Case Name: Ronald R. ERNST, Plaintiff, v. Jon HINCHLIFF, Dwight Close, Jeremy Britzius, Jack Rusinoff, Ed Hanson, ADL, Barbara L. Neilson, Patricia Moen, Michelle Murphy, Scott Nadeau, Minneapolis Police Dept., MN Department of Corrections, Bloomington, MN Police Department, State of Minnesota, and Columbia Heights Police Department, Defendants
Court: United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 2015-09-08
Citations: 129 F. Supp. 3d 695
Docket Number: Case No. 14-cv-4923 (SRN/TNL)
Parties: Ronald R. ERNST, Plaintiff, v. Jon HINCHLIFF, Dwight Close, Jeremy Britzius, Jack Rusinoff, Ed Hanson, ADL, Barbara L. Neilson, Patricia Moen, Michelle Murphy, Scott Nadeau, Minneapolis Police Dept., MN Department of Corrections, Bloomington, MN Police Department, State of Minnesota, and Columbia Heights Police Department, Defendants.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Supplement 3d
Volume: 129
Pages: 695–743

Head Matter:
Ronald R. ERNST, Plaintiff, v. Jon HINCHLIFF, Dwight Close, Jeremy Britzius, Jack Rusinoff, Ed Hanson, ADL, Barbara L. Neilson, Patricia Moen, Michelle Murphy, Scott Nadeau, Minneapolis Police Dept., MN Department of Corrections, Bloomington, MN Police Department, State of Minnesota, and Columbia Heights Police Department, Defendants.
Case No. 14-cv-4923 (SRN/TNL).
United States District Court, D. Minnesota.
Signed Sept. 8, 2015.
Ronald R. Ernst, Hilltop, MN, pro se Plaintiff.
Angela Helseth Kiese, Assistant Attorney General, Minnesota Attorney Gener al’s Office, St. Paul, MN, for Defendants Close, Britzius, Rusinoff, Neilson, Moen, Murphy, MN, Department of Corrections* and State of Minnesota.
Ryan M. Zipf, League of Minnesota Cities, St. Paul, MN, for Defendants Hanson, Nadeau, Bloomington Police Department, and Columbia Heights Police Department.
Brian Scott Carter, Assistant City Attorney, Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office, Minneapolis, MN, for Defendants Hinchliff and Minneapolis Police Department.
. As noted in the Report and Recommendation [Doc. No. 75 at 1, n, 1], Plaintiff includes the acronym "ADL” when describing Defendant Neilson. Defendant Neilson is an administrative law judge ("ALJ”) and Plaintiff, in fact, later refers to ALJ Neilson as an AU. Thus, this Court also assumes the use of "ADL” in the caption was an inadvertent typographical error by Plaintiff.

Opinion:
ORDER ADOPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
SUSAN RICHARD NELSON, District Judge.
This matter is before the Court on Plaintiffs Objection to. Recommendation to Dismiss ("Objections") [Doc,. No. 76]. to Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung's July 15, 2015 Report and Recommendation ("R & R") [Doc. No. 75] granting Defendants' Motions to Dismiss [Doc. Nos. 13, 18, 30, 40], dismissing the State of Minnesota and the Department of Corrections ("DOC") as an arm of the State of Minnesota, and declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over any remaining state claims, including Plaintiffs Minnesota Government Data Practices Act ("MGDPA") claim against Defendant Moen, dismissing these state claims without prejudice. For the reasons set forth below, the Court overrules Plaintiffs objections and adopts the R & R in its entirety."
I. BACKGROUND
The factual and procedural background of this case is well documented in the R & R and is incorporated herein by reference. (R & R at 712-20 [Doc. No. 75].) In general terms, this case involves information distributed to various communities regarding Plaintiff Ronald Ernst's sex offender status. Plaintiff is required to register as a sex offender under Minn. Stat. § 243.166 as he was convicted of a gross-misdemeanor offense which mandates registration. See Ernst v. State, No. A03-63, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1 n. 1 (Minn.App. Dec. 30, 2003).
A. Plaintiffs Prior Offenses
In 1984, Plaintiff plead guilty to a charge of Criminal Attempt to Commit Sexual Assault on a Child in the State of Colorado. (R & R at 713-14.) The child was eleven (11) years old, but the Plaintiff asserts he only touched the child on the abdomen. (Id.; see also Objections at 3 [Doc. No. 76] (describing what is presumably the conduct undeiiying the 1984 conviction).)
In 1997, Plaintiff was charged with several criminal charges (collectively, "1997 Charges") in Scott County, Minnesota including felony indecent exposure. (R & R at 714.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1. Although several of the charges were dismissed,' Plaintiff plead guilty to one count of félony indecent exposure for exposing himself to a minor child. (R & R at 714.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1. Subsequently, it was determined errors in the pre-sentencing investigation resulted in an unwarranted felony enhancement and the indecent-exposure offense was reduced to a gross misdemeanor. (R & R at 714.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1.
Prior to his release from incarceration on the indecent-exposure conviction, Plaintiff claims he completed a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Sex Offender Notification and Registration Form — Minnesota Statute 243.166; (R & R at 714-15.) However, after his release, he discovered his "Staff social worker" had allegedly altered this form to include the dismissed charges from Scott County, (Id.) He also claims this same social worker told him that if the felony indecent-exposure had been charged as a gross misdemeanor, the Plaintiff would not have to register. (Id.)
In 2001, Plaintiff was arrested and convicted in Minnesota for failure to register as a predatory offender. (Id. at 714-15.) Soon after, in 2002, Plaintiff received a Level III designation from the Minnesota Department of Correction's' end-of-confinement review committee ("ECRC"). (Id. at 715.) See Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 3.
B. Minneapolis: February 2010
In February 2010, Defendant Jon Hinchliff ("Hinchliff'), an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, publicly distributed a fact sheet regarding the Plaintiffs prior sexual offenses. (R & R at 715.) Plaintiff disputes the accuracy of this fact sheet, specifically challenging its description of his prior offenses, victim pool, and the fact it including dismissed charges. (Id. at 715-16.)
C. Bloomington: March 2010
In March 2010, Defendant Ed Hanson ("Hanson"), a detective with the Blooming-ton Police Department, also distributed fact sheets regarding Plaintiffs sex offender status. (Id. at 715.) These fact sheets described Plaintiffs charged offenses, including the 1997 Charges, and including those that were ultimately dismissed. (Id.) Plaintiff again disputes the accuracy of the information contained on this fact sheet and also claims to have received a threatening phone call from a Bloomington resident. (Id. at 715-16.)
D. DOC Documents
In April 2010, Plaintiff requested and received "a stack of papers" from the DOC constituting his file with that agency. (Id. at 715.) This included a 2002 End of Confinement Risk Assessment issued by the ECRC; ' a 2002 Sex Offender Risk Assessment Recommendation prepared by Defendant Jack Rusinoff ("Rusinoff') for the ECRC; a 1999 Risk Level Recommendation prepared by Defendant Dwight Close ("Close") for the ECRC; and a 2010 memorandum from Defendant Jeremy Britzius ("Britzius") regarding the Plaintiffs request for a risk-level-reduction (collectively, "DOC Documents"). (Id.) Plaintiff disputes the accuracy of the information contained in these reports. (See id. at 716-18.) According to the Plaintiff, the inaccuracies are a violation of his "constitutional rights" and evidence a conspiracy amongst the various Defendants to commit said violations. (See id.)
E. 2010 Risk Level Determination and Appeal
Also in 2010, the ECRC re-assesséd the Plaintiff and issued a new Risk Assessment Report. (Id. at 718.) Plaintiff alleges that as part of this re-assessment, he questioned whether Defendant Michélle Murphy ("Murphy") was going to use the "false 'official'" documents in the DOC's file. (Id.) According to the Plaintiff, Murphy said the Minnesota legislature had given the ECRC the authority to do whatever it wanted and thus they would consid er these "false" documents. (Id.) The ECRC decided to maintain Plaintiffs Level III designation, which Plaintiff claims is a further violation of his "constitutional rights." (Id.)
Plaintiff appealed the ECRC's Risk Assessment Report and the matter was heard by Defendant Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") Barbara Neilson ("ALJ Neilson"). (Id. at 718.)' In affirming the ECRC's decision, ALJ Neilson made numerous findings and discussed Plaintiffs 1984 conviction as well as the DOC Documents. (Id.) Plaintiff asserts these findings are false and constitute a violation of his constitutional rights and a continuation of the conspiracy against him. (Id.)
F. Center City: February 2011
Plaintiff moved to Center City Minnesota in February 2011. (Id.) A public meeting was held at which information about the Plaintiff was presented by Defendant Patricia Moen ("Moen"), a Minnesota state official. (Id.) Plaintiff alleges Moen not only disseminated false information about his offense history, but also required he provide his cell phone number, which was then made publicly available. (Id. at 718-19.) Plaintiff later claims he received , a threatening phone call. (Id. at 718.), In addition to being a continuation of the conspiracy against him and a violation of his constitutional rights, Plaintiff contends the public dissemination of his cell phone constitutes a violation of the MGDPA. (Id.)
G. Minneapolis: July 2011
In July 2011, Plaintiff moved back to Minneapolis and registered with the Minneapolis Police Department. (Id.) Hinchliff again issued a fact sheet to the public which Plaintiff claims contained both old and new false statements about his -criminal history and victim type. (Id.) According to Plaintiff, Hinchliff stated he received the information on this fact sheet "from the Internet." (Id.) Plaintiff claims posting the "false information" about him online, as well as distribution of the fact sheet, is a violation of his constitutional rights. (Id.)
H. Columbia Heights: July 2013
Sometime in 2013, Plaintiff moved to Hilltop, Minnesota. (Id. at 719.) In July 2013, Defendant Scott Nadeau ("Nadeau"), Chief of Police for the Columbia Heights Police Department, distributed a letter to residents informing them of a community meeting about Plaintiff. (Id.) Included with this letter was another fact sheet about Plaintiff. (Id.) Plaintiff contends this fact sheet contained false information about him in violation of his constitutional rights. (Id.)
I. Litigation
Precisely what claims Plaintiff asserts are unclear. (See R & R at 719.) Liberally construing the Plaintiffs Complaint, he claims all Defendants in their individual and official capacities' violated his Fifth, Eighth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Amendment rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983; conspired to violate his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1985; and defamed him. (See id. at 719-20.) See Stone v. Harry, 364 F.3d 912, 914 (8th Cir.2004) ("pro se complaints are to be construed liberally"). Plaintiff also raises a claim against Moen for violation of the MGDPA, Minn.Stat. § 13.01 et seq. (See R & R at 719-20.) Plaintiff asks for $500,000 in compensatory damages from each Defendant as well as punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial. (See id.) Finally, Plaintiff requests an order directing the Minnesota Attorney General to file theft charges against the individual Defendants for drawing a pay check while not performing their job duties. (See id.)
After extensively reviewing the facts and law related to the Plaintiffs claims, see generally R & R, the Magistrate Judge recommended that the Defendants' motions to dismiss be granted and any remaining state claims, including the MGDPA claim, be dismissed without prejudice. (Id. at 742-48.) The Magistrate Judge recommended that Plaintiffs claims against ALJ Neilson be dismissed on the grounds of judicial immunity. (Id. at 721-22.) The Magistrate Judge further recommended that . Plaintiffs federal claims against the State Defendants be dismissed on the following bases: (1) the Eleventh Amendment (id. at 722-23); (2) the fact that none of the State Defendants were federal defendants (id. at 723); (3) failure to plead, any facts related to cruel and unusual punishment (id. at 724); (4) failure to identify a protected liberty or property interest (id. at 724 — 25)'; (5) failure to allege any conscious-shocking conduct (id. at 724-26); and (6) failure to allege facts sufficient to meet both the agreement and purpose elements of conspiracy (id. at 727-28). The Magistrate-Judge.similarly recommended that Plaintiffs state defamation claims be dismissed because they fell outside the applicable two-year statute of limitations. (Id. at 728-29.) Finally, the R & R recommended that Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Defendant Moen be dismissed, without prejudice, as it was a state law claim, id. at 729-30, declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over any of Plaintiffs remaining state law claims. (Id. at 742-43.).
The Magistrate Judge then examined Plaintiffs claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants. (Id. at 730-37.) The R & R first noted that Plaintiffs service on the City of .Columbia Heights was insufficient, id. at 730-31, but considered the merits of Pláintiff s federal claims nonetheless. (Id. at 731.) The Magistrate Judge concluded that Plaintiffs federal claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants failed for the same reasons his federal claims failed as to the State Defendants, id. at 731-32, 733-34, and because Plaintiff failed to identify any government poliey leading to the alleged violations of his constitutional and civil rights. (Id. at 732-33.) Finally, the R & R concluded that Plaintiffs state defamation claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants should be dismissed because those defendants were entitled to absolute immunity as to their actions compiling and distributing the fact sheets-regarding Plaintiff. (Id. at 734-37.)
The Magistrate Judge next examined Plaintiffs claims against the Minneapolis Defendants. (Id. at 737-42.) For the same reasons that Plaintiffs federal claims against the State Defendants be dismissed, the R & R recommended that Plaintiffs federal claims against the Minneapolis Defendants be dismissed. (Id. at 737-39.) The R & R recommended that Plaintiffs state defamation claim be dismissed as time-barred under the two-year statute of limitations. (Id. at 739-40.)
Lastly, the Magistrate Judge considered Plaintiff's claims against the Bloomington Defendants. (Id. at 739-42.) For the same reasons that Plaintiffs federal claims against the State Defendants should be dismissed, the R & R recommended that Plaintiffs federal claims against the Bloomington Defendants be dismissed. (Id. at 740-42.) The R & R further recommended that Plaintiff's state claim for defamation be dismissed as time-barred under the two-year statute of limitations. (Id: at 741-42.)
Plaintiff filed his objections to the R & R in a timely, fashion. (See ' Objections.) The various Defendants, all filed timely responses claiming that Plaintiff failed to raise any meritorious legal or factual arguments .in his objections. (Columbia Heights and Bloomington Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs Objections at 1 [Doc. No. 77]; Defendant Minneapolis' Response to Plaintiffs Objections at 2 [Doe, No. 79]; State Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs Objections, at 1 [Doc. No., 81].) Plaintiff subsequently filed three (3) documents which the Court construes as replies to-the Defendants' responses (collectively, "Replies"). (See Reply to Response of Ryan M. Zipfi [Doc. No. 83]; Resonse [sic] to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [Doc. No. 84]; Plaintiffs Response to State Defendant's Response to Dismiss [Doc. No. 85].) Lastly, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Reconsideration [Doc. No. 86].
II. , DISCUSSION
A district court must make an independent evaluation of those portions of an-R & R to which objection is made and may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made by the magistrate judge. See 28 U.S.C. § v 636(b)(1)(C); see also Fed. R.Civ.R 72(b); D. Minn. LR 72.2(b). Local Rule'" 72.2(b)(1) requires parties to "serve and file specific written objections to a magistrate judge's proposed findings and recommendations...." The specific portions of the report and recommendation objected to should be identified and the bases for those objections provided. Montgomery v. Compass Airlines, LLC, No. CIV. 14-557 (JRT/FLN), 98 F.Supp.3d 1012, 1016-17, 2015 WL 1522248, at *3 (D.Minn. Mar. 30, 2015); Mayer v. Walvatne, No. 07-1958 (JRT/RLE), 2008 WL 4527774, at *2 (D.Minn. Sept. 28, 2008).
Although difficult to discern precisely what Plaintiff's objections are, the Court construes his objections to the R & R as follows: (1) that the allegedly incorrect information about the Plaintiff contained in Britzius' memorandum was not properly considered (Objections at 3); (2) that the R & R's recommendation to dismiss the 42 U.S.C. § 1985 conspiracy claim against Murphy was erroneous (id.); (3) that the R & R improperly dismissed Plaintiffs 42 U.S.C. § 1985 conspiracy and MGDPA claims against Moen (id.); (4) that the R & R erred by recommending dismissal of Plaintiffs claims against ALJ Neilson (id. at 3-4); (5) that the R & R's conclusions regarding service on Nadeau were incorrect, that Plaintiffs . defamation claim against Nadeau is within the statute of limitations, and that the recommendation to dismiss Plaintiffs claims against the other Columbia Heights Defendants was improper (id. at 4); (6) that the R & R did not review the exhibits to Plaintiffs Complaint under the appropriate ' standard when considering a motion to dismiss (id.); (7) that the R & R applied the wrong statute of limitations to Plaintiffs defamation claims against the State Defendants (id. at 5); and (8) a generalized objection, consisting of a recitation of the Plaintiffs claims and alleged facts. (See generally id. at 1-3, 5 — 6; Replies [Doc Nos. 83, 84, 85]; Motion for Reconsideration [Doc. No. 86].)
A. Standard of Review for Defendants' Motions to Dismiss
Ultimately, the R & R recommended granting all of the Defendants' motions to dismiss. (R & R at 742^3.) As described above, Plaintiffs generalized objections to the R & R challenge this recommendation. Thus, an examination of the standard by which a motion to dismiss is granted is warranted.
Federal, Rule of Civil Procedure 8 requires that a complaint present "a.short and plain statement of the,claim .showing that the pleader is entitled to relief." To meet this standard, and survive a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), "a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to 'state a claim to relief 'that is plausible on its face.' " Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) (quoting Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007)). Although a complaint is not required to contain detailed factual allegations, "[a] pleading that offers 'labels and conclusions' or 'a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action will not do."' Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937 (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955). The plausibility standard requires a plaintiff to show at the pleading stage that success on the merits is more than a "sheer possibility." Braden v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 588 F.3d 585, 594 (8th Cir.2009) (citation omit-' ted). It is not, however, a "probability requirement." Id. (citation omitted). Thus, "a well-pleaded complaint may proceed even if it strikes a savvy judge that actual proof of the facts is improbable, and 'that a recovery is very remote and unlike ly.' " Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556, 127 S.Ct. 1955 (citation omitted).
