Burchfield v. Mattingly et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
LISA BURCHFIELD,
Plaintiff,
v.
NINA MATTINGLY et al.,
Defendants.
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Case No. 4:25-cv-00710-SRC
Memorandum and Order
Lisa Burchfield, a self-represented litigant, sues several individuals and entities under 42
U.S.C. § 1983 in connection with her daughter’s removal from her custody. Doc. 1 at 3, 6; doc.
1-1 at 1–2 (The Court cites to page numbers as assigned by CM/ECF.). Burchfield moves for
leave to proceed in forma pauperis, doc. 3, and for appointment of counsel, docs. 2, 6.
Burchfield also moves for a temporary restraining order, doc. 7, and emergency protective relief,
doc. 15. Additionally, she seeks leave to file her daughter’s affidavit under seal. Doc. 9.
Finally, Burchfield filed a “Motion to Update Case and Request Fee Waiver and Legal
Assistance.” Doc. 17.
Upon review of the financial information that Burchfield provided, docs. 3, 8, 16, the
Court determines that Burchfield “is unable to pay” the filing fee in this case, 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915(a)(1). The Court therefore grants Burchfield’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis and
waives the filing fee. Doc. 3. For the reasons discussed below, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s
complaint under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B), denies her motion to update her case, grants her
motion to seal the affidavit, and denies all other motions as moot.
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I. 	Background
Burchfield sues Missouri Department of Social Services employees Nina Mattingly,
Denise Smith, Brittany Chandler, and Shomica Davis; the Overland Police Department; the City
of Hazelwood; Missouri family-court Judges Jennifer Hoffman and Jason D. Dodson; Walter’s
Walk Counseling; and therapist Samantha Rank. Doc. 1 at 3. She also lists the State of
Missouri, “Judge Olsen,” Hazelwood Police Department, St. Louis County Jail, and Youth in
Need as additional defendants. Doc. 1-1 at 1.
Burchfield alleges that on September 17, 2021, she took her minor daughter, J.L., to a
therapy session at Walter’s Walk Counseling. Doc. 1 at 8. During the session, therapist
Samantha Rank allegedly contacted the Hazelwood Police without lawful cause. Id. Officers
arrived and removed J.L. without a court order or investigation. Id. The officers placed J.L.
with Mea Burchfield, whom Burchfield describes as violent. Id.
Burchfield states that “an investigation of [Burchfield] was later found [unsubstantiated],
yet [J.L.] was never returned home.” Id.; doc. 1-1 at 1. Instead, “[J.L.] was placed in Youth in
Need”—where, according to Burchfield, an adult male sexually assaulted J.L. in November
2021. Doc. 1 at 8; doc. 1-1 at 1. Burchfield further alleges that Shomica Davis and other staff
members ignored reports about this assault, and that J.L. received “no medical care” for her
injuries. Doc. 1-1 at 1. After the alleged assault, Burchfield asserts that J.L. “was denied contact
with her mother and transferred to another sibling to conceal the assault.” Id. at 2. Eventually,
someone took J.L. to the hospital, “where a broken rib was documented.” Id.
Burchfield argues that, because J.L. received inadequate medical care while in state
custody, J.L. self-medicated with alcohol. Doc. 1 at 9. This led to J.L. experiencing a medical
crisis, during which she attempted suicide. Id.; doc. 1-1 at 2. Following this attempt, J.L. “was
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found unresponsive [and was] admitted to the hospital in a comatose state. Doc. 1 at 9; doc. 1-1
at 2.
Burchfield alleges that the state denied J.L. ongoing care after a 2023 car accident, and
that J.L. received only “minimal emergency care.” Doc. 1-1 at 2. She then states that Shomica
Davis “falsely claimed [J.L.] had ongoing treatment at Compass Medical Center,” but that
Burchfield “gathered video evidence disproving this.” Doc. 1-1 at 2.
Burchfield also claims direct harm. On May 3 of an unspecified year, officers arrested
her under her daughter’s name without evidence of a crime. Doc. 1 at 10. She alleges that Judge
Hoffman authorized the arrest, id., and that Judge Olsen carried it out, id.; doc. 1-1 at 2.
(Burchfield makes no factual allegations against Judge Dodson, despite naming him as a
defendant.).
While Burchfield was in jail, staff administered medication to her that was actually
intended for J.L. Doc. 1 at 11. Staff ignored Burchfield’s objections and continued to provide
the medication, resulting in an adverse reaction that nearly killed Burchfield. Id.
Burchfield asserts claims for obstruction of justice, denial of due process under the Fifth
Amendment, denial of due process and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment,
unlawful seizure under the Fourth Amendment, violation of her First Amendment rights,
conspiracy to interfere with her civil rights, and abuse of process. Id. at 6, 12–13. She also
asserts claims on J.L.’s behalf for deliberate indifference and medical neglect, as well as claims
on her own behalf for false arrest and imprisonment, medical malpractice, and identity misuse.
Doc. 1-1 at 2. Burchfield does not, however, connect her claims to specific defendants or
conduct.
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For relief, Burchfield seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and
costs. Doc. 1 at 8, 14–15; doc. 1-1 at 2. She also seeks declaratory relief, “an independent
investigation and medical care” for J.L., and an injunction to prevent “further retaliation or
cover-up by state actors.” Doc. 1-1 at 2; see also doc. 1 at 8.
