Sow v. Sysco Corp et al

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
PAPA M. SOW,
Plaintiff,
v. 	Civil Action 2:23-cv-4125
District Judge Algenon L. Marbley
Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Jolson
SYSCO CORP., et al.,
Defendants.
ORDER
On December 8, 2025, Plaintiff filed a motion to compel, arguing Defendant should be
ordered to respond to certain discovery requests. 	(Doc. 49). 	The Court stayed briefing on the
motion in order to give the parties the opportunity to resolve the dispute on their own. (Doc. 57).
Over the course of two months, the parties were directed to file three joint status reports detailing
their progress. (Docs. 58, 60, 62). Relevant now is the third status report, filed February 5 (Doc.
62). In it, Defendant asserts that it sufficiently responded to most of Plaintiff’s discovery requests.
(Id. at 1–2). And as to the remaining requests, Defendant says it is still working to obtain relevant
disciplinary records, and it will produce these records to Plaintiff once it obtains them. 	(Id.).
Accordingly, Defendant believes it has resolved all discovery issues and has addressed all of
Plaintiff’s asserted deficiencies. (Id.).
Plaintiff tells a different story. Attached as an exhibit to the status report is a February 5
letter from Plaintiff, detailing the remaining discovery responses he says he still needs. (Id. at 1;
Doc. 62-1 (Plaintiff’s letter)). He makes note of four categories of required discovery. First, he
seeks complete responses to interrogatory 1. 	(Doc. 62-1 at 16). 	He says Defendant has not
produced any communications involving Jeff Weber and asks that Defendant produce documents
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addressing his involvement. 	(Id.). 	Second, Plaintiff says he needs complete responses to
Document Request 6. 	(Id. at 17). 	Specifically, he alleges Defendant failed to produce
documentation regarding Wade Blackbourn, including interview notes, statements, or reports
involving him. (Id.). Third, Plaintiff wants complete responses to Document Requests 4 and 5.
(Id.). Plaintiff recognizes that Defendant is in the process of acquiring off-site personnel files, but
he still says he lacks comparator records, including completed “termination and rehire chronology
for Mr. Hubley.” (Id.). Finally, Plaintiff asks for complete responses to Interrogatory 4. (Id.). He
says Defendant has not produced any documents related to Plaintiff’s prior discrimination
complaints, investigative findings, or other related communications. (Id.). All told, it is apparent
that the parties fundamentally disagree about whether deficiencies remain.
This dispute must be resolved. 	Within seven (7) days of this Order, Plaintiff is
ORDERED to file a supplemental motion to compel the specific information he listed in his
February 5 letter. Defendant is ORDERED to file a response within seven (7) days thereafter.
No reply shall be filed without leave of Court.
Importantly, the supplemental motion must fit within the following parameters. Plaintiff’s
supplemental motion shall not exceed ten (10) pages in length. His supplemental motion should
address only the four categories of discovery he outlined in his letter. (Doc. 62-1 at 16–17). He
must again cite those specific discovery requests and the authority as to how Defendant’s responses
are deficient. If Plaintiff’s supplemental motion includes requests addressing any discovery not
contemplated in his letter, the Court will deny those requests. Defendant’s response shall also not
exceed ten (10) pages in length.
Plaintiff is again WARNED that if he files duplicative or procedurally improper motions,
the Court will not hesitate to strike them.
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The 	Clerk’s 	Office 	is 	DIRECTED 	to 	email 	this 	order 	to 	Plaintiff 	at
sowpapam151@gmail.com.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Date: 	February 6, 2026 	/s/ Kimberly A. Jolson
KIMBERLY A. JOLSON
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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