"A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff pleads .factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged." Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937 (citing Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556, 127 S.Ct. 1955). Several principles guide courts in determining whether a complaint meets this standard. First, the court must take the plaintiffs factual allegations as true and grant all reasonable inferences in favor of the plaintiff. Crooks v. Lynch, 557 F.3d 846, 848 (8th Cir.2009). This tenet does not apply, however, to legal conclusions or "formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action;" such allegations may properly be set aside. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937 (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955). In addition, some factual allegations may. be so indeterminate that they require "further factual enhancement" in order to state a claim. Id. (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 557, 127 S.Ct. 1955.) Finally, the complaint "should be read as a whole, not parsed piece by piece to determine whether each allegation, in isolation, is plausible." Braden, 588 F.3d at 594.
Evaluation of a complaint upon a motion to dismiss is "a context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense." Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 679, 129 S.Ct. 1937 (citation omitted), A court may consider the complaint, matters of public record,orders, materials embraced by, the complaint, and exhibits attached to the complaint in deciding a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6). Porous Media Corp. v. Pall Corp., 186 F.3d 1077, 1079 (8th Cir.1999).
The Magistrate Judge employed precisely this standard when considering the Defendants' motions to dismiss. (See R & R at 713, n. 3 and n. 5, 719-21.) Therefore, to the extent that Plaintiffs objections assert the wrong standard was applied, those objections are overruled.
B. Objection: Failure to Consider Information in the Britzius Memorandum
Plaintiff objects that the Britzius memorandum regarding Plaintiffs 2010 risk level reassessment, which Plaintiff alleges contains false information, was not properly considered by the R & R. (Objections at 3.) However, the R & R explicitly addresses Plaintiffs claims related to this memorandum and the allegedly false information it contains. (R & R at 717-18.) The allegedly false information is not actually from the Britzius memorandum, but comes from two (2) pages of Close's report which were "sandwiched in between" the pages of Britzius' memorandum in the Plaintiffs exhibits. (Id. at 717, n. 7.) Britzius' memorandum does not contain the allegedly false information that Plaintiff claims it does. (See id. at 717-18.)'
Notably, in considering Plaintiffs 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims against the State Defendants, the R & R states "[a]ccepting the allegations in the Complaint as true . the statements made by Close, Rusinoff, and Britzius, and Moen, even if at times inaccurate," did not "shock the conscience or were made in an arbitrary or capricious fashion" such that the Plaintiff had a substantive-due process claim under the Fourteenth Amendment. (R & R at 725 (emphasis added).) The Magistrate Judge properly assumed the Plaintiffs allegations about the inaccurate information in the DOC Documents were true. See United States ex rel. Raynor v. Nat'l Rural Utils. Coop. Fin., Corp., 690 F.3d 951, 955 (8th Cir.2012) (directing that when considering a motion to dismiss, all the complainant's facts be construed as true). Furthermore, the Magistrate Judge applied the correct legal standard. See Kingsley v. Hendrickson, — U.S. -, 135 S.Ct. 2466, 2472, 192 L.Ed.2d 416 (2015) (directing that liability for negligently inflicted harm does not give rise to a constitutional due process claim). Plaintiffs allegations that Britzius' memorandum contained inaccurate information were properly considered. Even if Britzius' memorandum contained false information, Plaintiffs federal claims must still be dismissed. Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
C. Objection: Improper Dismissal of Plaintiff's Conspiracy Claim Against Murphy
Plaintiff asserts that "Defendant Murphy is keeping to [sic] conspiracy alive" by using the reports of Close, Britzius, and Rusinoff in assessing Plaintiffs Risk Level, despite knowing information within those reports is false. (Objections at 3.) The Court construes this as an objection to the dismissal of Plaintiffs 42 U.S.C. § 1985 conspiracy claim against Murphy.
To establish a conspiracy under § 1985, a plaintiff must prove: 1) the existence of a conspiracy; 2) a purpose in the conspiracy to deprive him of his civil rights; 3) an act in furtherance of the conspiracy; and 4) injury. R.S. ex rel. S.S. v. Minnewaska Area Sch. Dist. No. 2149, 894 F.Supp.2d 1128, 1144 (D.Minn.2012). The purpose element requires a showing of some "class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus behind the conspirators' action." Id. at 1145 (citations and quotations omitted). Plaintiff offered nothing more than a general allegation that a conspiracy existed among the Defendants. (See R & R at 727-28; Compl. at 6, 11, 15, 16, 18-19 [Doc. No. 1]; Am. Compl. at 2 [Doc. No. 51]) He presented ho particulars on how any of the Defendants agreed to violate his civil rights. (See R & R at 727-28.) Nor did Plaintiff allege facts to satisfy the purpose element for a conspiracy, see R & R at 728, considering sex offender status is not a suspect classification. See Weems v. Little Rock Police Dep't, 453 F.3d 1010, 1016 (8th Cir.2006) (sex offender status not suspect classification). Plaintiffs 42 U.S.C. § 1985 claim against Murphy is properly dismissed on this record. Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
D. Objection: Improper Dismissal of Plaintiffs Conspiracy and MGDPA Claims Against Moen
Plaintiff asserts "Defendant Moen is just as guilty as the rest" for "illegally giving out" his phone number and "keeping with the constant conspiracy" to violate his civil rights. (Objections at 3.) The Court construes this as an objection to the recommendation that Plaintiffs 42 U.S.C. § 1985 conspiracy and MGDPA claims against Moen be dismissed.
For the same reasons discussed in Sect. 11(C) above, dismissal of Plaintiffs conspiracy charge against Moen is appropriate ' and the Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
Similarly, the R & R's analysis of Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Moen is correct. (See R & R at 729-30.) The statute of limitations on. .a MGDPA claim is six years. Manteuffel v. City of North St. Paul, 570 N.W.2d 807, 812 (Minn.App. 1997). Plaintiff alleges Moen distributed his cell phone in early 2011. (See R & R at 718-19.) Thus, Plaintiffs claim is timely. (See id.) However, timeliness is not why the claim must be dismissed.
Moen, as an individual, cannot face a claim for violation of the MGDPA because that statute does not impose individual liability. Minn.Stat. § 13.08, subd. 8 (directing that claims may be brought against a "responsible authority or government entity"); Evenstad v. Herberg, 994 F.Supp.2d 995, 1005 (D.Minn.2014); Walker v. Scott Cnty., 518 N.W.2d 76, 78 (Minn.Ct.App.1994). Nor could Plaintiff bring a claim in federal court against Moen in her official capacity as it would be barred by the Eleventh Amendment. See Evenstad, 994 F.Supp.2d at 1006 (dismissing MGDPA claim because the MGDPA does not indicate an intent by Minnesota to subject itself to suit in federal court); see also Soto v. John Defendants 1-5, No. CIV. 13-640 (DWF/SER), 2014 WL 1607615, at *12 (D.Minn. Apr. 15, 2014) aff'd sub nom. Soto v. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 581 Fed.Appx. 606 (8th Cir.2014) (barring state law claims against state employees in their official capacity pursuant to the Eleventh Amendment). As the Magistrate Judge noted, Plaintiff is free to bring his MGDPA claim against Moen in state court, but not federal court. (R & R at 729-30.) Dismissal, without prejudice, of Plaintiffs MGDPA claim is appropriate. Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
E. Objection: Dismissal of Plaintiff's Claims Against ALJ Neilson was Improper
Plaintiff asserts "ALJ Neilson is the biggest violator" because she "lied" in her decision upholding Plaintiffs 2010 risk level determination by making certain findings as to the Plaintiffs conduct underlying his 1984 conviction, (Objections at 4.) Furthermore, Plaintiff claims ALJ Neil-son's use of this allegedly false information is a violation of his "Due Process Right's [sic] and Equal Protection Rights," and that by using such information ALJ Neil-son is "continuing the conspiracy...." (Id. at 5.) The Court construes this as an objection to the R & R's recommendation to dismiss Plaintiffs claims against ALJ Neilson.
State judicial officers are entitled to judicial immunity against claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 as long as they are acting within them judicial capacity and do not act in "complete absence of all jurisdiction." Tennant v. Anderson, 453 Fed.Appx. 657, 658 (8th Cir.2011) (citing Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-12, 112 S.Ct. 286, 116 L.Ed.2d 9 (1991)). ALJ Neilson was plainly acting within her judicial capacity and jurisdiction when she upheld the ECRC's risk level determination regarding the Plaintiff, (See R & R at 721-22.) Importantly, even if ALJ Neilson's statements were erroneous and made maliciously, she would still be entitled to judicial immunity. See Schottel v. Young, 687 F.3d 370, 373 (8th Cir.2012).
Plaintiffs objection related to the alleged intent behind ALJ Neilson's statements and the inaccurate nature of those statements is misplaced. Even assuming everything Plaintiff asserts were true, ALJ Neilson is entitled to judicial immunity, meaning Plaintiffs claims must be dismissed. (See R & R at ,720-22.) , Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
F. Objection: Improper Dismissal of Plaintiffs Claims Against the Columbia Heights Defendants
Plaintiff appears to assert numerous objections to the R & R's recommendation that his claims against Nadeau, the Columbia Heights Police Department, and the City of Columbia Heights (collectively, "Columbia Heights Defendants") be dismissed. (See Objections at 4.)
1. Objection: the Columbia Heights Defendants Were Properly Served
Plaintiff contends "Nadeau was properly served as is evident by the response of his Attorney Ryan M. Zipf...." (Objections at 4.) The Court construes this as an objection to the R & R's conclusions regarding service on' the Columbia Heights Defendants. (See R & R at 730-31.)
The Magistrate Judge declined to dismiss Plaintiffs claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants on the basis of insufficient service and instead considered the merits of those claims. (R '& R at 730-31.) This Court agrees with that decision, rendering the issue of service moot. However, because the Plaintiff-appears to directly challenge the R & R's findings related to service, see Objections at 4, the Court will review those findings.
Plaintiff misconstrues the R & R's findings on the issue of service. Nadeau was in-fact served. (See R & R at 730-31.) However, the problem is that service on Nadeau was not effective as to the other Columbia Heights Defendants whom Plaintiffs claims are properly asserted against. (See id. at 731.)
Municipal police departments, such as the Columbia Heights Police Department, are not entities subject to suit. Anderson v. City of Hopkins, 805 F.Supp.2d 712, 719 (D.Minn.2011). Instead, they are departments or subdivisions of their city government. See Ketchum v. City of W. Memphis, Ark., 974 F.2d 81, 82 (8th Cir.1992). There is no evidence Plaintiff served the Columbia Heights Police Department. (R & R at 730-31.) Even if Plaintiff had properly served this entity, the issue would be moot as the Columbia Heights Police Department is not subject to suit.
Municipalities, like the City of Columbia Heights, may be served through their chief executive officer or city clerk. See Fed. R.Civ.P. 4(j)(2); Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03(e)(2). Plaintiffs service on Nadeau, who was chief of the Columbia Heights Police Department, was not effective as to the City of Columbia Heights. There is no evidence in the record that the City of Columbia Heights was ever served. (R & R at 730-31.) That Mr. Zipf, as counsel for the Columbia Heights Defendants, answered Plaintiff's complaint does not excuse Plaintiff from his service obligations. See Sieg v. Karnes, 693 F.2d 803, 807 (8th Cir.1982) (actual notice of a lawsuit does not remedy jurisdictional issues related to defective service); Baden v. Craig-Hallum, Inc., 115 F.R.D. 582, 586, n. 4 (D.Minn.1987) ("The mere fact that a defendant has received actual notice of the pending action is not sufficient if there has not been compliance with the plain requirements of [Fed.R.Civ.P.] 4.").
Failure to comply with service requirements can, at the discretion of the court, serve as the basis for dismissal under Fed. R.Civ.P. 12(b)(5). See Marshall v. Warwick, 155 F.3d 1027, 1032 (8th Cir.1998) (failure in service may warrant dismissal, but the appropriate action is ultimately within the court's discretion); 3M Co. v. Darlet-Marchante-Technologie SA, No. CIV. 08-827 (JNE/SRN), 2009 WL 1228245, at *6 (D.Minn. May 5, 2009) (same). However, as previously noted, the R & R did not recommend, nor does this Court dismiss Plaintiffs claims on the basis of service. Plaintiffs objection related to service on the Columbia Heights Defendants is overruled.
2. Objection: Dismissal of Plaintiffs Defamation Claim Is Improper Because it Falls Within the Statute of Limitations
Plaintiff asserts, "The Court can dismiss the defamation claim, if it seems [sic] fit, except for Nadeau, as his actions are within" 'the two-year statute of limitations. (Objections at 4.) The Court construes this as an objection to the R & R's recommendation that Plaintiffs defamation claim against the Columbia Heights Defendants be dismissed. (See R & R at 733-37.)
The Magistrate Judge explicitly noted that the alleged defamatory statements made by the Columbia Heights Defendants were within the two-year statute of limitations. (R & R at 733-34.) However, the Columbia Heights Defendants assert they are entitled to absolute or qualified immunity on Plaintiffs defamation claim. (Id.) The Magistrate Judge, in- a careful analysis, determined that, the Columbia Heights Defendants were not entitled to statutory immunity under Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 7 (id. at 733-34), but were entitled to absolute immunity (id. at 734-37). The Court agrees with this analysis. Thus, Plaintiffs defamation claim is dismissed not because of issues related to the statute of limitations, but rather because the Columbia Heights Defendants are entitled to absolute immunity from such a claim. Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
3. Objection: Dismissal of Plaintiffs Federal Claims Against the Columbia Heights Defendants Is Improper
Finally, Plaintiff further contends that "the Court cannot dismiss the other claims of Plaintiff Ernst," because they relate to Plaintiffs civil rights and the Columbia Heights Defendants' violation of those rights. (Objections at 4.) The Court construes this as a general objection to the R & R's recommendation that Plaintiffs federal claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants be dismissed.
Plaintiff offers no authority for his contention that because his claims related to his civil rights, they may not be dismissed. This Court can find no support for such an argument.. Rather, Plaintiffs constitutional and civil rights claims must "contain sufficient factual allegations to 'state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face' " to avoid a motion to dismiss under Fed. R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). Smithrud v. City of St. Paul, 746 F.3d 391, 397 (8th Cir.2014) (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 547, 127 S.Ct. 1955). As the R & R plainly describes, Plaintiffs constitutional and civil rights claims fail to meet this standard. (R & R at 731-34.) Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
G. Objection: Plaintiffs Exhibits Were Not Reviewed Under the Appropriate Standard
Plaintiff asserts he "has stated a claim" but that "Counsel" has a belief "this case can be dismissed through false and untruthful statements" that "omit the actual facts...." (Objections at 4.) "The Exhibits do not lie, as they are Court Documents and are factual." (Id.) The Court'construes this as an objection that the Plaintiffs exhibits, which were attached to his Complaint [Doc. No. 1], were not properly considered in the R & R.
"In deciding a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), a court assumes all facts in the complaint to be true and construes all reasonable inferences most favorably to the complainant." Raynor, 690 F.3d at 955. When considering a motion to dismiss, generally a court will not consider materials outside the pleadings, Greenman v. Jessen, 787 F.3d 882, 887 (8th Cir.2015). However, courts may consider exhibits attached to the complaint and some materials that are part of the public record. Id.
The Magistrate Judge identified and used this standard when assessing the Defendants' motions to dismiss. (R & R at 713, n. 3 and n. 5, 720.) Plaintiff's exhibits were considered and frequently cited. (See generally R & R.) Plaintiff's allegations and purported facts were also taken as true. (See, e.g. id. at 721-22, 725-26, 727-28, 729, 733, 734.) This. Court has similarly taken Plaintiffs. allegations and facts as true, as well as considered the exhibits Plaintiff presented. Plaintiffs objection is without merit and overruled.
H. Objection: the Wrong Statute of Limitations Was Applied to Plaintiffs Defamation Claims Against the State Defendants
Plaintiff disputes that the two-year statute of limitations applies, to his defamation claims against the State Defendants. (Objections at 5.) He claims the appropriate statute of limitations period "is five years in a Federal Action, involving Libel and Slander." (Id.) The Court construes this as an objection that the wrong statute of limitations was applied to Plaintiffs defamation claim against the State Defendants.
Defamation is a common-law claim. See Moreno v. Crookston Times Printing Co., 610 N.W.2d 321, 327-28 (Minn.2000) ("The common law claim of defamation at civil law . redress[es] though injuries to reputation caused by the publication of false information damaging to another's reputation."); Glenn v. Daddy Rocks, Inc., 171 F.Supp.2d 943, 948 (D.Minn.2001) (applying Minnesota law to defendant's defamation counterclaim). "[A] cause of action under state law is, of course, governed by the applicable state law limitations period, even when such a claim is heard in federal court." Firstcom, Inc. v. Qwest Commc'ns, 618 F.Supp.2d 1001, 1010 (D.Minn,2007) aff'd sub nom. Firstcom, Inc. v. Qwest Corp., 555 F.3d 669 (8th Cir.2009). MinmStat. § 541.07(1) sets a two-year statute of limitations on actions for "libel and slander." See Issaenko v. Univ. of Minnesota, 57 F.Supp.3d 985, 1029 (D.Minh.2014) ("Under Minnesota law, a two-year statute of limitations applies to claims- for defamation."). Plaintiffs ' defamation claim against the State Defendants is a state law claim and the two-year statute of limitations. applies. Plaintiffs objection is without merit and is overruled.
L Objection: General Restatement of the Plaintiffs Claims and Allegations
Plaintiff, in numerous documents, essentially restates his claims and allegations against the various Defendants.' (See Objections at 1-3, 5-6; Replies [Doc. Nos. 83, 84, 85]; Motion for Reconsideration [Doc. No. 86].) The Court construes this as a general objection that the R & R failed to consider Plaintiffs claims and allegations.
