meritless legal theories.
“In Ford v. Blackstone Grp. Inc., No. 4:19-CV-4422, 2020 WL 5587307, at *1 (S.D. Tex. June 8, 2020), Judge Hanen dismissed [Plaintiff]’s claims against Blackstone based on the same facts as those in [the complaint currently before this Court.]”
Ford, 2022 WL 799749, at *1.
Judge Hanen found that “the amended complaint [was] factually and legally insufficient.”
Ford, 2020 WL 5587307, at *5 (S.D. Tex. June 8, 2020).
He further found that “[as pleaded, there was no reason to believe that [Plaintiff] could ever succeed on his claims” and that “based on the record” [Blackstone] was not subject to personal jurisdiction in Texas.”
Id.
In her analysis of an identical complaint to the one considered in this action, Judge Rosenthal held that it “suffer[ed] from the same inadequacies that Judge Hanen identified.”
Ford, 2022 WL 799749, at *1.
Further, Plaintiff ignored this Court’s direct order to cease submitting “frivolous filings” by filing yet another motion for default judgment in this case.
Id. at *2
(“Because his motions for default judgment and his misrepresented “settlement agreements” are frivolous filings, Mr. Ford is ordered to stop filing similar motions for default judgment and so called settlement agreements in this court.”).
Additionally, Plaintiff’s history of frivolous lawsuits also calls for dismissal.
Plaintiff has filed in this Court multiple times, appealed to the 5th Circuit, and filed at “least five additional lawsuits in Texas state court against the same defendants, based on the same facts.”
See Ford, 2022 WL 799749, at *1;
see also Valdez v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. CIV.A. H-09-0595, 2009 WL 562888, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Mar. 4, 2009)
(denying an IFP application and ordering dismissal “because the plaintiff ha[d] a history of filing frivolous complaints”).
Thus, this Court recommends that Plaintiff’s suit should be dismissed.
B. Plaintiff Should not be Granted Leave to Amend.
Rule 15 directs courts to “freely give leave [to amend the pleadings] when justice so requires.”
FED. R. CIV. P. 15(a)(2); see Great Plains Trust Co. v. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., 313 F.3d 305, 329 (5th Cir. 2002).
It is within the sound discretion of the court to deny leave to amend when, for example, amendment would be futile or when a party fails to submit a proposed pleading or explain how he or she can cure any defects.
See Goldstein v. MCI WorldCom, 340 F.3d 238, 254–55 (5th Cir. 2003).
However, “district courts should not dismiss pro se complaints pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) without first providing the plaintiff an opportunity to amend, unless it is obvious from the record that the plaintiff has pled his best case.”
Hale v. King, 642 F.3d 492, 503 (5th Cir. 2011).
This is true even when a pro se plaintiff fails to explain the proposed amendment or request leave to amend.
See Ramirez v. United States, No. 01-CV-717, 2003 WL 22123463, at *2 (N.D. Tex. Mar. 6, 2003).
Plaintiff has already been given numerous opportunities to plead his case in both state and federal court and cure his pleading deficiencies.
Further leave to amend “would be futile and cause needless delay.”
Grant v. Texas State Att’y Gen. Open Gov’t Recs. & Consumer Prot. Div., No. 5- 21-CV-00761-FB-RBF, 2021 WL 8055684, at *5 (W.D. Tex. Nov. 16, 2021)
(dismissing IFP case and denying leave to amend where plaintiff’s “claims ha[d] already been litigated and the vast majority [were] legally infirm”), report and recommendation adopted, No. SA-21-CV-761-FB, 2021 WL 8055678 (W.D. Tex. Dec. 30, 2021).
Thus, this Court recommends that Plaintiff not be granted leave to amend.
C. Pre-Filing Injunction.
“No one, rich or poor, is entitled to abuse the judicial process. Flagrant abuse of the judicial process can enable one person to preempt the use of judicial time that properly could be used to consider the meritorious claims of other litigants.”
Green v. Carlson, 649 F.2d 285, 287 (5th Cir. 1981) (internal citation omitted).
“While the legal system serves many functions, it is not a vehicle for harassing actions at the expense of others.”
Mustapha v. HSBC Bank, USA, No. 4:12-CV- 01924, 2013 WL 632856, at *7 (S.D. Tex. Feb. 20, 2013).
“[F]ederal courts [] have the inherent power to impose sanctions against vexatious litigants.”
Newby v. Enron Corp., 302 F.3d 295, 302 (5th Cir. 2002).
“This includes the authority to enjoin parties, including pro se litigants, from making vexatious filings with the court.”
Zawislak v. Mem’l Herman Health Sys., No. CV H:21- 3098, 2022 WL 4358097, at *1 (S.D. Tex. Sept. 19, 2022) (italicization added).
Accordingly, based on Plaintiff’s history of frivolous filings and blatant disregard of Judge Rosenthal’s order, this Court further recommends that Plaintiff be deemed a vexatious litigant and that a pre-filing order is appropriate.
See Hurt v. Encinia, No. CIV.A. H-15-2602, 2015 WL 6674820, at *3 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 30, 2015).
III. CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, the Court RECOMMENDS Plaintiff’s Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint, and Motion for Default Judgement (Dkt. Nos. 7, 12, 16) be DENIED and Plaintiff’s case be DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
The Court further RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff be declared a vexatious litigant.
The Clerk shall send copies of this Memorandum and Recommendation to the respective parties who have fourteen days from the receipt thereof to file written objections thereto pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(b) and General Order 2002-13. Failure to file written objections within the time period mentioned shall bar an aggrieved party from attacking the factual findings and legal conclusions on appeal.
The original of any written objections shall be filed with the United States District Clerk electronically.
Copies of such objections shall be mailed to opposing parties and to the chambers of the Undersigned, 515 Rusk, Suite 7019, Houston, Texas 77002.
SIGNED in Houston, Texas on April 24, 2023.
Sam S. Sheldon
United States Magistrate Judge
“People should be going to prison for the type of misconduct going on. They took peoples’ homes with inaccurate information.”
“He who holds the gold, continues to rule and that the legal and judicial system will look the other way…” https://t.co/JPLzF9KiuT pic.twitter.com/QYkA9sbF2x
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) January 23, 2025
ORDER
RE:
MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE VERIFIED SURREPLY TO PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION’S MOTION TO DECLARE PLAINTIFF AS A VEXATIOUS LITIGANT
JAN 23, 2025
Plaintiff, a veteran litigant proceeding pro se, initiated this case in state court on December 21, 2023, as part of her approximately 14-year effort to thwart foreclosure on residential property located in Kingwood, Texas (Property).1
ECF 1-4.
Before the Court is PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant, which is addressed in a separate Memorandum and Recommendation.2
ECF 28.
Plaintiff has filed a Motion for Leave to File Verified Surreply to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant.
ECF 51.
Plaintiff has filed a Response to PHH’s Motion (ECF 34) and PHH has filed a Reply (41).
Plaintiff presents no good cause for granting leave to file a Surreply.
1 The District Judge referred this case to the undersigned Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B), the Cost and Delay Reduction Plan under the Civil Justice Reform Act, and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72. ECF 26.
2 The Court has dismissed all other Defendants. ECF 23.
The Motion rehashes arguments regarding jurisdiction addressed in other motions.
Plaintiff also contends that PHH is asking the Court to interfere with state court proceedings, which is not accurate.
It is therefore
ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion for Leave to File Verified Surreply to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant (ECF 53) is DENIED:
LIT: ECF 53, Burke’s filing from Nov. 15, 2024, and signed for by the court – allegedly missing or lost for 69 days – miraculously filed along with 2 other “missing or lost” pleadings from Nov. 15, 2024 on same day as MJ Bryan releases six orders (#54-58 at 4.37 pm and #59 at 5.05 pm), namely Thursday, Jan 23, 2025 at close of business.
Signed on January 23, 2025, at Houston, Texas.
Christina A. Bryan
United States Magistrate Judge
As detailed in Footnote 2 from article “ClerkGate 2024“
First time:
USPS Express Mail posted on Mar. 27, 2024, delivered on March 29, 2024 and which included (i) Cover letter dated Mar. 27, (ii) First Motion to Abate with Proposed Order docketed as Mar. 29, 2024, entered on Mar. 29, 2024 (iv) Adversary Complaint; docketed as Mar. 29, 2024, entered on Apr. 4, 2024 in Bankruptcy Case 24-30885 (Doc. 28), and Adv. Case 24-03056 (Doc. 1).
See USPS Tracking on Website; https://2dobermans.com/woof/8p
Dishonest Clerk:
You will note the delay in filing one of the 4 documents/pleadings included in the Express Mail envelope – the Adv. Complaint, which Clerk Rios denied existed via email, but he would change his untenable and untruthful position after Plaintiff advised she had a date and timestamped physical copy, sent to her from this Court.
Plaintiff emailed Mario Rios on Monday, Apr.1, 9.09 am discussing the missing Adv. Complaint from the docket and also attaching an earlier email (Feb. 22, 2024) complaining to both Rios and copying the known District Court’s Operations email (where Plaintiff has communicated previously) about other instances of missing pleadings sent via USPS. (See Exhibit 1)
Rios replied stating;
1. Your case was dismissed for non-compliance of Order signed on March 14, 2024. The Court had granted your motion for extension and gave you until March 29 to get the documents on file. They were not. 2. The Motion to Abate was Denied as Moot. 3.
We (the Court) does not have an Adversary Case on file. (emphasis added).
Second time:
USPS Priority Mail posted on Apr. 30, 2024, delivered on May 15, 2024, docketed as May 16, 2024, entered on May 20, 2024., in Snap-Removed State Case before Judge Werlein, Motion to Strike and Motion for Extension of Time, Docs. 13-14.
See USPS Tracking on Website; https://2dobermans.com/woof/8n
Compare with: USPS Priority Mail posted on Apr. 8, 2024, delivered on Apr. 10, 2024, docketed as May 10, 2024, entered on May 10, 2024, in Snap-Removed State Case before Judge Werlein, Reply to Remand and Reply to PHH’s Motion to Clarify, Docs. 9-10.
