Opinion ID: 2516126
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Instant Complaint

Text: On December 10, 2003, Cash sued Erie County, the Erie County Sheriff's Department, and Sheriff Gallivan in his official capacity, as well as Deputy Hamilton, in New York State Supreme Court for injuries sustained as a result of Hamilton's sexual assault on December 17, 2002. Cash asserted, inter alia, (1) a federal due process claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and (2) a New York state law claim for negligence. On March 19, 2004, defendants removed the action to federal court, where it was assigned to District Judge John T. Curtin. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1441(b), 1446. Following discovery, defendants and Cash cross-moved for summary judgment. The district court dismissed Cash's complaint against the Sheriff's Department because it was not a municipal entity distinct from the County, and her claim for punitive damages against the County and Gallivan. See Cash v. Cnty. of Erie, No. 04 Civ. 182, 2007 WL 2027844, at  (W.D.N.Y. July 11, 2007). [2] In all other respects, the district court denied the parties' summary judgment motions in light of disputed issues of fact as to municipal liability. See id. at -5. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1), the parties consented to trial before a magistrate judge, prompting reassignment to Magistrate Judge Jeremiah McCarthy.