In Re Application of Eduardo Fuentes Celestrin pursuant to 28 USC 1782 for Judicial Assistance in Obtaining Evidence for Use in a Foreign and International Proceeding

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25-mc-2185-SBC
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
In re Application of:
EDUARDO FUENTES CELESTRIN,
Applicant,
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1782 for
Judicial Assistance in Obtaining Evidence
for Use in a Foreign and International
Proceeding
Case No.: 25-mc-2185-SBC
ORDER REGARDING
BANKRUPTCY STAY
This matter arises out of an Ex Parte Application for Judicial Assistance in Obtaining
Evidence for Use in a Foreign Proceeding Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 filed by Applicant
Eduardo Fuentes Celestrin. (Dkt. No. 1.) Applicant seeks discovery from Respondent
Simon Levy Dabbah, who resides in this judicial district, in connection with an anticipated
civil lawsuit in Mexico by Applicant against Respondent for defamation and other related
claims. (Id.)
On February 3, 2026, Respondent filed a Notice of Bankruptcy Filing and Stay of
Proceedings. (Dkt. No. 20.) According to the filing, Respondent filed a bankruptcy case
under Chapter 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy
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Court for the Southern District of California on January 22, 2026. (Id.) Applicant has not
filed a response to the Notice.
Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 362(a), the filing of a bankruptcy petition automatically
stays a judicial action against the debtor. See Gruntz v. Cnty. of Los Angeles, 202 F.3d
1074, 1081-82 (9th Cir. 2000) (en banc). “The automatic stay is self-executing” and
“sweeps 	broadly, 	enjoining 	the 	commencement 	or 	continuation 	of 	any 	judicial,
administrative, or other proceedings against the debtor.” Id. Accordingly, this matter is
STAYED pending the conclusion of Respondent’s bankruptcy proceedings.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated: February 23, 2026
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