See USPS Tracking on Website; https://2dobermans.com/woof/8o
Third time:
USPS Priority Mail posted on May 28, 2024, delivered on Jun 3, 2024, docketed as Jun 4, 2024, entered on Jun 7, 2024 in Adv. Case, Motion for Default Judgment and Declaration Docs. 6-7.
See USPS Tracking on Website; https://2dobermans.com/woof/8m
See: this case.
MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE VERIFIED SURREPLY TO PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION’S MOTION TO DECLARE PLAINTIFF AS A VEXATIOUS LITIGANT
NOV 13, 2024 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: NOV 14, 2024
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE, AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Plaintiff, appearing pro se, respectfully submits this Motion for Leave to File Verified Surreply to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff as a Vexatious Litigant.
The Plaintiff asserts that this surreply is necessary to address critical legal issues raised by Defendants’ motion, and to further clarify that:
(i) This Court Lacks Jurisdiction Over the Present Dispute
The matters in question were not conclusively resolved by any prior federal judgment;
(ii) This Court is Prohibited from Interfering with State Court Proceedings
Under the Anti-Injunction Act (28 U.S.C. § 2283) federal intervention is restricted unless a federal judgment explicitly bars state court jurisdiction;
(iii) Defendants Improperly Invokes the All Writs Act (28 U.S.C. § 1651)
This statute is inapplicable here as the Plaintiff has not engaged in any conduct similar to the criminal and fraudulent actions of the Baum family or Babineaux, nor has the Plaintiff shown a pattern of vexatious litigation that would justify such extreme relief, and;
(iv) Defendants’ Improper Invocation of Removal Jurisdiction
(a) Bankruptcy Jurisdiction
District Courts, such as this Court, have original and exclusive jurisdiction over cases under Title 11.
See 28 U.S.C. § 1334.
Removal in this case was improper, particularly given that the Plaintiff was under bankruptcy protection at the time of the unlawful removal by Defendants.
This argument is further briefed separately in Plaintiff’s Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction.
(b) Federal Question Jurisdiction
Removal based on 28 U.S.C. § 1331 is also improper. As discussed herein, Plaintiff’s claims do not raise a valid federal question, and thus cannot support removal under federal question jurisdiction.
(c) Diversity Jurisdiction
Removal based on diversity jurisdiction, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1), was likewise improper, as there is no complete diversity of citizenship between the parties, and therefore no proper basis for federal jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332.
(d) Improper Joinder of In-State Defendants
The Defendants’ argument regarding the improper joinder of in-state defendants is baseless.
The state law claims against these defendants are valid and properly pled, however, this court erroneously disposed of these defendants for the reasons Plaintiff has argued in prior or related pleadings.
This motion provides sufficient legal grounds to grant the motion, dismiss the action, and return the case to the state court. Should the Magistrate Judge disagree, the surreply directly addresses the legally deficient and poisoned response filed by the Defendants and requests that the Court either strike or deny their frivolous motion.
We’ve rustled up the case that the district court in Houston will hang its malicious, big ol’ cowboy hat on—a case where the wagons are circling to protect the legal bandits, all while attempting to save an embarrassed court from getting caught with its boots in the stirrups. pic.twitter.com/jx8e5vyPIj
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 10, 2024
IV. The All Writs Act Cannot Be Invoked to Interfere with State Proceedings
Defendants incorrectly argue that Plaintiff is mistaken in asserting that Section 11.054 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code provides the standard for evaluating vexatious litigation.
Defendants’ motion does not seek relief under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 11.054, but instead, relies on the All Writs Act (28 U.S.C. § 1651) and the Court’s inherent authority to enjoin litigants allegedly abusing the court system.
However, as demonstrated herein, the federal court cannot invoke the All Writs Act to interfere in state court matters unless there is a clear, compelling justification, which does not exist in this case.
Defendants’ reliance on the All Writs Act is improper and must be rejected.
Further, Plaintiff has already addressed the misuse of this statute in her surreply.
V. The Misuse of Babineaux & Baum Family Cases to Justify Federal Intervention
The Defendants’ continued reliance on Babineaux v. Wells Fargo is not only misplaced but entirely inappropriate for the case at hand. Babineaux involved a context rooted in criminal conduct and fraudulent actions, entirely different from the Plaintiff’s legitimate legal proceedings.
The circumstances in Babineaux do not remotely resemble those present here, where the Plaintiff is merely exercising her rights to challenge the validity of foreclosure proceedings in state court.
Moreover, Defendants have selectively chosen certain legal authorities—such as Babineaux and others tied to the scandalous Baum family—to bolster their argument.
This cherry-picking of cases distorts the application of the All Writs Act and improperly extends its reach beyond the exceptional circumstances in which it is meant to be invoked.
Babineaux specifically dealt with patterns of criminal conduct and fraudulent legal practices, which have no bearing on the Plaintiff’s case, and should not be misapplied to support an unjust pre-filing injunction.
Plaintiff emphasizes that the Babineaux case is inapposite and its reliance by the Defendants is legally unsound.
It represents a troubling attempt to generalize extreme measures against pro se litigants based on isolated and wholly unrelated incidents.