Plaintiffs claims and allegations were extensively examined in the R & R. (See generally R & R.) As detailed above, the Magistrate Judge applied the appropriate legal standards when assessing Plaintiffs claims. Merely restating what Plaintiff previously asserted in his pleadings does not constitute a viable objection to the R & R, See Carlone v. Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 34, No. 14-CV-579 (SRN/JSM), 2014 WL 5438493, at *6 (D.Minn. Oct. 23, 2014) (overruling Plaintiffs objection which was merely a restatement of claims alleged in her complaint when the magistrate judge addressed those claims). Plaintiffs objection is overruled.
III. ORDER
Based on the foregoing, and all the files, records, and proceedings-herein, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. Plaintiffs Objections to the Magistrate Judge's Report & Recommendation [Doc. No. 76] are OVERRULED;
2. Plaintiffs Motion for Reconsideration [Doc. No. 86] is DENIED AS MOOT;
3. The Magistrate Judge's R & R [Doc. No. 75] is ADOPTED;
4. Defendants' Motions to Dismiss [Doc. Nos. 13, 18, 30, and 40] are GRANTED; and
5. The Court declines to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over any remaining state claims, including Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Moen, and such claims are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
Ronald R. Ernst, Plaintiff,
v.
Jon Hinchliff, Dwight Close, Jeremy Britzius, Jack Rusinoff, Ed Hanson, Barbara L. Neilson, ADL, Patricia Moen, Michelle Murphy, Scot' Nadeau, Minneapolis Police Dept., MN Department of Corrections, Bloomington, ' MN Police Department, State of Minnesota, and Columbia Heights Police Department, Defendants.,
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION
TONY N. LEUNG, United States Magistrate Judge.
I. INTRODUCTION
This matter comes before the Court, United States Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung, on four motions to dismiss: Defendahts Close, Britzius, - Rusinoff, Neilson, Moen and Murphy's ("State Defendants") Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 13); Defen dants Nadeau and Columbia Heights Police Department's ("Columbia Heights De-. fendants") Motion to- Dismiss (ECF No. 18); Defendant Hinehliff and Minneapolis Police Dept.'s ("Minneapolis Defendants") Motion to Dismiss (ECF . No. 30); and Defendants Hanson and Bloomington, MN Police Dept.'s ("Bloomington Defendants") Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 40). These motions have been referred to the undersigned for .a report and recommendation to the district court, the Honorable Susan Richard, Nelson, District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, under 28 U.S.C. § 636 and D. Minn. LR 72.1.
A hearing was held. Plaintiff appeared pro se. Angela Helseth Kiese appeared on behalf of the State Defendants. Ryan Zipf appeared on behalf of the Bloomington and Columbia Heights Defendants. Brian Scott Carter appeared on behalf, of the Minneapolis Defendants.
Based upon the record, memoranda, and the proceedings herein, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that Defendants Close, Britzius, Rusinoff, Neilson, Moen and Murphy's Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 13) BE GRANTED; Defendants Nadeau and Columbia Heights Police Department's Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 18) BE GRANTED; Defendant Hinehliff and Minneapolis Police Dept.'s Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 30) BE GRANTED; and Defendants Hanson and-Bloomington, MN Police Dept.'s Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 40) BE GRANTED.
II. BACKGROUND
This case concerns information distributed to communities regarding Plaintiff. Plaintiff "is required to register as a sex offender under Minn.Stat. § 243.166 (1996) because he was charged with a felony and was convicted of a gross-misdemeanor offense arising out of the same set of circumstances." Ernst v. State, No. A03-63, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1 n. 1 (Minn.App. Dec. 30, 2003).
A. Prior Offenses
In 1984, Plaintiff was charged with and pleaded guilty to Criihinal Attempt to Commit Sexual Assault on a Child in the State of Colorado. (Compl. at 7; Exs. at 14-15. ) The child was 11 years old. (Exs. at 16-17.) Plaintiff states that he "touched the abdomen of [the] child." (Compl. at 7.)
In 1997, Plaintiff was charged with "several criminal counts," including at least one charge of felony indecent exposure' in state district court in Scott County, Minnesota. (Compl. at 8, 10; see Exs. at 3-9; ECF No. 1-3 at 3-4.) See Ernst, 2003 "WL 23023992, at *1. According to Plaintiff, the charged offenses were a culmination of incidents.
Plaintiff states that he was renting a basement room from a woman who had two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son. (Compl. at 8.) Upon returning home from being out of town, Plaintiff discovered that the lock on his bedroom door had been broken off. (Compl. at 8.) The son told Plaintiff that his mother had broken the lock "to see what she could find" and found adult magazines under Plaintiffs mattress and adult movies in Plaintiffs dresser. (Compl. at 10.) When the mother left for work, the son and a friend of his looked through the magazines and the friend watched the videos. (Compl. at 10.) Around the same time, the daughter "saw the penis of Plaintiff, even though it was not intentional." (Compl. at 9.)
Plaintiff pleaded guilty to one count of felony' indecent exposure for "exposing] his private parts" to a minor child. (Exs. at 3; see Compl. at 9; Exs. at 23-24; ECF No. 13 at 4-5.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1. The other charges were dismissed. (See Compl. at 9; ECF No. 1-3 at 4.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1. Subsequently, it-was determined: that there were errors in the pre-sentence investigation-and Plaintiff did not have the requisite prior conviction for felony enhancement. (Compl. at 9, 11; see Exs. at 3-9, 23-24.) As a result, the indecent-exposure- offense was reduced to a gross misdemeanor.- •' (Compl. at 9; Exs. at 23-24; ECF No. 1-3 at 4-5.) See Ernst, 2003 WL 23023992, at *1.
Before he was "released] from custody" in connection with the indecent-exposure offense, Plaintiff was given a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Sex Offender Notification and Registration Form — Minnesota Statute 243.166 form to complete. (Compl. at 11; Exs. at 27.) Plaintiff "filled out the [form], dated it and signed [it]." (Compl. at 11.) Plaintiff later discovered that his "Staff social worker" had "add[ed] the dismissed -charges from Scott County to show that [Plaintiff] was convict[ed] of other criminal behavior." (Compl. at 11-12.) The "Charges/Petiti'ons" section of the form states, "(Charged @ Felony Ind. exp.) Gross Mis. Indec. Exposure." (Exs. at 27.) The "Victim Information" section of the form states that Plaintiffs victims are ages 14, 15, and 16; both male and female; and were neighborhood- children. (Exs. at 27.) In the "M.O." section, the form states, "Subject .exposed his penis to a 13 yr old Female, made a Sexual phone call to. a 14 yr old girl and showed pornographic video's [sic] to (2) 15 yr old boys." (Exs. at 27.)
According to Plaintiff, his social worker also told him that if the felony indecent-exposure charge had been dismissed "and recharged at the gross misdemeanor level, at what [Plaintiff] was sentenced, then [Plaintiff] would not have, to register." (Compl. at 12.)
"In 2001, [Plaintiff] was arrested for failure to register, after argu[ing] with the Minnesota [Bureau of Criminal Apprehension] that he did not have to register as he did not have a predatory conviction." (CompL at 12.) Plaintiff "went to trial . and he was found guilty[] as he was charged with an offense that required registration." (Compl. at 12; see ECF No. 1-3 at 5-6.)
In 2002, Plaintiff was given a Level III designation by the Minnesota Department of Corrections's end-of-confinement review committee ("ECRC"). (Compl. at 13; see Exs. at. 28-34.) See Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 3 ("The commissioner of corrections shall establish and administer end-of-confinement review committees at each state correctional facility and at each state treatment facility where predatory offenders are confined. The committees shall assess on a case-by-case basis the public risk posed by predatory offenders who are about to be released from confinement."). Plaintiff was represented by counsel at the hearing. (Compl. at 13.)
B. Minneapolis: February 2010
In February 2010, while acting under color of law, Hinchliff "passed out a [fact sheet ] to the public . showing that Plaintiff had a conviction for sexual contact with an 11 year old female." (Compl. at 7; see Compl. at 17; Exs. at 10.) The fact sheet contains a "Description of Offense" section, stating:
This offenders [sic] victim pool are minor aged females and attempts to corrupt minor aged males. His history shows a Colorado conviction (1984) for sexual contact with an 11 year old female. He was a renter at a location where an acquaintance 13 year old female witnessed an exposing incident. Previous related charges include expos•ing and lewd/lascivious conduct. Must register until 02/01/2025.
(Exs. at 10.)
Plaintiff states that he "did not have any sexual contact with that 11 year old girl" and Hinchliff
maliciously stated false statements to the public against the peace and dign[i]ty of Plaintiff, thereby violating his Constitutional Right[s] in Amendment 5th, 11th, & 14th, to be free from false accusations that are untrue, depriving the plaintiff [of] a.right or privilege secured by Federal Law while acting under Color of Law.
(Compl. at 7-8.) Plaintiff further states that he "has no convictions involving any minor aged males. His victim pool is not minor aged females. [He] has two convictions of minor aged females." (Compl. at 8.) Plaintiff - states that, by including charges on the fact sheet that were dismissed, Hinchliff violated Plaintiffs due process rights. (Compl. at 10.)
C. Bloomington: March 2010
In March 2010, Hanson "of the Bloomington Police Department sent out [fact sheets] to the public about the presence of [Plaintiff] in[] the community." (Compl. at 10; see Exs. at 2.) The "Offense" section of this fact sheet states: "Offender exposed himself to a 13 year old female. He also made a sexual phone call to a 14 year old female. . He also showed pornographic videos to (2) 15 year old boys. The offender was a neighbor to his victims." (Exs. at 2.)
Plaintiff states that the statements regarding the phone call and pornographic videos are false because those charges were dismissed. (Compl. at 9.) Plaintiff states that "Hanson is trying to tell the public that [he] is guilty of these offenses by posting these statements to the [fact sheet], whereby violating [Plaintiffs] Constitutional Right[s]." (Compl. at 9.) Plaintiff states that Hanson's "blatant disregard for the truth" has caused him emotional distress and "hardship in trying to find a place to live." (Compl. at 9.) Plaintiff also states that "he received a threatening phone call from a Bloomington resident." (Compl. at 9.)
D. DOC Documents
In April 2010, Plaintiff requested copies of his file from the Minnesota Department of Corrections ("DOC") in order "to-find answers to this illegal Level [III] designation." (Compl. at 13.) Plaintiff received "a stack of papers" containing, "many .damaging statements that -were not true." (Compl. at 13.) This "stack of papers" included, among .other things,, a 2002 End of . Confinement Review Risk Assessment Report issued by the ;ECRC (Exs. at 28-30); a 2002 Sex Offender Risk Assessment Recommendation prepared by Rusinoff for the ECRC (Exs. at 31-34); a 1999 Risk Level Recommendation prepared by Close for the ECRC (Exs. at 36-37); and a 2010 memorandum to the ECRC by Britzius regarding Plaintiffs risk-level-reduction request (Exs. at 35, 38).
1. Rusinoff.
Plaintiff states that Rusinoff made- false statements -in both -the 2002 Risk Assessment Report and Risk Assessment Recommendation. (Compl. at 14.)
The Risk Assessment Report states that "[Plaintiffs] behavior includes entering security apartments without permission and befriending families before exposing." (Exs. at 29.) .The Risk. Assessment Report also, states that Plaintiffs "[p]redatory.offense behavior", includes "abducting ,or attempting to abduct a victim." (Exs, at 29.) Plaintiff states that "[t]his is the i farthest from the truth, as [he] has never been investigated for abduction, or even charged with those offenses." (Compl. at 14.)
Plaintiff challenges- four statements in Rusinoff s Risk Assessment Recommendation. First, Plaintiff challenges the statement that "[t]he victims have been females ranging in age from 10 to young adults...." (Exs. at 32.) Plaintiff states that "[t]his is false as [he] has never been charged with a 10 year old victim." (Compl. at 14.) Second, Plaintiff challenges the statement that "[h]is prior adult felony record contains a conviction for Sexual Assault on a Child (1984)," (Exs. at 32), again asserting that sexual contact did not occur, (Compl. at 14; see Compl. at 7). Third, Plaintiff challenges the statement that "[h]e has a. total of 25 sex related convictions...." (Exs. at 33.) Plaintiff states that this statement is "[v]ery untrue, as there is [sic] 10 misdemeanors before 1980, a felony attempt in 1984, a gross misdemeanor in 1997, and a misdemeanor in 2001." (Compl. at 14.) Plaintiff states that the pre-1980 convictions "were [for] charges of 'Streaking' when at that timeframe in history, it was the fad." (Compl. at 11.) The fourth statement concerns Rusinoffs characterization of the physical nature of Plaintiffs offenses. In the Risk Assessment Recommendation, Rusinoff states, "Although [Plaintiffs] sexual offenses have not included physical assault, they do include some touch offenses . " (Exs. at 33; see also Exs. at 32 ("Most of [Plaintiffs] sex offense charges have been non-contact offenses, but he has engaged in sexual touching behavior when the opportunity presented itself."). Plaintiff states that "Rusinoff contradicts his own statements by says [sic], that [P]laintiff has no physical offenses, but puts in statements that [Plaintiff touched the vagina area of an 11 year old female." (Compl. at 14; see Exs. at 32 ("[Plaintiff] befriended a family, and he sexually .assaulted their ll-year-old daughter by placing his hand under the victim's underwear and touching her genital area.").)
Plaintiff states that Rusinoff "lies continuously in all of his papers, thereby violating] the Constitutional Right[s] of [Plaintiff], as he lists behavior for which [Plaintiff] has never been charged with. This pattern is the same as the other defendants in this action, to state that the plaintiff is a. person of predatory multiple behaviors." (Compl. at 14.)
2. Close
In 1999, Close completed a Risk Level Recommendation for the ECRC. (Exs. at 36-37.) Plaintiff states that Close has "continued the pattern of false statements" by "listing the same false statements as Rusinoff." (Compl. at 15.) Plaintiff asserts that DOC personnel "have [c]onspired to act against the plaintiff by disclosing false statements in State- of Minnesota files." (Compl. at 15.)
Close's Risk Level Recommendation includes a "Prior History" section with "Misdemeanor/Gross Misdemeanor" and "Felony" subgroups. (Exs. at 36-37.) There are two felonies listed: the 1984 "Sexual Assault on a Child," which again references Plaintiff touching the "genital area" of an ll-year-old girl, and a 1992 "Attempted Larceny" in Wisconsin. (Exs. at 37.) Plaintiff states that, with respect to the 1984 "Sexual Assault on a Child offense[,] . this have been proven before in other Exhibits that this Criminal behavio[r] of touching in the vagina did not occ[u]r." (Compl. at 15.), Plaintiff further states:
The prior history of [Plaintiff] is so blatantly wrong that if [he] had committed all of these offenses, how was it done, by being in jail during the committing of offenses? The [1992] Attempted Larceny was not in Wisconsin, but in Colorado. These State workers cannot even read their own paperwork, relying on assumption that they believe that it should be, thereby violating the 11th Amendment of trying to punish [Plaintiff] for alle[ged] activity in other states.
(Compl. at 15.)
3. Britzius
Plaintiff asserts that "Britzius has continued the written assault on Plaintiff . by stating that [he] has touched females sexually, and . has exposed to females from 10 to young adult" in his 2010 memorandum regarding Plaintiffs risk-level-reduction request. (Compl. at 15.) Plaintiff "challenge^ Britzius] to show the Court a charge involving a 10 year old." (Compl. at 15.) Plaintiff states:
This ongoing attack against [him] has gone on for the past 12 years, and in the process of filing false official documents, and in the process violating the sacred of Constitutional Right[s] [o]f [Plaintiff]. Britzius continues the "CONSPIRACY" that has been going on far too long. [Plaintiff] is being deprived of a Right, Priv[i]l[e]ge and immunity .guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, under 1983, by persons acting under Color of Law.
(Compl. at 15.)
Britzius's memo, however, does not explicitly reference a charge involving a "10 year old" or young adults. The closest statement is as follows: "While [Plaintiff] is technically eligible to request a risk reduction, a review of his sex offending history is notable for approximately 30- years of sexually victimizing others, primarily minor age females." (Exs. at 38.)
E. 2010 Risk Level Determination
In 2010, the ECRC evaluated Plaintiff and issued another Risk Assessment. Report. (Exs. at 55-56.) Murphy was the ECRC chairperson at the time. (Compl. at 16; Exs. at 55-56.) Plaintiff asserts that, at the meeting to determine his risk level, he "questioned Murphy if she was going to use the 'FALSE' 'OFFICIAL' documents that were in the file. Murphy stated that she could use whatever she wanted. Murphy told [Plaintiff], [']The Minnesota Legislature gave, us the. [authority to .do whatever we want.[']" (Compl. at 16-17.) Plaintiff asserts that
Murphy decided to side-step the previous false statements of the already listed defendants, and told [Plaintiff] that she was going to keep [Plaintiff] at the Level [III] statusí ] because he has a 30 year criminality span. She did not say that it was sexual, but implied that as she knew that [Plaintiff] did not have a Predatory conviction that required registration under Minnesota Statute 243.166,1996.
(Compl. at 17.)
Plaintiff asserts that "[t]he Minnesota Legislature does not give anybody the' right to violate anyone's Constitutional Rights." (Compl. at 17.) Plaintiff assert that "Murphy cannot" justifiably] use the illegal documents from[] Rusinoff, Close, Britzius, [his social worker] and the D.O.C. person who made up the previous [p]resent[en]ce [r]eports, but she did, [a]cting under 'COLOR OF LAW.'" (Compl. at 17.)
F. 2010 Appeal of Risk Level Determination
Plaintiff appealed the Level III designation and the matter was heard by Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") Neilson with the .Office of Administrative Hearings. (Exs. at 39-54.) Plaintiff has attached the first 16 pages of ALJ Neilson's decision affirming the Level III designation. (Exs. at 39-54.) ALJ.Neilson made extensive findings of'fact concerning Plaintiffs criminal history and prior ECRC assessments. (See Exs. at 39-54.) These findings include, among other things, discussion of the 1984 conviction and the documents prepared by Close, Rusinoff, and Britzius.. (See Exs. at 40, 43-44, 46-47, 49-50.) Plaintiff asserts many of ALJ Neilson's findings are false for reasons stated above. (See Compl. at 18-19.) Plaintiff assérts that ALJ Neilson has "continued the 'CONSPIRACY' that is reported by other person[n]el at the [DOC]." (Compl. at 18.)
G. Center City: February 2011
In February 2011, Plaintiff moved to Center City, Minnesota. (Compl. at 16.) A public meeting was held at which Moen "discuss[ed] information about [Plaintiff]." (Compl. at 16.) Plaintiff asserts:
Moen stated that [Plaintiff] was convicted of having sexual contact with a[n] 11 year old girl. This [is] also false as it has already been proven to be wrong, as in earlier Exhibits. Moen also stated that [Plaintiff] has to give [c]ell phone numbers and the like. That is also false, as according to the Registration Statute, all [Plaintiff] has to provide is his residence address .and his employment.
(Compl. at 16 (citation omitted); see Exs. at 57.) Plaintiff states that, "[a]bout an hour after the meeting, [he] received a phone call on his cell phone, by an unknown" male," wanting Plaintiff to meet him at the intersection of a highway and a county road. (Compl. at 16.)
Plaintiff asserts that "[t]hese State workers keep .lying to keep the 'Conspiracy' ongoing in attacking Plaintiff . at every level they can." (Compl. at 16.) Plaintiff asserts that "Moen gave out priv[i]ledged information, in violation of State Law, violation [Plaintiffs] Rights to be free of Harassment." (Compl. at 16.)
H. Minneapolis: July 2011
Plaintiff moved back to Minneapolis and registered with the Minneapolis Police Department in July 2011. (Compl. at 17.) While acting under color of law, "Hinchliff again issued a [fact sheet] to the public, stating . the same [illegal statements of his prior [fact sheets]." (Compl. at 17; see Compl. at 18.) This fact sheet, however, stated that "the age of alleged victims[ ] is now 13-14 male and female." (Compl. at 17.) Plaintiff asserts that Hinchliff perpetuated the false statements of male victims and "sexual contact with minor females, of which [Plaintiff] has no convictions." (Compl. at 17.) Plaintiff asserts that Hinchliff told him he received the information "from the Internet." (Compl.. at 17.) Plaintiff contends that this "means that the [DOC] is changing this false information and posting it online," violating his constitutional rights. (Compl. at 17-18.) The Complaint does not contain a copy of the 2011 fact sheet. (See Compl. at 7-8, 17-18; Exs. at 10, 26.)
I. Columbia Heights: July 2013
At some point in 2013, Plaintiff moved to Hilltop, Minnesota. (Exs. at 59-60.) On or about July 15, 2013, Scott Nadeau, the Chief of Police for the Columbia Heights Police Department, sent out a letter to residents notifying them of a community meeting regarding Plaintiff. (Exs. at 59.) The letter included a fact sheet. (Exs. at 60.) Among other things, the fact sheet included a section listing the - applicable "Registration statute(s)" as "617.23, 617.24 & 609.3451." (Exs. at 60.) The fact sheet also stated-that-Plaintiff "has a history of sexual conduct and contact with primarily minor victims (female and male, age 13-14). Contact has included fondling. Conduct has included indecent exposure and showing pornography to victims. Offender was known to victims." (Exs. at 60.)
Plaintiff asserts that he has "only the one conviction, 617.23(b)(1)," "no convictions for any of the other listed charges, and does not have any convictions for sexual contact." (Compl. at 20.) Plaintiff asserts that "[t]hese false statements and printing papers are a direct violation of Federal Law, and the violation of the Constitutional Rights of Plaintiff ., 11th Amend[.], U.S.C.Á., and 5th, 8th, and 14th Amendments of violation [sic] his Due Process Rights, and the 'RIGHT' to be treated fairly as all others." (Compl. at 20.)
J.Litigation
As best as this Court is able' to tell, Plaintiff brings claims against all Defendants .in their individual and official capacities for violations of his rights under the Fifth, Eighth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Amendments pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983; conspiracy to violate his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. §, 1985; and defamation. See Stone v. Harry, 364 F.3d 912, 914 (8th Cir.2004) ("pro se complaints are to be construed liberally"). Plaintiff also brings a claim against Moen for violation of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act ("MGDPA"), Minn.Stat. § 13.01 et seq. Plaintiff also requests that this Court "[o]rder the expiration of the [illegal [registration - that is. in place." (Compl. at 7.) Plaintiff seeks "$500,000 compensatory damages from each Defendant" and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial. (Compl. at 7.) Additionally, Plaintiff requests that' the Court "[o]rder the Minnesota Attorney General to file Felony Theft charges for accepting monthly pay checks for not doing the performance' of' their duties, of which they swore to in keeping with the oath[s] of upholding the laws of [t]he State of .Minnesota and the United States Constitution." (Compl. at 7.)
III. LEGAL STANDARD
AH Defendants have moved for dismissal under Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim. The State Defendants have also asserted a lack of subject matter jurisdiction under Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(1) due to the passing of the statute of limitations. Additionally, the Columbia Heights, Minneapolis, and Bloomington Defendants have asserted service deficiencies. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(5).
"To withstand a Rule 12(b)(6) motion, a complaint must contain sufficient factual allegations to 'State a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.' " Smithrud v. City of St. Paul, 746 F.3d 391, 397 (8th Cir.2014) (quoting Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 547, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007)). "[Although a complaint need not contain 'detailed factual allegations,' it must contain facts with enough specificity 'to raise a right to relief above the speculative level.' " United States ex rel. Raynor v. Nat'l Rural Utils. Coop. Fin., Corp., 690 F.3d 951, 955 (8th Cir.2012) (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955); see also Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) ("[T]he pleading standard Rule 8 announces does not require 'detailed factual allegations]' but it demands more than an unadorned, the-defendant-unlawfully-harmed-me accusation."). "A pleading that offers 'labels and conclusions' or 'a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of-action will not do.'" Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937. Similarly, "[tjhreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice." Id. "In deciding a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), a court assumes all facts in the complaint to be true and construes all reasonable inferences most favorably to the complainant." Raynor, 690 F.3d at 955.
Further, "[i]n evaluating whether a pro se plaintiff has asserted sufficient facts to state a claim, [courts] hold a pro se complaint, however inartfully pleaded, to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers." Jackson v. Nixon, 747 F.3d 537, 541 (8th Cir.2014) (quotation omitted). But, "[although pro se complaints are to be. construed liberally, 'they still, must allege sufficient facts to support the claims advanced.'" Stringer v. St. James R-1 Sch. Dist., 446 F.3d 799, 802 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Stone, 364 F.3d at 914). As the Eighth Circuit has explained, "[w]hen we say that a pro se complaint should be given liberal construction, we mean that if the essence of an allegation is discernible, even though it is not pleaded with legal nicety, then the district court should construe the complaint in a way that permits the layperson's claim to be considered within the proper legal framework." Stone, 364 F.3d at 915.
IV. STATE DEFENDANTS
The State Defendants assert that (1) Plaintiff's defamation claims are barred by a two-year statute of limitations and, in any event, the statements are protected by qualified privilege and absolute privilege; (2) not only do. Plaintiff's civil-rights claims fail as a matter of law, but the Eleventh Amendment bars, suit against the State Defendants in their official capacities and the State Defendants are otherwise entitled to qualified immunity and common-law official immunity; (3) ALJ Neilson is entitled to judicial immunity; and (4) should this Court conclude that Plaintiffs federal claims fail, this Court should decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over any state-law claims. (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 6-26, ECF No. 14).
A. ALJ Neilson
The State Defendants assert that judicial immunity bars Plaintiffs claims against ALJ Neilson. (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at >23.) The State Defendants asserts that all actions complained of were done in ALJ Neilson's judicial capacity and within her jurisdiction, (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 24-25.)
"A judge is immune from suit, including suits brought under section 1983 to recover for alleged deprivation of civil rights, in all but two narrow sets of circumstances." Schottel v. Young, 687 F.3d 370, 373 (8th Cir.2012) (citing Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-12, 112 S.Ct. 286, 116 L.Ed.2d 9 (1991)). "First, a judge is not immune from liability for nonjudicial actions, ie., actions not taken in the judge's judicial capacity. Second, a judge is not immune for actions, though judicial in nature, taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction." Id. (quotation omitted). Judicial immunity is immunity from suit, and "applies to suits for injunctive-relief as-well as claims for money damages." Edlund v. Montgomery, 355 F.Supp.2d 987, 990 (D.Minn.2005).
"An act is a judicial act if it is one normally performed by a judge and if the complaining party is dealing with the judge in His judicial capacity." Schottel, 687 F.3d at 373 (quotation omitted). The rendering of a written decision following the administrative hearing on Plaintiffs Level III designation was a quintessential judicial act performed by ALJ Neilson. See Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 6(c) ("After the hearing is concluded, the [ALJ] shall decide whether the [ECRC's] risk assessment determination was erroneous and, based on this decision, shall either uphold or modify the [ECRC's] determination. The [ALJ's] decision shall be in writing and shall include the [ALJ's] reasons for the decision."); see also Schottel, 687 F.3d at 373 (holding a hearing on a motion, ruling on the motion, and requiring certain conditions be met before granting the motion "are all acts normally performed by a judge").
. With respect to jurisdiction, "[t]he Supreme Court has instructed [courts] to construe, broadly 'the scope of the judge's jurisdiction . where the issue is the immunity of a judge.' " Schottel, 687 F.3d at 373 (quoting Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349, 356, 98 S.Ct. 1099, 55 L.Ed.2d 331 (1978)). "This narrow exception to the doctrine of judicial immunity applies only when a judge hears a case that is clearly beyond her judicial authority, such as a probate judge trying a criminal case." Edlund, 355 F.Supp.2d at 990 (citing Stump, 435 U.S. at 357 & n. 7, 98 S.Ct. 1099). "Thus, a judge - will not be deprived of immunity because the action he took was in error, was done maliciously, or was in excess of his authority; rather he will be subject to liability only when he has acted in the clear absence of all jurisdiction." Schottel, 687 F.3d at 373 (quotation omitted). Minnesota law explicitly states that challenges to an ECRC's risk-level determination are to be heard by an ALJ and, following a hearing, the ALJ shall.issue a written decision on whether to uphold the ECRC's determination. Minn. Stat. § 244.052, subd. 6. ,ALJ Neilson was plainly acting within the scope of her jurisdiction.
Plaintiff responds that ALJ Neilson cannot put false -statements in her decision and claim judicial immunity, and ALJ Neil-son is "continupng] the written assault against [Plaintiff]." (Pl.'s Obj. at 5, 7, ECF No. 62; see Pl-.'s Obj. at -8-9.) Plain tiff had a means to appeal ALJ Neilson's decision if he disagreed with it. See Minn. Stat. § 244.052, subd. 6(d); R.G.C. v. Minn. Dep't of Corrs., 760 N.W.2d 329, 330-31 (Minn.App.2009) (Minnesota "law prescribes a process of administrative review and further judicial review by a writ of certiorari" for ECRC risk-level determinations); cf. Edlund, 355 F.Supp.2d at 990 ("Judicial immunity discourages inappropriate collateral attacks and 'protects] judicial independence by insulating judges from vexatious actions prosecuted by disgruntled litigants.' " (alteration in original) (quoting Forrester v. White, 484 U.S. 219, 225, 108 S.Ct. 538, 98 L.Ed.2d 555 (1988))). But, even assuming for purposes of this motion that ALJ Neilson's statements were erroneous or made maliciously, ALJ Neilson is still entitled to judicial immunity because the acts Plaintiff complaints of were done in her judicial capacity and within the scope of her jurisdiction. See Schottel, 687 F.3d at 373.
Accordingly, the Court recommends that all claims against ALJ Neilson be dismissed.
B. Federal Claims
1. Eleventh Amendment Immunity
The State Defendants assert that they are immune from any claims for monetary damages brought against them in their official capacities under the Eleventh Amendment. (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 20-21.)
"The sovereign immunity enjoyed by states and recognized in the Eleventh Amendment bars private parties from bringing actions for damages against unconsenting states in federal courts." Thomas v. St. Louis Bd. of Police Comm'rs, 447 F.3d 1082, 1084 (8th Cir.2006). The Eleventh Amendment effectively "immunizes from suit a 'state agency or official if immunity will protect the state treasury from liability that would have had essentially the same practical consequence as a judgment against the State itself.' " King v. Dingle, 702 F.Supp.2d 1049, 1068 (D.Minn.2010) (quoting Hadley v. N. Ark. Cmty. Tech. Coll., 76 F.3d 1437, 1438 (8th Cir.1996) (internal quotation omitted)). "Thus, the Eleventh Amendment bars actions, in Federal Court, which seek monetary damages from individual State Officers, in their official capacities, . for the recovery of money from the state." Id. at 1069 (quotation omitted). Moreover, "[w]hile under the doctrine set forth in Ex Parte Young, state officials may be sued in their official capacities for prospective injunctive relief without violating the Eleventh Amendment, the same doctrine does not extend to states or state agencies." Monroe v. Arkansas State University, 495 F.3d 591, 594 (8th Cir.2007) (citing 209 U.S. 123, 28 S.Ct. 441, 52 L.Ed. 714 (1908)); accord Harris v. McSwain, 417 Fed.Appx. 594, 595 (8th Cir.2011) (per curiam) ("Eleventh Amendment bars suits against states and state agencies for any kind of relief.").
The State Defendants did not move for the dismissal of the State of Minnesota or the DOC on grounds of sovereign immunity. (See State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 1, 20-21.) Nevertheless, "sovereign immunity is a threshold jurisdictional matter and a jurisdictional prerequisite" and "may be raised sua sponte by the court." Amerind Risk Mgmt. Corp. v. Malaterre, 633 F.3d 680, 686 (8th Cir.2011) (quotations omitted); accord Lors v. Dean, 746 F.3d 857, 861 (8th Cir.2014) (raising the issue of state sovereign immunity sua sponte). Accordingly, to the extent Plaintiff seeks any relief from the State of Minnesota or the DOC as an arm of the State of Minnesota, his claims are barred by the Eleventh Amendment. Monroe, 495 F.3d at 594; Harris, 417 Fed.Appx. at 595; see Thomas, 447 F.3d at 1084 ("Elev enth Amendment immunity extends to states and arms of the state." (quotation omitted)); Saldana v. Crane, No. 12-cv-573 (DWF/TNL), 2013 WL 4747961, at *14 (D.Minn. Sept. 4, 2013) (DOC-entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity as arm of the state).
To the extent that monetary damages are being sought from the State Defendants in their official capacities, such damages are not recoverable and the Court recommends that these claims be dismissed. Thomas, 447 F.3d at 1084; Karsjens v. Jesson, 6 F.Supp.3d 916, 942 (D.Minn.2014) ("[T]o the extent Plaintiffs may seek any such monetary damages against Defendants in their official capacities, the Court agrees that monetary damages are not recoverable."); Hodgson v. Fabian, No. 08-cv-5120 (JNE/SRN), 2009 WL 2972862, at *6 (D.Minn. Sept. 10, 2009) ("It is well-settled that in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action, the Eleventh Amendment precludes an award of money damages against a state official acting in his or her official capacity. A plaintiff may maintain an action against a government official if the complaint seeks only injunctive or prospective .relief." (citations omitted)), aff'd, 378 Fed.Appx. 592 (8th Cir.2010); see also Minn.Stat. § 1.05 (waiver of immunity for violations of certain federal statutes). The claims for monetary damages against the State Defendants in their individual capacities or for prospective relief in their official capacities (other than ALJ Neilson as previously discussed), however, are not barred by the Eleventh Amendment. See Monroe, 495 F.3d at 594; Karsjens, 6 F.Supp.3d at 942; Hodgson, 2009 WL 2972862, at *6.
2. Section 1983
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Plaintiff brings claims against the State Defendants for violations of his Fifth, Eighth, and Foürteénth Amendment rights. The State Defendants contend that these claims all fail as a matter of law and they are entitled to qualified and common-law official immunity, (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 14-19, 21-22.)
"To state a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a plaintiff must show that he was deprived of a right secured by the Constitution and the laws of the United. States and that the deprivation was committed by a person acting under color of state law." Alexander v. Hedback, 718 F.3d 762, 765 (8th Cir.2013); see 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
a. Fifth Amendment
Plaintiff appears to be asserting a claim under the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. (See Compl. at 4, 8,12, 20; Pl.'s Obj. at 2, 34.) Among other things, the Fifth Amendment provides that "[n]o person shall . be deprived of life, liberty, of property, without due process of law." U.S. Const. amend. V. A claim brought pursuant to the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause "is unsustainable against . non-federal government defendants." Hess v. Ables, 714 F.3d 1048, 1053 (8th Cir.2013) (citing Warren v. Gov't Nat'l Mortg. Ass'n, 611 F.2d 1229, 1232 (8th Cir.1980)). Therefore, the Court agrees with the State Defendants that any Fifth Amendment claims against the State Defendants should be dismissed. (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 14.)
b. Eighth Amendment
Plaintiff has also asserted violations of his , Eighth Amendment rights. T,he Eighth Amendment provides that "[excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." U.S. Const. amend. VIII. The Eighth Amendment has been applied in several contexts, including sentencing, see, e.g., Miller v. Alabama, — U.S. -, 132 S.Ct. 2455, 2463, 183 L.Ed.2d 407 (2012) ("The Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment 'guarantees individuals the right not to be subjected to excessive sanctions.' " (quoting Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551, 560, 125 S.Ct. 1183, 161 L.Ed.2d 1 (2005))), and conditions of a prisoner's confinement, see, e.g., Schaub v. VonWald, 638 F.3d 905, 914 (8th Cir.2011) ("[T]he treatment a prisoner receives in prison and the conditions under which he is confined are subject to scrutiny under the Eighth Amendment." (alteration in original) (quoting Helling v. McKinney, 509 U.S. 25, 31, 113 S.Ct. 2475, 125 L.Ed.2d 22 (1993))).