This type of reasoning, akin to something one might expect from an inexperienced law student attempting to set a “new standard” for litigating against pro se plaintiffs, is both dangerous and inappropriate.
Additionally, as noted by U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsey in Campbell Harrison & Dagley LLP v. Hill, No. 3:10-cv-02269, Doc. 662 (N.D. Tex. 2020), federal courts must exercise great caution before invoking the All Writs Act, especially in matters that do not involve broad public interest or institutional reform. Judge Lindsey observed:
“At some juncture, the exercise of continuing jurisdiction becomes intrusive and implicates important concerns regarding federalism. Continuing jurisdiction has a place and time, and it is best reserved for cases in which prolonged federal oversight is needed, such as those cases necessary to accomplish large-scale institutional reform and desegregation; to protect the fundamental right to vote; to oversee mass torts litigation; and to oversee class actions or consent decrees. Unlike these weighty matters requiring continued federal supervision for the greater public good, this case is an acrimonious, private dispute.”
This reasoning directly undermines the Defendants’ attempt to invoke federal jurisdiction in the absence of exceptional circumstances.
Campbell Harrison & Dagley LLP v. Hill illustrates the court’s reluctance to invoke the All Writs Act outside the context of such extraordinary cases.
In the present matter, the Plaintiff’s case involves a private dispute, one that is not of the sort warranting the extreme measures Defendants advocate.
Therefore, the Defendants’ misapplication of the All Writs Act and the continued reliance on Babineaux and the Baum family cases must be rejected.
These cases, rooted in fraud and criminality, bear no resemblance to the Plaintiff’s legitimate state court actions and should not be used to justify an unjust pre-filing injunction..
VI. The Inappropriateness of Federal Court Interference
Federal courts have historically been reluctant to apply the All Writs Act in the manner Defendants propose, particularly when it comes to interfering with state court proceedings.
The decision in Smith v. Bayer Corp. provides strong guidance on this matter, emphasizing that “any doubts as to the propriety of a federal injunction against state court proceedings should be resolved in favor of permitting the state courts to proceed.”
This principle reinforces the idea that federal court intervention should be an exception, not the rule, especially in private disputes where the state court has competent authority.
This reasoning is directly supported by Smith v. Bayer and Atlantic Coast Line in the context of this case, where federal courts should not interfere with the state court’s jurisdiction unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
VII. Learned Precedent Against Pre-Filing Injunctions
As stated, in Campbell Harrison & Dagley LLP v. Hill, U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsey rejected a motion for broad federal jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of federalism and the limited role of federal courts in private disputes.
As Judge Lindsey noted, the federal courts should only intervene in matters of national importance or institutional reform, not in private disputes that do not implicate the public good.
This reasoning is particularly relevant here, where the Plaintiff’s case involves an acrimonious, private dispute rather than a matter requiring broad federal oversight.
Learned Judge Lindsey’s reasoning directly challenges Defendants’ request for a pre-filing injunction under the All Writs Act, further supporting the argument that the federal court cannot override state court processes in this case.
VIII. Procedural Impropriety and Notice Requirements
The Defendants have also failed to comply with procedural requirements for seeking relief under the All Writs Act.
Specifically, as held by the Third Circuit in Brow v. Farrelly, 994 F.2d 1027, 1038 (3d Cir. 1993), and reiterated in other cases such as Gagliardi v. McWilliams, 834 F.2d 81, 83 (3d Cir. 1987), and In re Oliver, 682 F.2d 443, 446 (3d Cir. 1982), if the circumstances warrant an injunction, the District Court must give notice to the litigant and allow them an opportunity to oppose the proposed relief.
At this point, Oliver had filed over 50 cases.
Defendants failed to provide Plaintiff with the required notice before seeking the injunction, making their motion procedurally improper.
Had Defendants properly filed a motion under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, the Court might have been able to treat that as sufficient notice.
However, in the absence of proper notice, Defendants cannot act as judge in this matter, and Plaintiff’s right to due process must be respected.
DECLARATION
Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 132.001 and “In lieu of a sworn affidavit, a litigant may submit an unsworn declaration as evidence against summary judgment. See 28 U.S.C. §1746.”, I hereby provide my unsworn declaration. My name is Joanna…, and I declare under penalty of perjury that all information herein is true and correct.
CONCLUSION
The All Writs Act is a residual source of authority to issue writs not covered by statute.
However, when a statute specifically governs the issue at hand, that statute, not the All Writs Act, is controlling.
See Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections v. U.S. Marshals Service, 474 U.S. 34, 43 (1985).
Moreover, as the Ninth Circuit has stated,
“[t]he mere fact that the actions of a state court might have some effect on the federal proceedings does not justify interference.”
Negrete v. Allianz Life Ins. Co. of North America, 523 F.3d 1091, 1101-1102 (9th Cir. 2008).
In light of the arguments presented in this surreply, including the Anti-Injunction Act and Plaintiff’s lack of jurisdiction over this dispute, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:
1. Grant leave to file the attached verified surreply and, if necessary, allow for the excess pages.
2. Deny Defendant’s Motion to Declare Plaintiff a Vexatious Litigant and request a pre-filing injunction, as such relief is prohibited under the Anti-Injunction Act and lacks a valid jurisdictional basis.