Plaintiff has not pleaded facts. from which this Court can plausibly infer that certain acts- of the State Defendants amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937; Twombly, 550 U.S. at 547, 127 S.Ct. 1955; Smithrud, 746 F.3d at 397. In fact, it is not clear to this Court what particular cruel and unusual punishment Plaintiff is alleging that he suffered. Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims based on the Eighth Amendment be dismissed with respect to the State Defendants for failure to state a claim.
c. Fourteenth Amendment .
Plaintiff alleges that the State Defendants have violated his rights to due process. "The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment ensures- that states do not deprive individuals of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." Mills v. City of Grand Forks, 614 F.3d 495, 498 (8th Cir.2010) (citing U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1); accord Singleton v. Cecil, 176 F.3d 419, 424 (8th Cir.1999).
This clause has two- components: the procedural due process and the substantive due process components. Analysis of either a procedural or substantive due process claim must begin with an examination of the interest allegedly violated, and the possession of a protected life, liberty, or property interest is a condition precedent to any due process claim. Where no such interest exists, there can be no due process violation.
Singleton, 176 F.3d at 424 (quotations and citations omitted); accord Senty-Haugen v. Goodno, 462 F.3d 876, 886 (8th Cir.2006) ("A procedural. due process claim is reviewed in two steps. The first is whether [the plaintiff].has been deprived of a protected liberty or property interest.").
Plaintiffs due process claims are fatally flawed because Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest. As best as this Court is able to tell, Plaintiff is asserting protected interests in the right "to be free from false accusations" and the "[r]ight[ ] to be free of [harassment."' (Compl. at 8, 16.) "A person's reputation, alone, is not k protected liberty or property interest." Kroupa v. Nielsen, 731 F.3d 813, 818 (8th Cir.2013); accord Gunderson v. Hvass, 339 F.3d 639, 644 (8th Cir.2003) ("Damage to reputation alone, however, is not sufficient to invpke the procedural protections of the due process clause." (citing Paul v. Davis, 424 U.S. 693, 701, 96 S.Ct. 1155, 47 L.Ed.2d 405 (1976))). "The Constitution does not protect against all intrusions on one's peace of mind. Fear or emotional injury, which results solely .from verbal harassment or idle threats is generally not sufficient to constitute an invasion of an identified liberty interest." King v. Olmsted Cnty., 117 F.3d 1065, 1067 (8th Cir.1997) (quotation omitted); accord Der v. Connolly, 825 F.Supp.2d 991, 998 (D.Minn.2010).
Further, Plaintiff has not alleged the type of conscious-shocking conduct required for a substantive-due process violation. "The theory of substantive due process is properly reserved for truly egregious and extraordinary cases." Mills, 614 F.3d at 498 (quotation omitted). "Such a high standard is necessary 'lest the Constitution be demoted . to a font of tort law.' " Der, 825 F.Supp.2d at 998 (alteration in original) (quoting Cnty. of Sacramento v. Lewis, 523 U.S. 833, 847 n. 8, 118 S.Ct. 1708, 140 L.Ed.2d 1043 (1998)). "A plaintiff must establish the government action complained of is truly irrational, that is something more than arbitrary, capricious, or in violation of state law. Truly irrational conduct is conscience shocking in a constitutional sense." Mills, 614 F.3d at 498 (quotations and citation omitted). "Because the conscience-shocking standard is intended to limit substantive due process liability, it is an issue of law for the judge, not a question of fact for the jury." Sitzes v. City of West Memphis Ark., 606 F.3d 461, 467 (8th Cir.2010) (quotation omitted).
Plaintiff disagrees with how Close, Rusinoff, Britzius, and Moen recount his criminal history, summarize victim information, and characterize his behavior. Accepting the allegations in the Complaint as true as this Court must, errors may have occurred in the drafting process and there is an argument to be made that. the language used should,have been more precise. See Sitzes, 606 F.3d at 466 ("[Negligent conduct . is categorically beneath the threshold of constitutional due process." (quotation omitted)). But, the Court cannot conclude that the statements made by Close, Rusinoff, Britzius, and Moen, even if at times inaccurate, shock the conscience or were made in an arbitrary or capricious fashion. See id. at 468. While the length of Plaintiffs criminal history, the number of offenses, and multiple jurisdictions involved undoubtedly complicated the task of those charged with interpreting, summarizing, and analyzing the information, accuracy is important. Greater care should be taken. But, this is insufficient to state a constitútional claim.
Nor was Murphy's reliance on the documents prepared by Close, Rusinoff, and Britzius so irrational, arbitrary or capricious that such reliance rose to the level of a substantive-due process violation. See Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 3(b) (requiring ECRC to prepare risk assessment), (c) (describing ECRC's access to certain private data for purposes of assessment). Moreover, to the extent that Plaintiff believed Murphy and the ECRC's risk-level determination was irrational, arbitrary, or capricious, he could seek administrative review of that determination by an ALJ, which Plaintiff in fact did here without success. See id. subd. 6.
The Court is particularly concerned about the allegation that Moen revealed Plaintiffs cellphone number during a community notification meeting. Plaintiff is correct that Minnesota's registration statute does not require him to provide his phone number. See Minn.Stat. § 243.166, subd. 4a (requiring address information and vehicle information). Further, information provided in accordance with the registration statute is private data under the MGDPA. MinmStat. § 243.166, subd. 7(a); see Minn.Stat. § 299C.093 (information on registered predatory offenders contained in database'maintained by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for law enforcement agencies is "private data on individuals"). The information provided may be disclosed for "law enforcement and corrections purposes," Minn.Stat. § 243.166, subd. 7(b), 299C.093, and to the extent such disclosure "is relevant to protect the public and to counteract the offender's dangerousness," Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 4(a). But, "[t]he extent of the information disclosed and the community to whom disclosure is made must relate to the level of danger posed by the offender, to the offender's pattern of offending behavior, and to the need of community members for information to enhance their individual and collective safety." Minn. Stat. § 244.052, subd. 4(a).
It is difficult for this Court to see how the disclosure of Plaintiffs cell phone number at a community notification meeting serves a law-enforcement or corrections purpose, protects the public, or counteracts any dangerousness posed by Plaintiff. Such disclosure in fact seems to be inviting the type of harassment that Plaintiff experienced shortly after the meeting. But, even if Moen violated state law by disclosing'Plaintiffs cellphone number, a violation of state law is not sufficient to state a substantive-due-process claim. See Mills, 614 F.3d at 498; see also Rodgers v. Knight, 781 F.3d 932, 945 (8th Cir.2015) ("A violation of state law, without more, is not the equivalent of a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment." (quotation omitted)). While the disclosure of Plaintiffs cellphone number was imprudent, the disclosure does not "shock the conscience or . otherwise offend[ ] . judicial notions of fairness and human dignity." Dahl v. Rice Cnty., Minn., No. 06-cv-3777 (DWF/AJB), 2008 WL 5382333, at *6 (D.Minn. Dec. 23, 2008).
Based on the foregoing, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims for violations of the Fourteenth Amendment be dismissed with respect to the State Defendants for failure to . state a claim.
3. Section 1985
The State Defendants move for dismissal of Plaintiffs claim that they conspired to violate his civil rights, arguing that Plaintiff "fails to plead facts which would show a meeting of the minds between the State Defendants." (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 12.)
a. Amending the Pleadings
Following the States Defendants' motion to dismiss, Plaintiff filed a document entitled "Amended Complaint," wherein he seeks to add "more factual basis" to his conspiracy..claim. ("Am. Compl.," ECF No. 51.) The "Amended Complaint" was filed within the 21-day period proscribed in Fed. R. Civ. 15(a)(1)(B), which permits a plaintiff to amend his pleading as a matter of course within "21 days after service of a motion under Rule 12(b)." 'The State Defendants oppose the filing of this "Amended Complaint," asserting that the "Amended Complaint" fails to comply with this Court's Local Rule that "any amended pleading must be complete in itself and must not incorporate by reference any prior pleading," D. Minn. LR 15.1(a), and any amendment would be futile. (State Defs.' Mem. Opp. "Am. Compl." at 1-2, ECF No. 55.)
The State Defendants are correct that Plaintiffs "Amended Complaint" does not comport with D. Minn. LR15.1. Notwithstanding Plaintiffs pro se status, Plaintiff is still bound to comply with the Local Rules of'this Court. See Meehan v. United Consumers Club Franchising Corp., 312 F.3d 909, 914 (8th Cir.2002) ("All civil litigants are required to follow applicable procedural rules."); Lindstedt v. City of Granby, 238 F.3d 933, 937 (8th Cir.2000) (per curiam) ("A pro se litigant is bound by the litigation rules as is a lawyer...."); Silberstein v. Internal Revenue Serv., 16 F.3d 858, 860 (8th Cir.1994) ("local rules . are binding on the parties").
As stated above, Local Rule 15.1 requires that "any amended pleading . be complete in itself and . not incorporate by reference any prior pleading." ' D. Minn. LR 15.1(a). Plaintiffs "Amended Complaint" seeks to add factual allegations to his Complaint, but is not a complete pleading in itself. But, for the reasons stated below, even if the Court were to consider the additional allegations in .the "Amended Complaint" in conjunction with those in the Complaint, Plaintiffs conspiracy claim still fails as a matter of law. See Ketchum v. City of West Memphis, Ark., 974 F.2d 81, 82 (8th Cir.1992) ("Because plaintiff is proceeding pro se, we treat facts set out in this filing as de facto amendments to the complaint.").
b. Conspiracy
"To establish a conspiracy under [42 U.S.C.] § 1985(3), [Plaintiff] must prove: (1) the existence of a conspiracy; (2) that the purpose of the conspiracy was to deprive him of his .civil rights; (3) an act in furtherance of the conspiracy; and (4) injury." McDonald v. City of Saint Paul, 679 F.3d 698, 706 (8th Cir.2012); accord Davis v. Jefferson Hosp. Ass'n, 685 F.3d 675, 684 (8th Cir.2012); Adams v. Minn. Dep't of Corrs., No. 14-cv-0977 (MJD/TNL), 2015 WL 774197, at *8 (D.Minn. Feb. 24, 2015). "The 'purpose' element of the conspiracy requires that the plaintiff prove a class-based 'invidiously discriminatory animus.' " City of Omaha Employees Betterment Ass'n v. City of Omaha, 883 F.2d 650, 652 (8th Cir.1989) [hereinafter City of Omaha] (quoting Griffin v. Breckenridge, 403 U.S. 88, 102, 102 n. 10, 91 S.Ct. 1790, 29 L.Ed.2d 338 (1971)); accord McDonald, 679 F.3d at 706 ("McDonald also must show that the conspiracy is fueled by some class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus." (quotation omitted)).
Additionally, "the plaintiff must allege with particularity and specifically demonstrate with material facts that the defendants reached an -agreement. [H]e can satisfy this burden by pointing to at least some facts which would suggest that [the defendants] reached an understanding to violate [his] rights." City of Omaha, 883 F.2d at 652 (quotation and citation omitted).
Allegations that identify the period of the conspiracy, the object of the conspiracy, and certain other actions of the alleged conspirators taken to achieve that purpose and allegations that identify which defendants conspired, how they conspired and how the conspiracy led to a deprivation -of constitutional , rights have been held to be sufficiently particular to properly allege a conspiracy.
Steshenko v. Albee, 42 F.Supp.3d 1281, 1294 (N.D.Cal.2014).
The State Defendants argue that Plaintiff has failed to allege facts "demonstrat[irig] that any of the State Defendants reached an agreement to conspire against [him]" and "supporting how any of the State Defendants were involved in relation to any alleged conspiracy with anyone else." (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 13.) Indeed, in the Complaint, Plaintiff alleges only that a conspiracy existed among the Defendants "to drive from the State of Minnesota what these [Defendants] deem to be, unwanted and [p]redatory persons from the . [S]tate." (Compl. at 6; see Compl. at 11, 15, 16, 18-19.) In the "Amended Complaint," Plaintiff adds:
Each defendant consulted with each other to see what should be inserted in the community [fact sheet]. The information forwarded to each police agency was supplied by defendants at the Minnesota Department of Corree tions.... The local police agencies did nothing to investigate the alle[g]ed activity by [Plaintiff], but only printed what D.O.C. personnel told them to print. Defendants became voluntary members to commit illegal, acts [with] another [sic].
("Am. Compl." at 2.) These allegations do not state with particularity how the State Defendants, or' any defendant for that matter, reached an agreement or understanding with each other or with any other defendant to-violate Plaintiff's civil rights, especially considering that the acts Close, Rusinoff, Britzius, Murphy, and Moen allegedly committed did not involve the creation of any fact sheet regarding Plaintiff. See Davis, 685 F.3d at 685; City of Omaha, 883 F.2d at 652; Steshenko, 42 F.Supp.3d at 1294. Absent any fad® plausibly showing an agreement or understanding reached by the State Defendants with each other or with any other defendant, Plaintiffs conspiracy claim is merely conclusory. See Igbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937; Adams, 2015 WL 774197, at *9; Steshenko, 42 F.Supp.3d at 1294 (dismissing § 1985(3) claim where plaintiff "plead[ed] no facts to support his conspiracy claim" and provided only conclusory allegation that defendants conspired to violate his civil rights).
Nor has Plaintiff alleged facts satisfying the "purpose" element, namely, that he was the victim of some class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus. See Weems v. Little Rock Police Dep't, 453 F.3d 1010, 1016 (8th Cir.2006) (sex offender status not suspect' classification); see also Hines v. Jenks, 89 Fed.Appx. 189, 191 (10th Cir.2004) ("Sex offenders are not members of a suspect class.... ").
Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1985 claims against the State Defendants be dismissed for failure to state a ,claim.
C. State Claims
The remaining claims against the State Defendants consistent of Plaintiffs defamation claims and the MGDPA claim against Moen,
1. Defamation Claims
Plaintiffs defamation claims against the State Defendants are barred by the two-year statute of limitations applicable to such claims. See Minn.Stat. § 541.07(1) (actions for libel and slander "shall be commenced within two years"); Songa v. Sunrise Senior Living Invs., 22 F.Supp.3d 939, 942 (D.Minn.2014) ("In Minnesota, claims for defamation . are subject to a two-year statute of limitations."); McGaa v. Glumack, 441 N.W.2d 823, 825 (Minn.App.1989) ("The statute of limitations governing defamation claims is two years."); see also Shepard v. TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc., 509 Fed.Appx. 556, 556 (8th Cir.2013) (per curiam). The latest defamatory statement by the State Defendants was allegedly made by Moen in 2011, more than two years before Plaintiff filed the instant action in 2014. While Plaintiff states that he did not discover the false statements until accessing his file in 2010, (see Compl. at 13; Pl.'s Obj. at 1-2), "[l]ack of knowledge of a defamatory publication will not toll the statute of limitations; the statute of limitations begins to run at the time of publication." McGaa, 441 N.W.2d at 825.
Plaintiff argues that he has five years in which to bring his defamation claims because "this action is not filed in State Court, but in Federal Court for Defendant[s'] actionsf ] in violating the Plaintiffs Constitutional Right[s]. The time-frame to file a [c]ivil[-]right[s] claim under 42 USCA [§ ] 1983[ ] is five (5) years[ ] from the initial onset of illegal activity." (Pl.'s Ob]', at 1.) Defamation is a common-law claim. See Moreno v. Crookston Times Printing Co., 610 N.W.2d 321, 327-28 (Minn.2000) ("The common law claim of defamation at civil law . redress[es] though injuries to reputation caused by the publication of false information damaging to another's reputation."). "When considering state law claims, federal courts are required to apply state statutes of limitations." Settle v. Fluker, 978 F.2d 1063, 1064 (8th Cir.1992) (per curiam); accord Childs v. Extended Stay of Am. Hotels, No. 10-cv-3781 (SRN/JJK), 2012 WL 2126845, at *3 (D.Minn. June 12, 2012) ("Minnesota's state statute of limitations applies to the claims asserted by [Plaintiffs] because they assert state law claims."). Accordingly, Plaintiff's defamation cláims are governed by' Minn.Stat. § 541.07(1). Because this action was not commenced within two years of the State Defendants' allegedly defamatory statements, Plaintiffs defamation claims are time-barred and the Court recommends that they be dismissed.
2. MGDPA Claim Against Moen in Her Individual & Official Capacities
Plaintiff alleges that Moen disclosed Plaintiffs "privileged information[ ] in violation of State Law," namely, his cellphone number, at a 2011 community meeting. (Compl. at 16; see "Am. Compl." at 4.) Plaintiff alleges that, as a result of that disclosure, he received a phone call that evening about an hour after the meeting from an unknown individual "want[ing] to meet with [him] at Hwy. 95, and a County road." (Compl. at 16; see "Am. Compl." at 4.) As mentioned above, information provided by a predatory offender in accordance with the registration statute is private data under Minnesota law. Minn. Stat. § 243.166, subd. 7(a). Giving Plaintiffs Complaint the benefits of liberal construction accorded to pro se litigations, the Court construes these allegations as asserting a claim for disclosure of private data under the MGDPA.
Whereas a defamation claim must be brought within two years, a MGDPA claim must be brought within six years. Manteuffel v. City of North St. Paul, 570 N.W.2d 807, 812 (Minn.App.1997). Thus, Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Moen in her individual and official capacities is timely.