As detailed above, the federal court is prohibited from interfering in state court proceedings under the Anti-Injunction Act, and the Defendants’ attempt to invoke the All Writs Act is without merit, as it does not satisfy the exceptional circumstances required for such intervention.
A proposed order is enclosed for the Court’s consideration.
RESPECTFULLY submitted this 13th day of November, 2024.
A Big Ole Hat tip from LIThttps://t.co/3UUR07vjax pic.twitter.com/h1UNv1Wv0R
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) November 4, 2024
VERIFIED SURREPLY TO PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION’S MOTION TO DECLARE PLAINTIFF AS A VEXATIOUS LITIGANT
NOV 13, 2024 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: NOV 14, 2024
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE, AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Plaintiff, appearing pro se, respectfully submits this Verified Surreply to PHH Mortgage Corporation’s Motion to Declare Her a Vexatious Litigant.
Defendants, in their response, resort to new insults and falsehoods, attempting to distract from the substantive legal arguments raised by Plaintiff in her previous response.
Yet, these tactics fail to address the core issues at hand.
Plaintiff categorizes the key points raised by Defendants as follows:
A. The Court’s Authority to Act
B. The Appropriateness of a Pre-Suit Injunction Under 28 U.S.C. §1651(a)
In response, Plaintiff relies upon well-established legal precedents that decisively reject both arguments for the following reasons: –
RESPONSE TO DEFENDANTS’ FRIVOLOUS VEXATIOUS LITIGANT MOTION
Defendants, PHH Mortgage Corporation and their counsel Mark and Shelley Hopkins, seek to falsely label Plaintiff as a vexatious litigant and impose a pre-suit injunction under the All Writs Act (28 U.S.C. §1651(a)).
They rely on inapposite precedents, including Baum v. Blue Moon Ventures, LLC, 513 F.3d 181, 189 (5th Cir. 2008), and the related Clark v. Mortenson, 93 F. App’x 643, 654 (5th Cir. 2004) (per curiam), which involve the notorious Baum family, who were sanctioned for engaging in fraudulent practices.
In the Baum case, the Baums were admonished by the court for wrongfully interfering in legal proceedings, misrepresenting themselves as licensed attorneys, lying to the court, and generally abusing the judicial system.
As a result, they were sentenced to ten days in jail and ordered to pay $100,000 in attorney’s fees.
Additionally, the court issued a permanent pre-filing injunction against the Baums, barring them from filing further cases without court approval.
Despite the Baums’ documented pattern of criminal behavior and fraudulent legal practices, Defendants now seek to invoke this case to justify extreme measures against Plaintiff.
The irony and hypocrisy of their position is stark, especially considering Defendants’ own documented history of fraud, concealment, and ethical violations.
Unlike the Baums, Plaintiff Joanna Burke is a law-abiding, retired elderly citizen, engaged in a legitimate legal battle to protect her home and rights, not to manipulate or abuse the judicial system.
DEFENDANTS’ TRACK RECORD OF FRAUD AND MISCONDUCT
For example, Mark Hopkins has been directly involved in document fabrication, such as submitting late or altered evidence, and in cases where critical evidence was deliberately withheld—such as in the Deutsche Bank v. Burke case.
This pattern of misconduct mirrors that of the discredited Baum family, whose repeated abuses of the legal system resulted in court sanctions and disbarments.
In fact, Hopkins Law, PLLC’s role in representing both PHH and Deutsche Bank— that has been fined billions of dollars for fraud and systematic predatory lending and mortgage abuse—raises serious concerns about Mark and Shelley Hopkins credibility.
The Defendants have faced billions in fines and penalties, alongside sanctions involving the foreclosure mill BDF
(Thomas v. Prof’l Law Firm & Corp. of Barret, Daffin, Frappier, Turner & Engel L.P., CIVIL ACTION No. 4:13-cv-2481, at *4 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 19, 2014)).
BDF represented DBNTCO from 2011-2015, where Shelley Hopkins was employed.
Since their unannounced arrival in 2015/2016, Defendants’ counsel Mark Hopkins (Hopkins & Williams, PLLC) and Shelley Hopkins (of counsel for BDF, now with Hopkins Law, PLLC) have repeatedly violated numerous laws, especially after the Burkes defeated DBNTCO twice, first in a 2015 bench trial before Hon. Stephen Wm. Smith, where the bank failed to present reliable evidence.
Additionally, Hopkins and his firm admitted in open court to concealing critical documents and withholding the mortgage loan file from the Burkes’—a serious ethical violation.
HYPOCRISY OF RELYING ON BAUM PRECEDENTS
The Defendants, who have themselves engaged in fraud, document concealment, and ethical violations, now have the audacity to invoke the discredited precedents set by the Baum family—an infamous example of legal abuse—while accusing Plaintiff of vexatious litigation.
This contradiction is staggering.
Defendants are using fraudulent precedents to justify silencing a litigant, when their own history is one of repeated violations of the law and ethical standards.