A claim for violation of the MGDPA, however, cannot be asserted against Moen individually. Minn.Stat. § 13.08, subd. 1 (stating action for damages may be brought against "a responsible authority or government entity which violates any provision of this chapter"); Evenstad v. Herberg, 994 F.Supp.2d 995, 1005 (D.Minn.2014); accord Walker v. Scott Cnty., 518 N.W.2d 76, 78 (Minn.App.1994) ("[T]he [MGDPA] does not impose civil liability on individuals."). And, as previously discussed in Section IV(B)(1), "[b]ecause the State of Minnesota has not specified an intent- to subject itself to suit in federal court under the MGDPA, [Plaintiffl's claim [against Moen in her official capacity] . must be dismissed." Evenstad, 994 F.Supp.2d at 1006 (noting absence-of "in federal court" language in wáiver contained in Minn.Stat. § 13.08, subd. 1, and concluding "MGDPA does not express a clear and unequivocal intent to waive Eleventh Amendment immunity"); see Soto v. John Defendants 1-5, No. 13-cv-640 (DWF/SER), 2014 WL 1607615, at *12 (D.Minn. Apr. 15, 2014) ("[T]o the extent Soto alleges a violation of state law as the basis for his claim for monetary or prospective relief, his claim fails because the Eleventh Amendment bars suits in federal court against a state for an alleged violation of its own Jaws."). Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Moen in her official capacity be dismissed without prejudice so that Plaintiff may pursue this claim in state district court if he elects to do so.
V. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DEFENDANTS
The Columbia Heights Defendants also move for dismissal of Plaintiffs claims pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). Additionally, the Columbia Heights Defendants assert that the Columbia Heights Police Department is not a proper party and Plaintiff has not properly served the City of Columbia Heights. The Columbia Heights Defendants also oppose Plaintiffs attempt to amend his Complaint and assert that, because Plaintiff did not timely respond to their motion to dismiss, the motion should be considered unopposed. (Columbia Heights Defs.' Reply at 1-3, ECF No. 57.) Plaintiff did file an untimely response. (Pl.'s Reply, ECF No. 65). See D. Minn. LR 7.1(c)(2) (responsive memorandum and supporting documents due within 21 days after the filing of a dispositive motion). While Plaintiff did not timely respond to the Columbia Heights Defendants' motion, the Court has considered the arguments raised in Plaintiffs untimely memorandum as well as those arguments raised in his responsive memorandum to the State Defendant's motions that pertain to the Columbia Heights Defendants in the interests of completeness.
A. Columbia Heights Police Department
Plaintiff has sued the Columbia Heights Police Department, not the City of Columbia Heights. (Compl. at 3.) "Municipal police departments are not legal entities subject to suit." Anderson v. City of Hopkins, 805 F.Supp.2d 712, 719 (D.Minn. 2011) (citing cases); see Ketchum, 974 F.2d at 82 ("The West Memphis Police Department and West Memphis Paramedic Services are not juridicial entities suable as such. They are simply departments or subdivisions of the City government."); Henke v. City of Orono, No. 14-cv-1681 (DSD/HB), 2014 WL 5475020, at *1 n. 1 (D.Minn. Oct. 29, 2014) ("The Orono Police Department, as a city agency, is not subject to suit."). There is no evidence in the record that either the Columbia Heights Police Department or the City of Columbia Heights were ever served in this matter. (See ECF Nos. 3, 8 (summons returned executed).)
While Nadeau was served, such service of process was not effective as to the City of Columbia Heights as Nadeau, the Columbia Heights Police Department's Chief of Police, (Exs. at 59), is neither the chief executive officer nor the city clerk for the City of Columbia Heights. See Fed. R.Civ.P. 4(f)(2) (municipality may be served by delivering summons and complaint to its chief executive officer or in a manner prescribed by state law); Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03(e)(2) (municipality may be served through its chief executive officer or clerk).
Plaintiff has not provided any evidence that service of process on the City of Columbia Heights was in fact effectuated. See 3M Co. v. Darlet-Marchante-Techologie SA, No. 08-cv-827 (JNE/SRN), 2009 WL 1228245, at *3 (D.Minn. May 5, 2009) ("On a motion to dismiss brought under . Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(5), insufficiency of service of process, the plaintiff must establish prima facie evidence that there was sufficient . service of process."). For these service-of-process deficiencies alone, the Court would be within its discretion to recommend that Plaintiffs municipal claims be dismissed. See Marshall v. Warwick, 155 F.3d 1027, 1032 (8th Cir.1998) ("Dismissal is not invariably required where service is not effective: under such circumstances, the district court has discretion to either dismiss the action, or quash service but retain the case." (quotation omitted)): accord 3M Co., 2009 WL 1228245, at *6 (same).
But, for the reasons that follow, even if the Court were to construe Plaintiffs federal claims against the Columbia Heights Police Department as being brought against the City of Columbia Heights itself, these claims still fail to state a claim for which relief can be granted. See Mosley v. Reeves, 99 F.Supp.2d 1048, 1053-54 (E.D.Mo.2000) ("Given the liberal construction accorded to pro se complaints, the Court will construe plaintiffs claims against [the Poplar Bluff Police Department] to be against the City of Poplar Bluff, which is the proper suable entity here.").
B. Federal Claims
1. Section 1983
a. Nadeau in His Individual Capacity
For the samé reasons the -Court identified above with respect to the State Defendants in Section IV(B)(2), Plaintiff has failed to state a claim against Nadeau individually under § 1983; Nadeau is employed by the City of Columbia Heights, not the federal government, and therefore any due-process claim, under the Fifth Amendment fails. See Hess, 714 F.3d at 1053. Plaintiff has not identified what cruel and unusual punishment Nadeau allegedly subjected him to and thus has not pleaded a violation of'his Eighth Amendment rights. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937. Plaintiff'has not identified a protected liberty or property interest and thus he cannot sustain a claim for a violation of h.is Fourteenth Amendment rights. See Singleton, 176 F.3d at 424. Nor has Plaintiff alleged that Nadeau committed the type of -conscious-shocking conduct required for a violation of his substantive-due-process rights. At most, Plaintiff has pleaded that Nadeau included conduct on the fact sheet for which Plaintiff has not been charged. See Villanueva v. City of Scottsbluff, 779 F.3d 507, 512 (8th Cir.2015) ("To shock the conscience, an official's action must either be motivated by an intent to harm or, where deliberation is practical, - demonstrate deliberate indifference. Mere negligence, or even gross negligence, is not actionable." (quotation omitted)).
Plaintiff has also arguably raised an equal-protection claim under the Fourteenth Amendment against Nadeau. (See Compl. at 20; Pl.'s Obj. at 3-4; Pl.'s Reply at 3.) "In general, the Equal Protection Clause requires that state actors treat similarly situated people alike." McDonald, 679 F.3d at 705 (quotation omitted); "The first step in an equal protec tion- case is to determine whether the plaintiff has demonstrated different treatment than others who were similarly situated. The plaintiff must shów that he was similarly situated in all relevant respects." Foster v. City of St. Paul, 837 F.Supp.2d 1024, 1031 (D.Minn.2011) (quotation omitted); accord McDonald, 679 F.3d at 705 ("As a threshold, matter, McDonald must demonstrate that the defendants treated him differently than similarly situated 'Candidates."). Plaintiff has not "allege[d] any facts establishing that [Nadeau] treated him differently than, other similarly situated , persons, and [therefore] dismissal is warranted." Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *3; see Potter v. Tontitown, 307 Fed.Appx. 18, 19 (8th Cir.2009) (per curiam) (plaintiffs failed to state equal-protection claim where "allegations indicated the identified parties were not similarly situated in all relevant respects").
Based on the foregoing, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims against Nadeau in his individual capacity be dismissed for failure to state a claim. Because the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims be dismissed for failure to state a claim, the Court does not consider whether Nadeau is otherwise entitled to qualified immunity. See Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *4 n. 6 (declining to address absolute immunity argument where § 1983 claims dismissed for failure to state a claim).
b. Nadeau, in His Official Capacity & the City of Columbia Heights
Plaintiff asserts § 1983 claims against Nadeau in his individual and official capacities. "A suit against a governmental actor in his official capacity is treated as a suit against the governmental entity itself." Brockinton v. City of Sherwood, 503 F.3d 667, 674 (8th Cir.2007). Accordingly, the Court construes Plaintiffs claims against Nadeau in his official capacity as well as those brought against the Columbia Heights Police Department, see supra Section V(A), as being asserted against the City of Columbia Heights.
"In Monell v. Department of Social Services, the Supreme Court held that a municipality can be liable under § 1983 if an 'action pursuant to official. municipal policy of some nature caused a constitutional tort.' " Veatch v. Bartels Lutheran Home, 627 F.3d 1254, 1257 (8th Cir.2010) (citation omitted) (quoting 436 U.S. 658, 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018, 56 L.Ed.2d 611 (1978)). "A governmental entity cannot be held vicariously liable for its agent's acts under § 1983." Brockinton, 503 F.3d at 674 (citing Monell, 436 U.S. at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018); accord Atkinson v. City of Mountain View, 709 F.3d 1201, 1214 (8th Cir.2013) ("Although the Supreme Court has held that a municipality is a person that can be liable under § 1983, it is well established that a municipality cannot be held liable on a respondeat superior theory, that is, solely because it employs a tortfeasor." (quotation omitted)).
"T[he Eighth C]ircuit has consistently recognized a general rule that, in order for municipal liability to attach, individual liability must first be found on an underlying substantive claim." Brockinton, 503 F.3d at 674 (quotation omitted); accord Bass v. Anoka Cnty., 998 F.Supp.2d 813, 823 (D.Minn.2014) ("A municipality, however, may not be held liable for its officers' actions unless 'the officers are found liable on the underlying substantive claim." (quotation omitted)).. Because this Court concludes that Plaintiff. has failed to state a claim under § 1983 for violation of his constitutional rights' against Nadeau, it necessarily follows that Plaintiff has failed to state a Monell claim against the City of Columbia Heights. Brockinton, 503 F.3d at 674; Mallak v. Aitkin Cnty., 9 F.Supp.3d 1046, 1063 (D.Minn.2014) ("Because Plaintiff has not established an underlying violation of any constitutional right, any Monell claim , against the City and County. Defendants must be dismissed." (citation omitted)); Bass, 998 F.Supp.2d at 824 ("As already explained, all constitutional claims against the individual defendants fail. As a result, dismissal of the municipal liability claims against the City Defendants is warranted").
Moreover, in order to state a Monell claim, "a plaintiff must identify a governmental policy or custom that caused the plaintiffs injury to recover from a governmental entity under § 1983." Brockinton, 503 F.3d at 674 (quotation omitted); see Thomsen v. Ross, 368 F.Supp.2d 961, 969 (D.Minn.2005) ("A Section 1983 plaintiff must first identify the government policy in question"). In his complaint, Plaintiff alleges that he "will establish connection to governmental 'Policy or Custom' " and the actions taken "are contrary to ex[i]sting laws, customs, or policies." (Compl. at 6.) Plaintiff has not, however, identified the particular policies or customs at issue. A plaintiff that "allege[s] no facts in his complaint that would demonstrate the existence of a policy or custom by [the municipality] that caused [the alleged] der privation" fails to state a Monell claim. Ulrich v. Pope County, 715 F.3d 1054, 1061 (8th Cir.2013); see Smithrud, 746 F.3d at 397 (district court did not err in concluding plaintiff failed to state a Monell claim where plaintiffs complaint "ma[d]e no reference to Monell and fail[ed] to allege any of the required elements to support such a claim"). The Court' concludes that Plaintiff has offered nothing more than a conclusory allegation as to the existence of a policy or custom, and thus has failed to state a Monell claim against the City of Columbia Heights. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937.
2. Section 1985
Like the State Defendants, the Columbia Heights Defendants also contend that the additional allegations in the "Amended Complaint" do not save Plaintiffs § 1985 claim and any amendment would be futile. (Columbia Heights Defs.' Reply at 1-2.)
As set forth in Section IV(B)(3)(b), even if the additional allegations contained in the "Amended Complaint" are considered, Plaintiff has failed to state a claim for conspiracy to . violate his civil rights under § 1985. Plaintiff has, not alleged facts with particularity stating how the Columbia Heights Defendants reached an agreement with each other or any other defendant to violate Plaintiffs civil rights. See City of Omaha, 883 F.2d at 652. Plaintiff states that the Columbia Heights Defendants did the same thing as the Minneapolis and Bloomington Defendants: contacted the DOC for information regarding Plaintiff and used whatever the information the DOC provided without further investigation. (Pl.'s Reply; see "Am. Compl." at 2; Pl.'s Obj. at 4.) Plaintiff points to similar wording in the. respective fact sheets as proof the Defendants conspired with one another. (See Pl.'s Reply at 1-2, 5.) Plaintiff alleges, however, only that the Columbia Heights, Minneapolis, and Bloomington Defendants did the same thing — contacted the DOC for information to include in their respective fact sheets. See Adams, 2015 WL 774197, at *9. "Without any facts, plausibly showing an agreement or understanding reached by [the Columbia Heights Defendants] with each other or with any other defendant in this matter, [Plaintiff's] allegation of conspiracy is merely conclusory." Id. (citing Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937); see Steshenko, 42 F.Supp.3d at 1294. Similarly, Plaintiff has not alleged that he was the victim of some class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus and thus has not pleaded the "purpose" element of a § 1985 claim. See McDonald, 679 F.3d at 706.
Based on the foregoing, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1985 .claims against the Columbia Heights Defendants be dismissed for failure to state .a claim.
C. Defamation Claims
The allegedly defamatory statements made by the Columbia Heights Defendants occurred in 2013, within two years' of the filing of the instant action. With respect to Plaintiffs defamation claims, the Columbia Heights Defendants assert that they are entitled to absolute and qualified privilege.
1. Immunity Under Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 7
Under Minnesota law, state and local agencies and officials are immune from liability for disclosing information regarding predatory offenders. See Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 7 (immunity from liability). That immunity, however, "applies only to disclosure of information that is consistent with' the offender's conviction history. It does not apply to disclosure of information relating to conduct for which the offender was not convicted." Id. subd. 7(c) (emphasis added).
in Semler v. Klang, a predatory offender challenged the community notices law enforcement agencies provided to the public regarding the offender's release. 743 N.W.2d 273, 276 (Minh.App.2007). The offender claimed the notices "violated his rights and constituted slander and defamation" because they included information not consistent with his conviction history, namely, a broader victim pool and conduct of which he had not been convicted. Id. at 275, 276. The Minnesota Court of Appeals agreed with the state district court that subdivision 7's statutory immunity was not available to the law enforcement agencies because they "had disclosed information relating to conduct for which [the offender] was not convicted." Id. at 278. Taking the allegations in the Complaint as'true, the Columbia Heights Defendants have disclosed victim information and conduct which is not'consistent with Plaintiffs conviction history.' (Compl. at 20; Exs. at 60.) Thus, the Columbia Heights Defendants are not entitled to statutory immunity under MinmStat. § 244.052, subd. 7.
2. Common-Law Privileges
"Two types of privilege exist as defenses against defamation claims: absolute privilege and qualified privilege." Minke v. City of Minneapolis, 845 N.W.2d 179, 182 (Minn.2014) (citing Zutz v. Nelson, 788 N.W.2d 58, 61 (Minn.2010)).
Both privileges exist because statements made in particular contexts or on certain occasions should be encouraged despite the risk that the statements might be defamatory. Absolute privilege bars liability for even intentionally false statements, coupled with malice, while qualified privilege bars liability only if the defamatory statements are publicized in good faith and without malice.
Id. (quotations omitted and citation omitted).
"The absolute privilege is confined to situations where the public service requires it, keeping in mind that the purpose of the privilege is not so much to protect public officials but to promote the public good, i.e., to keep the public informed of the public's business." Redwood Cnty. Tel. Co. v. Luttman, 567 N.W.2d 717, 720 (Minn.App.1997) (quotation omitted), rev. denied (Minn. Oct. 21, 1997).
[T]he purpose of extending absolute immunity to an officer performing a certain governmental function is not primarily to protect the officer personally from civil liability (although that is the effect of absolute immunity). Rather, the rationale is that unless the officer in question is absolutely immune from suit, the officer will timorously, instead of fearlessly, perform the function in question and, as a result, government-that is, the public-will be the ultimate loser. .
Carradine v. State, 511 N.W.2d 733, 735 (Minn.1994). "Because of its more robust protections, absolute privilege is not lightly granted and is confined within narrow limits. [Courts] only extend absolute privilege when public policy weighs strongly in favor of such extension." Minke, 845 N.W.2d at 182 (quotations and citations omitted). "Whether an executive officer is absolutely immune from defamation liability depends on many factors, including the nature of the function assigned to the officer and the relationship of the statements to the performance of that function." Carradine, 511 N.W.2d at 736.
The Columbia Heights Defendants assert that "[p]olice officers have absolute immunity for claims based on alleged defamatory statements made during the course of their duties," citing Carradine, (Columbia Heights Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 17.) This is somewhat an overstatement. In Carradine, the Minnesota Supreme Court explicitly stated that "[t]he issue in this case, therefore is not whether police officers have absolute immunity from civil suit for all allegedly defamatory statements made in the performance of their duties." 511 N.W.2d at 736. Instead, the Minnesota Supreme Court was concerned with "two much-more specific issues," allegedly defamatory statements made in an arrest report and allegedly defamatory statements made to the media regarding the same arrest. Id. In 2014, the Minnesota Supreme Court emphasized that "[i]n extending absolute privilege to the statements made by the state trooper in the arrest report [in Carradine], we made clear that we were not extending such privilege to all statements made by peace officers." Minke, 845 N.W.2d at 183.
•Nevertheless, absolute- privilege has been granted in the law-enforcement context in certain situations. In Carradine, a state trooper was entitled to absolute immunity' for allegedly defamatory statements made in an arrest report. 511 N.W.2d at 736-37. The Minnesota Supreme , Court "attach[ed] great significance" to the fact that (1) the preparation of such "reports accurately summarizing the circumstances leading to and surrounding the arrest" was a "key part" of the officer's job; (2) such reports were used not only within the department, but by the prosecutor in determining whether and what offenses to charge; (3) the significant role such reports can play at trial in refreshing a witness's recollection or for impeachment purposes; and (4) without such immunity, an officer may prepare a less-detailed report "that will be less useful within the department and in any subsequent prosecution and trial" out, of fear of liability. Id. at 736.
At the same time, however, the Minnesota Supreme Court concluded that the trooper was not entitled to "absolute immunity from civil suit for allegedly defamatory statements made in response to press inquiries" regarding the same arrest. Id. at 737. The Minnesota Supreme Court reasoned that
[a]n arresting officer's freedom of expression in making ah arrest report is essential to the performance of his function as an officer, whereas it is not at all essential to the officer's performance of his duties as an officer that he respond to press inquiries about the circumstances leading up tó and surrounding an arrest.
Id. at 737.
In Redwood County Telephone Co., the Minnesota Court of Appeals considered several statements made by the county sheriff concerning issues impeding the upgrade of the county's 911 system. 567 N.W.2d at 719. On three separate occasions, the sheriff indicated that it was the phone company that was impeding the upgrade. Id, Observing that "it is the relationship of the statement to a job-related function of the government official that determines the absolute privilege," the Minnesota Court of Appeals held that the sheriff was entitled to absolute privilege. Id. at 720. The Minnesota Court of Appeals stated that the sheriffs statements were in response to "questions directed to the sheriff as the public official charged with providing [the] important function [of emergency services to the county]" and "[a]ll [of the statements] were made in the performance of his official duties as sheriff." Id. at 721.
In Minke, ' the 'Minnesota Supreme Court' examined the statements of a supervising sergeant in' the context of a background investigation. 845 N.W.2d at 181. A former employee applied for a job with a different law enforcement agency and listed the sergeant as a contact person for his prior employment. Id. The applicant alleged that, in an interview with the law enforcement agency, the sergeant "made statements that were defamatory, including attacks on his honesty, integrity,..character, work ethic, and performance." Id, (quotation omitted). The Minnesota Supreme Court declined to extend absolute privilege to the sergeant-because the statements were: (1) more akin to an, administrative personnel matter and did not have the judicial significance of a police report; (2) "made in the context of an employment-related background investigation in which, typically, a qualified privilege, not an absolute privilege, is recognized"; and not part of the sergeant's essential job duties, noting that the sergeant had declined to respond to an inquiry from a different agency. Id. at 183-84.
Returning to Minn.Stat..§ 244.052, law enforcement agencies, such as the Columbia Heights Defendants, are required to disclose information regarding a predatory offender which, in the agency's judgment, is "relevant - and necessary to protect the public and to counteract the offender's dangerousness." Minn.Stat. § 244.052; subd. 4(a). This includes pertinent "information regarding the offender contained in the [ECRC] report." Id. "The extént-of the information disclosed and the community to- whom disclosure is made must relate to the level of danger posed by the offender; "to the offender's pattern of offending behavior, and to the need of community members for information to enhance their'individual and collectivé' safety." Id. Disclosure of information in accordance With Minn.Stat. § 244.052, subd. 4, requires' an exercise of the law enforcement agency's judgment in determining what information to disclose. See Semler, 743 N.W.2d at 279 ("At no point does Minn.Stat. § 244.052 either mandate or forbid disclosure without reference to the disclosers' judgment as to what to disclose and to whom to disclose it.").
While absolute privilege is not something to be granted lightly, Minke, 845 N.W.2d at 182, the Court concludes that it is warranted here. "[I]t is the relationship of the statement to a job-related function of the government official that determines the absolute privilege," Redwood Cnty. Tel. Co., 567 N.W.2d at 720 (citing Carradine, 511 N.W.2d at 736). Nadeau, the Chief of Police for the City of Columbia Heights, was charged by the Minnesota legislature to provide information to the public regarding predatory offenders. All of the statements made by Nadeau in the fact sheet were in the performance of his official duties as police chief. See Redwood Cnty. Tel. Co., 567 N.W.2d at 721; McDeid v. O'Keefe, No. C0-03-177, 2003 WL 21525128, at *4 (Minn.App. July 8, 2003) (staff members "enjoy[ed] absolute immunity for statements made in a report they were required to make as part of their duties"); compare Johnson v. Dirkswager, 315 N.W.2d 215, 220-21 (Minn.1982) (commissioner entitled to absolute privilege as statements made in performance of official duties), with Bol v. Cole, 561 N.W.2d 143, 149 (Minn.1997) (psychologist making statements to parent was not entitled to absolute privilege); Gunnink v. State, No. A09-396, 2010 WL 10388, at *7 (Minn.App. Jan. 5, 2010) (state employee not entitled to absolute privilege where "it is not apparent that he was required to make the allegedly defamatory statements as part of his official duties"). These statements were directly related to the performance of his job-related functions under Minn.Stat. § 244.052. See Dirkswager, 315 N.W.2d. at 221; Redwood Cnty. Tel Co., 567 N.W.2d at 721. The fact sheet , was prepared for purposes of public safety. Minn.Stat. § 244.052, ,subd. 4. Without absolute privilege, a law enforcement agency may prepare a less robust fact sheet, which may only partially illuminate the dangerousness of the subject individual, at the expense of public safety. See Carradine, 511 N.W.2d at 736; see also Bol, 561 N.W.2d at 149 ("For absolute privilege to apply, the public interest served must be one of paramount importance, such that it is entitled to protection even at the expense of failing to compensate harm to the defamed person's reputation."); cf. Gunnink, 2010 WL 10388, at *7 (state employee not entitled to absolute privilege where "no critical public interest" involved).
Here, there is a "compelling public policy interest, taking into account 'the nature of the function assigned to the officer and the relationship of the statements to. the performance of that function.' " Minke, 845 N.W.2d at 183 (quoting Carradine, 511 N.W.2d at 736); see Bol, 561 N.W.2d at 149. Accordingly, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs defamation claim against Nadeau be dismissed on the basis of absolute privilege. Because Nadeau is entitled to absolute privilege, the City of Columbia Heights is similarly entitled. Carradine, 511 N.W.2d at 737; Redwood Cnty. Tel. Co., 567 N.W.2d at 721.
VI. MINNEAPOLIS DEFENDANTS
Plaintiff's claims' against the Minneapolis Defendants arise out of fact sheets generated in '2010 and 2011. (Compl. at 7, 17.) The Minneapolis Defendants similarly move for dismissal' of Plaintiffs claims pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). Like the Columbia Heights Defendants, the Minneapolis Defendants assert that the Minneapolis Police Department is not a proper party. (Minneapolis Defs.' Mem in Supp. at 1 n. 1, ECF No. 32.) The Minneapolis Defendants also assert that Hinchliff has not been served in this matter. (Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 1 n. 1.) Like the State and Columbia Heights Defendants, the Minneapolis Defendants too oppose Plaintiffs attempt to amend his Complaint, and assert that any amendments are futile. (Minneapolis Defs.' Reply at 2, ECF No. 59.) And, like the Columbia Heights Defendants, the Minneapolis Defendants assert that Plaintiffs failure to respond timely to the Minneapolis Defendants' motion should warrant deeming the motion uncontested. (Minneapolis Defs.' Reply at 1-2.) While it does not appear from thie'record that Plaintiff directly responded to the Minneapolis Defendants' motion, the Court has considered the arguments raised in Plaintiffs'responsive memorándum to the State Defendants and reply memorandum to the Columbia Heights and Bloomington Defendants applicable to the Minneapolis Defendants given Plaintiffs pro se status and in the interests of completeness.
A. Minneapolis Police Department
For the reasons stated above in Section V(A) with respect to the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Court agrees with the Minneapolis Defendants that the Minneapolis Police Department is not an entity subject to suit. See Ketchum, 974 F.2d at 82; Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *1 n. 1; Anderson, 805 F.Supp.2d at 719. Just as before, however, the Court will construe Plaintiffs claims as if they had been brought against the, City of Minneapolis itself. See Mosley, 99 F.Supp.2d at 1053-54. And, unlike the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department was served via the city clerk, making service effective on the City of Minneapolis itself. (ECF No. 8 at l.j See Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(j)(2); Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03(e)(2).
B. Hinchliff
Hinchliff has not been served in this matter. {See ECF Nos. 3, 8 (summons returned executed).). This matter was filed in December 2014. Rule 4(m) provides that "[i]f a defendant is not served within 120 days after the complaint is filed, the court — on motion or on its own after notice to the plaintiff — must dismiss thq action without prejudice against that defendant or order that service be made within a specified time." Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(m). Plaintiff could be ordered to correct this deficiency. But, because the Minneapolis Defendants assert that Plaintiffs claims against Hinchliff nevertheless fail as a matter of law, (Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 1 n. 1), and this Court agrees, the Court moves directly to the merits of the arguments.
C.Federal Claims
1. Section 1983
a. Hinchliff in His Individual Capacity
For the sáme reasons identified above with respect to the State Defendants in Section IV(B)(2) and Nadeau individually in Section V(B)(l)(a), Plaintiff has failed to state a § 1983 claim against Hinchliff in his individual capacity. By all accounts, Hinchliff is not employed by the federal government. (See Compl. at 2, 7, 17; Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 11.) Therefore, any due process claim under the Fifth Amendment fails. See Hess, 714 F.3d at 1053. Plaintiff has neither identified what cruel and unusual punishment Hinchliff allegedly subjected him to nor pleaded facts from which this Court can plausibly infer that alleged acts amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, and thus has not pleaded a violation of his Eighth Amendment rights. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937; Twombly, 550 U.S. at 547, 127 S.Ct. 1955; Smithrud, 746 F.3d at 397. Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest and thus he cannot sustain a claim for a violation of his Fourteenth Amendment rights. See Singleton, 176 F.3d at 424. Nor has Plaintiff alleged that Hinchliff committed the type of conscious-shocking conduct required for a violation of his substantive-due-process rights. See Villanueva, 779 F.3d at 512; Mills, 614 F.3d at 498; Sitzes, 606 F.3d at 466. Likewise, any arguable equal protection claim (see "Am. Compl." at 2; Pl.'s Obj. at 2-3; Pl.'s Reply at 3) fails because Plaintiff has not alleged that Hinchliff treated him differently than any other similarly situated person. See McDonald, 679 F.3d at 705; Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *3; Foster, 837 F.Supp.2d at 1031.
Based on the foregoing, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims against Hinchliff in his individual capacity be dismissed for failure to state a claim. Because the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims be dismissed for failure to state a claim, the Court does not consider whether Hinchliff is otherwise entitled to qualified immunity. See Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *4 n. 6.
b. Hinchliff in His Official Capacity & the City of Minneapolis
Treating Plaintiffs claims against Hinchliff in his official capacity as well as those brought against the Minneapolis Police Department as being asserted against the City of Minneapolis, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has failed to state a Monell claim against the City of Minneapolis for the reasons set forth in Section V(B)(l)(b). Plaintiff has neither alleged the violation of a constitutional right nor identified the particular policies or customs that allegedly led to the violation of his constitutional rights. See Ulrich, 715 F.3d at 1061; Broekinton, 503 F.3d at 674; Mallak, 9 F.Supp.3d at 1063; Bass, 998 F.Supp.2d at 824. Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs Monell claims against the Minneapolis Defendants be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
2. Section 1985
With respect to Plaintiffs § 1985 claim, the Minneapolis Defendants argue that "Plaintiff fails to point to at least some facts that would suggest an agreement or understanding amongst Defendants" and "fails to plead the required purpose element." (Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 14.) Further, as stated above, the Minneapolis Defendants assert that the additional allegations in the "Amended Complaint" do not save Plaintiffs § 1985 claim and any amendment would be''futile. (Minneapolis Defs.' Reply at 2.) '
This Court agrees. For the reasons set forth in Sections IV(B)(3)(b) and V(B)(2), Plaintiff has failed to state a claim for conspiracy to violate his civil rights under § 1985 even if the "Amended Complaint's" additional , allegations are considered. Plaintiff has not alleged facts with particularity stating how the Minneapolis Defendants reached an agreement with each other or with any other defendant to violate Plaintiffs civil rights. See City of Omaha, 883 F.2d at 652; Adams, 2015 WL 774197, at *9. Nor has Plaintiff alleged that he was the victim of some class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus and thus has not pleaded the "purpose" element of a § 1985 claim. See McDonald, 679 F.3d at 706. Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1985 claims against the Minneapolis Defendants be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
D. Defamation Claims
The Minneapolis Defendants' allegedly defamatory statements were made in 2010 and 2011. For the reasons stated in Section IV(C)(1), the Court recommends that Plaintiffs defamation claims -against the Minneapolis Defendants bé dismissed as time-barred under Minn.Stat. § 541.07(l)'s two-year statute of limitations. See Shepard, 509 Fed.Appx. at 556; Songa, 22 F.Supp.3d at 942; McGaa, 441 N.W.2d at 825.
VII. BLOOMINGTON DEFENDANTS
Plaintiffs claims against the Blooming-ton Defendants are based on a fact sheet issued in 2010. (Compl. at 9-10; Exs. at 2.) The Bloomington Defendants also move for dismissal pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). Like the Columbia. Heights and Minneapolis Defendants, the Bloomington Defendants contend that the Bloomington Police Department is not a proper party and Hanson has not been properly served. The Bloomington Defendants similarly oppose Plaintiffs attempt to amend his Complaint, contend any amendments are futile, and object to Plaintiffs untimely memorandums. As. the Court has previously stated, notwithstanding ariy untimeliness, the Court has considered the arguments raised in Plaintiffs reply memorandum to the Columbia Heights and Bloomington Defendants and responsive memorandum to the State Defendants applicable to the Bloomington Defendants given Plaintiffs pro se status and in the interests of completeness.
A.Bloomington Police Department
For the reasons stated above in Section V(A) with respect to the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Court agrees with the Bloomington Defendants that the Bloomington Police Department is not an entity subject to suit. (Bloomington Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 2 n. 1, ECF No. 42; Bloomington Defs.' Reply at 3, ECF No. 63). See Ketchum, 974 F.2d at 82; Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *1 n. 1; Anderson, 805 F.Supp.2d at 719. Just as before, however, the Court will construe Plaintiffs claims as if they had been brought against the City of Bloomington itself. See Mosley, 99 F.Supp.2d at 1053-54. And, like the Minneapolis Police Department, the Bloomington Police Department was served via the city clerk, making service effective on the City of Bloomington itself. (ECF No. 8 at 3.) See Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(j)(2); Minn. R. Civ. P. 4.03(e)(2).
B. Hanson
Like Hinchliff, see supra Section VI(B), Hanson has not been served in this, matter. (See ECF. Nos. 3, 8 (summons returned executed).) Again, Plaintiff could be ordered to correct this deficiency. See Fed. R.Civ.P. 4(m). But, because the Bloomington Defendants assert that -Plaintiffs claims against Hanson nevertheless fail as a matter of law, (Bloomington Defs.' Mem. in .Supp. at 2 n. 1), and this Court agrees, the Court moves directly to the merits of the arguments.
C. Federal Claims
1. Section 1983
a. Hanson in His Individual Capacity
For the same reasons identified above with respect to the State Defendants in Section IV(B)(2), Nadeau individually in Section V(B)(l)(a), and Hinchliff individually in Section VI(C)(l)(a), Plaintiff has failed to state a § 1983 claim against Hinchliff in his individual capacity. Hanson is a détective with the Bloomington Police Department; he is not . employed by the federal government. (Exs. at 2.) Accordingly, any due process claim under the Fifth Amendment fails. See Hess, 714 F.3d at 1053. Plaintiff has neither identified what.cruel and unusual punishment Hanson allegedly subjected him to nor pleaded facts from which this Court can plausibly infer that alleged acts amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, and thus has not pleaded a violation of his Eighth Amendment rights. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937; Twombly, 550 U.S. at 547, 127 S.Ct. 1955; Smithrud, 746 F.3d at 397. Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest and thus he cannot sustain a claim for a violation of his Fourteenth Amendment rights. See Sin gleton, 176 F.3d at 424. Nor has Plaintiff alleged that-Hanson committed the type of conscious-shocking conduct required for a violation of his substantive-due-process rights. See Villanueva, 779 F.3d at 512; Mills, 614 F.3d at 498; Sitzes, 606 F.3d at 466. Likewise, any arguable equal protection claim (see "Am. Compl." at 2; Pl.'s Obj. at 3; Pl.'s Reply at 3) fails because Plaintiff has not alleged that Hanson treated him differently than any other similarly situated person. See McDonald, 679 F.3d at 705; Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *3; Foster, 837 F.Supp.2d at 1031.
Based on the foregoing, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1983 claims against Hanson in his individual capacity be dismissed for failure to state a claim. Because the Court recommends that Plaintiffs .§ 1983 claims be dismissed for failure to state a claim, the Court does not consider whether, Hinchliff is otherwise entitled to qualified immunity. See Henke, 2014 WL 5475020, at *4 n. 6.
b. Hanson in His Official Capacity & the City of Bloomington
Treating Plaintiffs claims against Hanson in his official capacity as well as those brought against the Bloomington Police Department as being asserted against the City of Bloomington, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has failed to state a Monell claim against the City of Bloomington for the reasons set forth in Section V(B)(l)(b). Plaintiff has neither alleged the violation of a constitutional right nor identified the particular policies or customs that allegedly led to the violation of his constitutional rights. See Ulrich, 715 F.3d at 1061; Brockinton, 503 F.3d at 674; Mallak, 9 F.Supp.3d at 1063; Bass, 998 F.Supp.2d at 824. Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs Monell claims against the Bloomington Defendants- be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
2. Section 1985
Echoing the arguments of the State, Columbia Heights, and Minneapolis Defendants, the Bloomington Defendants contend "Plaintiffs perfunctory and conclusory allegations are insufficient to allege a conspiracy claim"; Plaintiff' has "fail[ed] to allege any facts showing that a Bloomington' Defendant entered into a 'meeting of the minds' with a[ ] conspirator to violate his rights"; and "Plaintiff[ ] . has failed to prove an underlying deprivation of a constitutional right or privilege to support a Section 1983 civil conspiracy claim." (Bloomington Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 13; accord Bloomington Defs.' Reply at 3.) The Bloomington Defendants also, contend that "Plaintiffs conclusory allegations in his [']Amended Complaint['J still fail to state a conspiracy, claim as a matter of law" and any amendment would be futile. (Bloomington Defs.' Reply at 4; accord Bloomington Defs.' Replyat 1.)