DEFENDANTS’ DECEITFUL CLAIMS OF FOUL PLAY
The hypocrisy of Defendants’ position is further compounded by their counsel’s continuing bad faith and involvement in fraudulent actions, such as misrepresenting facts and concealing evidence in multiple cases.
See; Payne v. C.I.R, 224 F.3d 415, 420 (5th Cir. 2000).
For instance, in Hicks v. Cenlar FSB (4:20-cv-01661, SDTX, Doc. 25-9, 07/28/21), Shelley Hopkins submitted a doctored affidavit.
In the landmark case of PNC Mortg. v. Howard, 616 S.W.3d 581, 583 (Tex. 2021), Mark Hopkins’ introduction of new evidence was specifically rejected by the court due to its untimely submission.
In Plaintiff’s personal experience, she witnessed Mark Hopkins falsely accuse her and her now-deceased husband of wanting “certain judges be shot”—a malicious lie he later tried to retract, claiming it was a mistake.
However, it was no mistake.
It was a deliberate attempt to damage Plaintiff’s unblemished reputation as an upstanding and law-abiding citizen.
See; Burke v. Hopkins Law, PLLC, et al., Case No. 4:18-cv-04543, Sep. 10, 2019 Status Conference before Magistrate Judge Peter Bray, who went red in the face and angrily confronted John Burke (deceased) by shouting:
“Are You a Criminal?”,
to which John Burke calmly replied as a former Military Policeman and British Paratrooper who proudly served his country and was also an upstanding and law-abiding citizen,
“No, Your Honor”.
This hypocrisy is further compounded by Defendants’ latest malicious reply, in which they falsely accuse Joanna Burke of harboring “hatred” toward DBNTC (her mortgagee), its mortgage servicers, legal counsel for DBNTC and its servicers, as well as members of the judiciary (and their staff) who have ruled against her.
Once again, they seek refuge in the judiciary, weaving a web of untruths and lies, fully aware that they are shielded from accountability by the overreaching immunity laws that protect attorneys from prosecution or consequences for their unscrupulous actions.
As previously stated, sanctions and a referral to the State Bar are warranted due to the mandatory ethical duties of judges
(Warrilow v. Norrell, 791 S.W.2d 515, 523 (Tex. App. 1990); Comm’n for Lawyer Discipline v. Cantu, 587 S.W.3d 779, 784 (Tex. 2019)).
Despite these documented instances of egregious misconduct, Defendants now attempt to portray themselves as victims of “foul play,” falsely accusing Plaintiff of behaviors they themselves have repeatedly exhibited in their own legal practices.
This conduct is both pathetic and unconscionable.
Upon examining Defendants’ response, it is patently obvious that there is nothing within it worthy of serious consideration.
Having failed to secure a private settlement offer from the Plaintiff a year ago, the sanctioned Defendants and their counsel now resort to underhanded tactics, seeking relief and support from the federal court and government agencies to which they are not entitled – the unlawful theft of Plaintiff’s home of over two decades.
In fact, very recently the Texas Supreme Court vehemently rejected Mark Hopkins’ and his client PNC’s malicious prosecution in another case involving homeowners, the Howards in PNC Mortg. v. Howard, 668 S.W.3d 644 (Tex. 2023).
The Howards, like Plaintiff, have fought for well-over a decade for justice, enduring years of litigation abuse and legal battles—including two appearances before the Texas Supreme Court, forced upon them by Mark Hopkins and his co-conspirators.
During 2022’s Oral Argument, Justice Blacklock stated:
“It seems to me that if someone came the court in the year 2022 and said, “Look, we have a contract with the other party and we didn’t follow the terms of it but it would be really unfair if you let them out and enforced our contract as it is written so you need to give us some equitable rights to make sure that we’re covered”, I mean…you couldn’t make that argument with a straight face.” – Justice Jimmy Blacklock.
Available at Texas Bar CLE website (last visited Nov. 13, 2024):
https://www.texasbarcle.com/cle/SCPlayer5.asp?sCaseNo=21-0941
For the same legal reasoning, this court should embrace the integrity of the Texas Supreme Court and repel the illegal advances by the sanctioned and criminally corrupt Defendants in these proceedings who have presented the same facts with a straight face, but “this argument does not even pass the “red face” test.”
In re Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., 439 B.R. 661, 668 n.11 (Bankr. N.D. Tex. 2010)
(rejecting statutory construction that was “so patently absurd as to not pass the ‘red face’ test”).
This Federal Parachute is Unlawful Says Texas Supreme Court. If the lender doesn’t follow the rules they cannot foreclose. The Supreme Court was offended that PNC, Lembke and Mark Hopkins came to court seeking judicial intervention to assert rights they didn’t have to get paid. pic.twitter.com/C1dDvvMPYG
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) October 14, 2024
JUDICIAL OVERREACH AND THE THREAT OF PRE-FILING INJUNCTIONS
It is deeply troubling that the court and Defendants are now seeking to impose a pre-filing injunction against Plaintiff—a law abiding 85-year-old disabled widow—who is fighting to protect her home of over two decades and expose the fraudulent lending practices that have been used against her.
This is not a matter of frivolous litigation; it is a battle for justice in the face of overwhelming corporate and legal malfeasance, compounded by oppressive elder abuse.
It’s a relentless assault by Defendants with deep pockets and a gruesome struggle for the medically challenged Plaintiff who’s been slowly recovering from extreme heat-stroke.
Notably, DBNTCO and PHH were recently eviscerated by a Texas judge, who found their actions criminal and awarded treble damages in the Jones case
(Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC v. Jones, No. 13-22-00425-CV, Tex. App., filed Sep. 19, 2019) (MSJ, p.14: EXHIBIT DBJONES-MSJ),
resulting in approximately a $4 million judgment.
The circumstances of that case are no different from Joanna Burke’s prolonged and heart-wrenching battle for justice against a predatory lender and their deceitful and abhorrent counsel in federal court—a struggle that has already cost her 14 years of her life, the loss of her beloved husband, retirement dreams, and the destruction of her home which now sits precariously at risk of an unlawful taking.
In each of these 3 example wrongful foreclosure cases involving Defendants or their counsel, the Jones, the Howards and widow Joanna Burke, they have opened each argument in a similar vein as Defendants here:
“The present lawsuit represents the most recent filing in an extended line of lawsuits, appeals, attempted interventions and frivolous bankruptcies filed by Joanna Burke in her continued effort at stalling the foreclosure of the real property where she has lived for over fourteen years without paying her mortgage.”
In the now settled $4 Million Dollar judgment – the Jones case (Deutsche Bank and PHH);
“TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF THE COURT:
Houses aren’t free, and neither is money. These are two of the few certainties in life. Yet the Joneses received both—and then some—in the trial court.
Despite the Joneses defaulting for many years on a home equity loan they used to pay off their mortgage, the trial court ultimately rescinded a lawful foreclosure on the home, transferred title of the home back to the Joneses free and clear of any loan obligations, and refused the home equity lender’s request for subrogation of the mortgage loan paid off with the proceeds of the home equity loan.
On top of that, the trial court also awarded money damages to the Joneses, essentially forcing Appellants to pay the Joneses to take title to a house for which the Joneses had admittedly failed to pay. This was, by any measure, a remarkable outcome in the trial court.
In the final measure, Appellants have paid for this property ten-times over, while the Joneses, who continue to live at the property, have not made a payment on the home since 2009.
Yet under the trial court’s judgment it is the Joneses who now live in the house free-and-clear of any loan obligations, while also being entitled to substantial damages from Appellants. This world-turned-upside down result is inequitable, unjust, and improper under Texas law. The trial court’s judgment should be reversed.”
– Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Homeward Residential, Inc.(f/k/a American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc.), and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc., Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-R8 v. Consuelo Jones, Gabriela Jones, and MARCC – 13-22-00425-CV, Brief of Appellants, prepared by Dykema Gossett PLLC, submitted, Sep. 13, 2023, 13th Judicial District, Corpus Christi, Texas.
At oral argument in the 2022 PNC Case against the Howards’:
“When you have had people live in a home for over a decade and not paid a dime in taxes or mortgage payments, it’s unjust enrichment.”
Texas Supreme Court Justice Blacklock responded:
“If the original mortgage holder does not follow the rules, they don’t get to foreclose…”
The imposition of a pre-filing injunction would not only strip Plaintiff of her constitutional right to access the courts, but would also have catastrophic consequences, including the unlawful theft of her home.
This attempt to silence Plaintiff through legal chicanery, despite the legitimate nature of her claims, is an affront to the justice system and a grave overreach by both the Defendants and the court.
QUESTIONING BAD FAITH
As stated by the Chief Bankruptcy Judge overseeing another “Jones Romance Scandal” case,
“The Court finds this argument to not only be entirely without merit but made in bad faith.”
Judge Werlein’s arguments were made in bad faith.https://t.co/KeKse0wWfo pic.twitter.com/PzV2qSjxb7— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) October 8, 2024
THE “JONES ROMANCE SCANDAL” AND ONGOING JUDICIAL CORRUPTION
The scandal involving Chief Judge David Jones and his improper relationships with former clerk Elizabeth Freeman exposes a deep-seated corruption within the Texas legal community—corruption that, if not for a brave whistleblower, would have remained hidden, allowing Judge Jones and Freeman to divert millions of dollars under extremely questionable circumstances.
Chief Judge Jones’ resignation, rather than impeachment amid these allegations, is indicative of the long-standing culture of impunity that pervades certain sectors of the judicial system.
This scandal highlights the systemic issues that are too often ignored, with judges such as Jones, and now those involved in the present case, acting with personal bias to maintain control over legal outcomes.
In fact, as cited in Van Deelen v. Jones, 4:23-CV-03729-AM, at *35-36 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 16, 2024), the court specifically acknowledged the systemic corruption and biases at play:
“Although the Plaintiff fails to state a valid cause of action, his allegations, if true, show that he suffered injustice in Jones’s courtroom. The Court will not punish the Plaintiff for seeking to redress his grievances in a forum in which, for once, the deck is not stacked against him. True, the Plaintiff has a history of filing meritless claims about supposed public corruption. But this time, he was right.”