For the reasons set forth in Sections IV(B)(3)(b) and V(B)(2), Plaintiff has failed to state a claim for conspiracy to violate his civil rights under § 1985 even if the "Amended Complaint's" additional allegations are considered. Plaintiff has not alleged facts with particularity- stating how the Bloomington Defendants reached an agreement with each. other or with any other defendant to violate Plaintiffs civil rights. See City of Omaha, 883 F.2d at 652; Adams, 2015 WL 774197, at *9. Nor has Plaintiff alleged that he was the victim of some class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus and thus has not pleaded the "purpose" element of a § 1985 claim- See McDonald, 679 F.3d at 706. Therefore, the Court recommends that Plaintiffs § 1985 claims against the Bloomington Defendants be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
D. Defamation Claims
The Bloomington Defendants' allegedly defamatory statements were made in 2010. For the reasons stated in Section IV(C)(1), the Court recommends that Plaintiffs defamation claims against the Bloomington Defendants be dismissed as time-barred under Minn.Stat. § 541.07(l)'s two-year statute of limitations; See Shepard, 509 Fed.Appx. at 556; Songa, 22 F.Supp.3d at 942; McGaa, 441 N.W.2d at 825.
VIII. SUPPLEMENTAL JURISDICTION & STATE CLAIMS
This Court has jurisdiction over the instant action under 28 U.S.C. § 1343(a)(3) based on Plaintiffs § 1983 claims. (See Compl. at 4.) Section 1343 provides for original jurisdiction over actions addressing the deprivation of civil rights. See generally 28.U.S.C. § 1343(a). Section 1367 generally provides that "in any civil action of which the district courts have original jurisdiction, the district courts shall have supplemental jurisdiction over all other claims that are so related to Claims in' the action within such original jurisdiction that they form part of the same case or controversy." 28 U.S.C. § 1367(a). Section 1367 also permits a district court to decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction if "the district court has dismissed all claims over which it has original jurisdiction." Id. § 1367(c)(3). "'A district court's' decision whether to exercise that jurisdiction after dismissing every claim over which it has original jurisdiction is purely discretionary.' " Crest Const. II, Inc. v. Doe, 660 F.3d 346, 359 (8th Cir.2011) (quoting Carlsbad Tech., Inc. v. HIF Bio, Inc., 556 U.S. 635, 640, 129 S.Ct. 1862, 173 L.Ed.2d 843 (2009)). "When a district court dismisses federal claims over which it has original jurisdiction, the balance of interests will usually point toward declining to exercise jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims." Streambend Props. II, LLC v. Ivy Tower Minneapolis, LLC, 781 F.3d 1003, 1016-17 (8th Cir.2015) (quotation omitted).
This Court has recommended that all of Plaintiffs federal civil-rights claims be dismissed. There are no claims remaining over which this Court has original jurisdiction. In the event that Plaintiffs federal claims are dismissed, the State Defendants have asked that this Court not exercise supplemental jurisdiction over Plaintiffs state-law claims. (State Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 26.)
To the extent Plaintiff may be able to pursue a MGDPA claim or any other state claim against the Defendants in state district court, the Court recommends that there be no exercise of supplemental jurisdiction and any and all remaining state claims be dismissed without prejudice for Plaintiff to pursue in state district court. See Mountain Home Flight Serv., Inc. v. Baxter Cnty., 758 F.3d 1038, 1045 (8th Cir.2014) ("After the § 1983 claims were dismissed, the district court acted within its discretion in declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims."); see also Smith v. Prosser, No. 12-cv-2695 (DWF/JSM), 2014 WL 3578753, at *1 (D.Minn. July 18, 2014) (declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over state law claims when all claims over which court had original jurisdiction were dismissed); Dahl, 2008 WL 5382333, at *7 (declining to exercise jurisdiction over remaining state-law claims and dismissing them without prejudice after dismissal of § 1983 claims).
IX. RECOMMENDATION
Based on the foregoing and all of the files, records, and proceedings herein, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that:
1. Defendants Close, Britzius, Rusinoff, Neilson, Moen and Murphy's Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 13) BE granted;
2. For the reasons stated in Section IV(B)(1), the State of, Minnesota and the DOC as an arm of the State of Minnesota BE DISMISSED.
3. Defendants Nadeau. and Columbia . Heights Police Department's Motion to Dismiss. (ECF No. 18) BE GRANTED.
4. Defendant Hinchliff and Minneapolis Police Dept.'s Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 30) BE GRANTED.
5. Defendants Hanson and Bloomington, MN Police Dept.'s Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 40) BE GRANTED.
6.For the reasons stated in Section VIII, the Court decline to exercise - supplemental jurisdiction over any remaining state claims, including Plaintiffs MGDPA claim against Moen, and such claims BE DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
Filed July 27,2015.
. Plaintiffs original complaint requested the Court "[o]rder the expiration of the [i]llegal [r]egistration...." (R & R at 719.) However, Plaintiff later clarified he was not challenging the registration requirement, but was instead focusing on the allegedly false statements Defendantsmade. (R & R at 713, n. 4.)
. Plaintiff regularly refers to these documents as fliers, but the Court uses the term "fact sheet" as this is the term used by the documents themselves. (See R & R at 715, n. 6.)
. Defendants Rusinoff, Close, Britzius, Murphy> the Minnesota DOC, and the State of Minnesota are collectively referred to as the "State Defendants."
. Presumably, these are the DOC Documents.
. Plaintiff attached 16 pages of ALJ Neilson's decision, but it is not clear from the record whether this constitutes the entire decision. (See R & R at 718, n. 8.)
. No copy of the 2011 Minneapolis fact sheet is contained in the record. (See R & R at 718-19.)
. See also supra n. 2.
. No reply is afforded under the Local Rulés. See D. Minn. LR 72.2(b). Even if these replies were instead construed as supplementation to the Plaintiff's Objections, they would be untimely as they were filed more than 14 days after Plaintiff was served with the R & R. See D. Minn. LR 72.2(b)(1). Plaintiff was previously cautioned to comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rules of this' Court and specifically warned that consideration of untimely materials might not occur in the future, despite his pro se status. (R & R at 730, n. 13.) However, in the interest of fairness and given the liberal standard afforded pro se pleadings, the Court has reviewed and considered the Plaintiff's Replies. See Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520, 92 S.Ct. 594, 30 L.Ed.2d 652 (1972) (per curiam).
. Pursuant to Local Rule 7.1(j), motions to reconsider require the "express permission of the Court," which will be granted "only upon a showing of compelling circumstances." A motion to reconsider should not be utilized to re-litigate prior issues, but rather to "afford an opportunity for relief in extraordinary circumstances." Dale & Selby Superette & Deli v. U.S. Dep't of Agric., 838 F.Supp. 1346, 1348 (D.Minn.1993). Plaintiff did not seek permission from the Court before filing his Motion for Reconsideration, nor did he present any compelling or extraordinary circumstances warranting reconsideration, (See generally Motion for Reconsideration.) Instead, Plaintiff makes assertions and arguments that are nearly identical to those he previously made. (Compare Motion for Reconsideration [Doc. No.. 86] with Replies [Doc. Nos. 83, 84, 85] and Objections [Doc. No. 76].) The Court will construe the Motion for Reconsideration as an attempt by Plaintiff to supplement his objections. See supra n. 9. His motion is therefore denied as moot.
. Arguably, when these specificity requirements are not met, the Court's review of the report and recommendation is done on a clear error standard. See Montgomery, 98 F.Supp.3d at 1017, 2015 WL 1522248, at *3 ("Objections which are not specific but merely repeat arguments presented to and considered by a magistrate judge are not entitled to de novo review, but rather are reviewed for clear error."). However, the Eighth Circuit favors de novo review, of pro se objections, even when they lack the required specificity. See Hudson v. Gammon, 46 F.3d 785, 786 (8th Cir.1995) (emphasizing the liberal construction standard for pro se litigants applies to objections to reports and recommendations), Thus, the Court conducts its review under the de novo standard despite Plaintiff's near total lack of any specific reference to the portion(s) of the R & R to which he objects, or the bases for those objections. (See generally Objections.) See Mayer, 2008 WL 4527774, at *2 (holding that pro se litigant's general objection to a report and recommendation "failed to identify a basis for rejecting" the report as required, but independently reviewing - the files, records, and proceedings in the case before adopting the report).
. Consideration of the accuracy of Britzius' memorandum is not necessary to properly conclude that Plaintiff's other federal claims against the State Defendants should be dismissed. (See R & R at 722-25, 726-28). Nor is such consideration necessary, to dismiss Plaintiff's state defamation claims against the State Defendants. (See id. at 728-30.)
. Plaintiff appears to believe the Magistrate Judge concluded Moen is guilty of violating the MGDPA. (Objections at 3.) However, the R & R contains no such conclusion. (See R & R at 725-26 (expressing "concern" about the Plaintiffs allegation, but ultimately finding no basis for a substantive-due process claim), 729-30 (finding that pursuit of the MGDPA claim in federal court is prohibited by the Eleventh Amendment, but noting Plaintiff could bring that claim in state court).)
. As the R & R points out, Plaintiff did not sue the city of Columbia Heights, only Nadeau and the Columbia Heights Police Department. (R & R at 730.) However, under the liberal construction afforded pro se complaints, both the Magistrate Judge (R & R at 731) and this Court construe Plaintiff's federal claims as against the City of Columbia Heights. See Logsdon v. St. Paul Police Dep't Cent. Dist. (LEC), No. CIV. 09-183 (PAM/RLE), 2010 WL 1006524, at *4 (D.Minn. Feb. 26, 2010) report and recommendation adopted, No. CIV. 09-183 (PAM/RLE), 2010 WL 1006527 (D.Minn. Mar. 16, 2010) (construing pro se litigant's 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims against a police department as being asserted against the relevant city).
. This contention runs contrary to Plaintiff's earlier allowance that the Court could dismiss his defamation claims, except those against the Columbia Heights Defendants. (Objections at 4; see supra Sect. 11(F)(2).)
. Notably, Plaintiff previously made, and the Magistrate Judge considered, this argument. (R & R at 728-29.)
.The R & R did not recommend dismissal of the Plaintiff's 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and 1985 constitutional claims against the State Defendants on the basis of any statute of limitations. (See R & R 720-21.) This Court similarly does not dismiss these federal claims pursuant to any statute of limitations.
. In the caption of his complaint, Plaintiff includes the acronym "ADL" when describing Defendant Neilson. (Compl. at 1, ECF No. 1.) Defendant Neilson is an administrative law judge ("ALJ"). (See Compl. at 3, 18; Exs. at 39, ECF No. 1-1.) Plaintiff later, in fact, refers to ALJ Neilson as an ALJ, and so it appears that the use of "ADL" in the caption was likely an inadvertent typographical error. Also, the Court notes that the paragraph structure of Plaintiff's Complaint is at times inconsistent and Plaintiff has also been inconsistent with the labeling of his exhibits. Therefore, the Court uses the ECF page number when referring to the Complaint and attached exhibits.
. At the hearing, the Court also heard arguments on Plaintiff's amendments to the Complaint (see ECF No. 51) and request for the recusal of Attorney Kiese (ECF No. 67). The amendments are addressed herein/ The request for the, recusal of Attorney Kiese was addressed by separate order. (ECF No. 74.)
. "In analyzing a motion to dismiss, a court must accept the allegations contained in the complaint as true and make all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party." Martin v. Iowa, 752 F.3d 725, 727 (8th Cir.2014).
. At the hearing, Plaintiff clarified that he is not challenging the registration requirement; rather, his lawsuit is focused on the allegedly false statements Defendants made.
. Plaintiff has attached a number of exhibits to his Complaint. - When considéring a motion to dismiss under 'Fed.R.Civ.P, 12(b)(6), "the court generally must ignore materials outside the pleadings." Porous Media Corp. v. Pall Corp., 186 F.3d 1077, 1079 (8th Cir.1999). The court may, however, "consider some materials that ¿re part of the public record or do not contradict the complaint as well as materials that are necessarily embraced by the pleadings." Id. (quotations and citation omitted); see also Illig v. Union Elec. Co., 652 F.3d 971, 976 (8th Cir.2011) ("In addressing a motion to dismiss, the court may consider the pleadings themselves, materials embraced by the pleadings, exhibits attached to the pleadings, and matters of public record." (quotation omitted)). "[D]ocuments 'necessarily embraced by the complaint' are not matters outside the pleading." Enervations, Inc. v. Minn. Mining & Mfg. Co., 380 F.3d 1066, 1069 (8th Cir.2004). '[T]he court has complete discretion to determine whether or not- to accept any material beyond the pleadings that is offered in conjunction with a Rule 12(b)(6) motion." Stahl v. United States Dep't of Agric., 327 F.3d 697, 701 (8th Cir.2003) (quotation omitted). The documents attached to Plaintiff's Complaint are referred to throughout the Complaint and .are necessarily embraced by the pleadings.
. While Plaintiff refers to these documents as "fliers," the Court uses the .term "fact sheet" based on the language of the documents themselves. (See Exs. at 2, 10, 60.)
. A reference to "females ranging in age from 10 to young adults" is present in Close's 1999 Risk Level Recommendation. (Exs. at 36.) It appears that Close's two-page recommendatión was sandwiched in between the first and second pages of Britzius's memo. (See Exs. at 35-38.)
. It is not clear from the record if the decision was longer than 16 pages.
. But see supra n. 4.
. Plaintiff also asserts a claim' under the Eleventh Amendment. (See Compl. at 4, 5, 8, 15, 20, 22.) As previously discussed, the Eleventh Amendment addresses a state's sovereign immunity and it is unclear to" this Court what claim Plaintiff is attempting to bring pursuant to that authority. (See, e.g., Compl. at 15 ("These State workers cannot even read their own paperwork, relying on assumption that they believe it should be, thereby violation the 11th Amendment of trying to punish [Plaintiff] for alleged activity in other States.").)
. To the extent Plaintiff has stated a MGDPA claim against Moen, see infra Section IV(C)(2).
. For purposes of this analysis', the' Court takes no position on whether a § 1983 claim needs to be brought within five years.
. Notwithstanding his pro se status, Plaintiff is reminded to comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of this Court in the future and cautioned that such flexibility may not be extended again.
. Because the Court concludes that Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest, the Court does not address the Columbia Heights Defendants' argument that Plaintiff received the process he was due by challenging the ECRC's risk-level determination before the ALT and that Plaintiff is collaterally estopped from relitigating issues addressed in those proceedings. (Columbia Heights Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 15-17.)
. As noted above, Plaintiff attached the fact sheet published by the Columbia Heights Defendants. (Exs. 60.) While Plaintiff alleges that, "[i]n this [fact sheet], Nadeau states that [Plaintiff] was convicted of Minnesota Statutes 617.23, 617.24, & 609.3451/' (Compl. at 20), the fact sheet plainly states that these are applicable "Registration statute(s)," (Exs. at . 60), not the statutes of conviction. Nevertheless, the Court has taken the allegations of the Complaint as true. Indeed, this distinction may not be easily apparent to a layperson.
. As to the purported Eleventh Amendment claim, see supra n. 10.
. Because the Court concludes that Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest, the Court does not address the Minneapolis Defendants' argument that Plaintiff received the process he was due by challenging the ECRC's risk-level determination before the ALJ. (Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 13.) See supra n. '14.
. As to the purported Eleventh Amendment claim, see supra n. 10. (See Minneapolis Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 11.)
. Because the Court concludes that Plaintiff has not identified a protected liberty or property interest, the Court does not address the Bloomington Defendants' argument that Plaintiff received the process he was due by challenging the ECRC's risk-level determination before the ALJ and that Plaintiff is collat erally estopped from relitigating issues addressed in those proceedings. (Bloomington Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 12-13.) See supra nn. 14, 19.
. As to the purported Eleventh Amendment claim, see supra n. 10. (See Bloomington Defs.' Mem. in Supp. at 10.)
. This would also apply to the claim that Defendants are prohibited from disclosing convictions that are more than 15 years old that Plaintiff appears to be attempting to raise in his responsive papers. (See "Am. Compl." at 3; Pl.'s Obj. at 4.) It is not clear to this Court what authority Plaintiff is relying on in support of this claim. The statutes cited, Minn.Stat. § 243.166, subd. 7(a), and 13.04, discuss use of registration data provided by predatory offenders and the rights of subjects of data generally. It appears that Plaintiff may be attempting to state a claim based on a provision of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines statitig that "[a] prior felony sentence or stay of imposition following a felony conviction must not be used in computing the criminal history score if a period of fifteen years has elapsed since the date of discharge from or expiration of the sentence to the date of the current offense." Minn. Sent. Guidelines § 2.B. 1(c); accord Minn. Sent. Guidelines cmt. 2.B.113; see Linear v. State, No. A09-429, 2010 WL 10402, at *2 (Minn.App. Jan. 5, 2010) (" 'The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines are clear that prior felony offenses do not decay for 15 years and are considered in computing criminal hístóiy scores.' " (quoting State v. Ferguson, 441 N.W.2d 508, 509 (Minn.App.1989))).