The Plaintiff in this case, like the Plaintiff in Van Deelen, has been victimized by a corrupt and biased legal system, which has consistently worked to undermine her legitimate claims and deprive her of her constitutional right to seek redress for fraudulent actions by Defendants.
ELDER ABUSE AND THE UNLAWFUL ACTIONS OF THE FEDERAL COURT
This case has been marred by a series of unlawful rulings and improper judicial actions by Judges like Werlein and Bryan.
Specifically:
Judge Werlein’s dismissal of motions without proper consideration of the facts or jurisdiction shows a blatant disregard for due process.
His actions were not only unfounded but severely undermined the Plaintiff’s legal position by retaining jurisdiction this court knowingly does not hold.
Plaintiff previously referenced; Ex parte Eastland, 811 S.W.2d 571, 572 (Tex. 1991) (exceeding authority); Sotelo v. Scherr, 242 S.W.3d 823, 830 (Tex. App. 2007) and Browning v. Prostok, 165 S.W.3d 336, 346 (void for lack of jurisdiction); In re Abbott, 954 F.3d 772, 782 (5th Cir. 2020) (judicial usurpation).
In short, all of his orders are void.
Bradley v. Fisher, 80 U.S. (13 Wall.) 335, 343 (1872); a nullity, Schmidt v. Rodriguez, CASE NO: 12-07018 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. June 15, 2013).
Magistrate Judge Bryan’s initial order on September 18, 2024, described this case as part of an ongoing series of attempts to thwart foreclosure proceedings, mischaracterizing the Plaintiff’s actions as frivolous, despite the legitimate legal challenges she has raised.
This mislabels her pursuit of justice, constitutes a deliberate attempt to suppress the truth, and demonstrates clear prejudgment of the issues at hand.
Recently, in further support of Defendants’ position, the court granted them an extension of time—an extension that was denied to Plaintiff, not once, but twice.
While this may seem like a minor procedural matter, its implications are far from trivial.
As a pro se litigant, Plaintiff is already disadvantaged by the lack of access to electronic filing, which typically shortens filing deadlines by several days.
Moreover, known delays in mail delivery and the court’s processing of documents further compound this disadvantage, creating a situation where Plaintiff is unable to effectively participate in the proceedings.
These institutional delays and barriers disproportionately burden Plaintiff, impacting her ability to meet deadlines and hindering her right to due process.
This unequal treatment is not just a procedural inconvenience; it threatens to undermine Plaintiff’s fundamental civil rights.
Denying pro se litigants’ access to timely and equal treatment before the court severely compromises the integrity of the legal process and diminishes the Plaintiff’s ability to pursue justice in a meaningful way.
“Recusal is required when, objectively speaking, “the probability of actual bias on the part of the judge or decisionmaker is too high to be constitutionally tolerable…The Court asks not whether a judge harbors an actual, subjective bias, but instead whether, as an objective matter, the average judge in his position is likely to be neutral, or whether there is an unconstitutional potential for bias”
– Rippo v. Baker, 137 S. Ct. 905, 907 (2017).
The court’s failure to consider all evidence presented, as well as its hostility towards the Plaintiff, illustrates judicial activism in its most harmful form—a form that actively perpetuates injustice by targeting Joanna Burke, a law-abiding, elderly, disabled citizen, in violation of her First Amendment rights and related constitutional protections, including due process and equal protection, unreasonable searches and seizures, and unlawful takings.
A CALL FOR JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Given the unjust actions of the Defendants and the court’s biased handling of this case, it is clear and obvious that Joanna Burke has been the victim of institutional and judicial corruption, resulting in the continued fraudulent actions of the Defendants.
The imposition of a pre-suit injunction or any further sanctions against the Plaintiff would represent not only an affront to justice but also an attack on her fundamental rights.
The court has a duty to uphold justice without bias or improper influence.
Given the fraudulent practices and judicial misconduct surrounding this case, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the court consider the full scope of these actions.
Only by doing so can the court restore its integrity and ensure that justice is truly served.
Therefore, the motion to declare Plaintiff vexatious and pre-suit injunction must be denied, as it represents a grave miscarriage of justice.
DECLARATION
Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 132.001 and “In lieu of a sworn affidavit, a litigant may submit an unsworn declaration as evidence against summary judgment. See 28 U.S.C. §1746.”, I hereby provide my unsworn declaration. My name is Joanna … and I declare under penalty of perjury that all information herein is true and correct.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons outlined above as well as the arguments presented in the motion for leave itself, the Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court reject Defendants’ argument in its entirety as legally baseless.
To the extent this court maintains the opinion it has jurisdiction in these proceedings, this frivolous Motion to Declare Plaintiff a Vexatious Litigant and for a Pre-filing Injunction should be DENIED.
A proposed order is attached.
RESPECTFULLY submitted this 13th day of November, 2024.
Wall Street Witch Hunt: From Cape Cod to California. The LA Judge Selected to Take Down LIT’s Non-Profit Entity
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer’s father and family heritage are part of America’s One Percenters Who Control America. https://t.co/rTDbnaMbyA
— lawsinusa (@lawsinusa) March 14, 2025