II. 	Standard
Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B), the Court must dismiss a complaint filed in forma
pauperis if the action “(i) is frivolous or malicious; (ii) fails to state a claim on which relief may
be granted; or (iii) seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief.”
To sufficiently state a claim for relief, a complaint must plead more than “legal conclusions” and
“[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action [that are] supported by mere
conclusory statements.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009) (citing Bell Atl. Corp. v.
Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555 (2007)). A plaintiff must demonstrate a plausible claim for relief,
which requires more than a “mere possibility of misconduct.” Id. at 679. “A claim has facial
plausibility when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the [C]ourt to draw the
reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.” Id. at 678 (citing
Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556).
To determine whether a complaint states a plausible claim for relief, the Court must
engage in “a context-specific task that requires the reviewing [C]ourt to draw on its judicial
experience and common sense.” Id. at 679 (citation omitted). In doing so, the Court must
“accept as true the facts alleged, but not legal conclusions.” Barton v. Taber, 820 F.3d 958, 964
(8th Cir. 2016) (citing Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678).
When reviewing a self-represented litigant’s complaint under section 1915, the Court
accepts the well-pleaded facts as true, White v. Clark, 750 F.2d 721, 722 (8th Cir. 1984) (per
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curiam), and liberally construes the complaint, Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007) (per
curiam); see also Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972) (per curiam). A “liberal
construction” means that, if the Court can discern “the essence of an allegation,” the “[C]ourt
should construe the complaint in a way that permits” the Court to consider the claim within the
proper legal framework. Solomon v. Petray, 795 F.3d 777, 787 (8th Cir. 2015) (quoting Stone v.
Harry, 364 F.3d 912, 914 (8th Cir. 2004)). Even so, self-represented plaintiffs must allege facts
that, if true, state a claim for relief as a matter of law. Martin v. Aubuchon, 623 F.2d 1282, 1286
(8th Cir. 1980). The Court need not assume unalleged facts. Stone, 364 F.3d at 914–15
(refusing to supply additional facts or to construct a legal theory for the self-represented
plaintiff). Nor must it interpret procedural rules to excuse mistakes by those who proceed
without counsel. See McNeil v. United States, 508 U.S. 106, 113 (1993).
III. 	Discussion
As noted, Burchfield’s complaint references several claims but does not tie them to
factual allegations against individual defendants. See doc. 1 at 12; doc. 1-1 at 2. However, this
lack of specificity does not materially impact the Court’s analysis. The Court, construing the
complaint liberally, see Solomon, 795 F.3d at 787, addresses the claims it can discern.
A. 	Claims on J.L.’s behalf
Burchfield attempts to assert claims on J.L.’s behalf for her removal and alleged abuse
and neglect while in state custody. Doc. 1 at 8–9; doc. 1-1 at 2. At the time Burchfield brought
this suit, J.L. was still a minor. But a nonlawyer parent may not pursue claims pro se on behalf
of a minor child. Crozier for A.C. v. Westside Cmty. Sch. Dist., 973 F.3d 882, 887 (8th Cir.
2020). What’s more, J.L. is now a legal adult. See doc. 9 at 1 (noting that J.L. turned 18 years
old on May 17, 2025). So, J.L. may conduct her own case, either personally or through counsel.
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See 28 U.S.C. § 1654; see also Crozier, 973 F.3d at 887. Indeed, Burchfield even notes that J.L.
eventually plans to file her own lawsuit. See doc. 9 at 3.
Burchfield lacks standing to bring these claims on J.L.’s behalf. Standing is a
jurisdictional requirement that a court may raise sua sponte at any time during the litigation.
Delorme v. U.S., 354 F.3d 810, 815 (8th Cir. 2004). To establish standing, a plaintiff “must
assert his own legal rights and interests, and cannot rest his claim to relief on the legal rights or
interests of third parties.” Warth v. Seldin, 422 U.S. 490, 499 (1975); see also Hodak v. City of
St. Peters, 535 F.3d 899, 904 (8th Cir. 2008). Burchfield, a non-attorney, self-represented
litigant, may not represent someone else in federal court. See 28 U.S.C. § 1654 (“In all courts of
the United States the parties may plead and conduct their own cases personally or by
counsel . . . .”). So, to the extent Burchfield seeks to bring claims on J.L.’s behalf, she lacks
standing to do so. The Court therefore lacks jurisdiction over these claims, so it dismisses them.
See S.D. Farm Bureau, Inc. v. Hazeltine, 340 F.3d 583, 591 (8th Cir. 2003) (“If a plaintiff lacks
standing, a court is without subject matter jurisdiction.”). The Court now addresses Burchfield’s
claims against specific defendants under section 1983.
B. 	Claims against specific defendants
1. 	State of Missouri
Burchfield lists the State of Missouri as a defendant in this case. Doc. 1-1 at 1. Under
section 1983, a plaintiff may assert a private cause of action against a person who, acting under
color of state law, deprives her of a constitutional or other federal right. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S.
42, 48 (1988). But importantly, the state is not a “person” within the meaning of section 1983.
Will v. Mich. Dep’t of State Police, 491 U.S. 58, 64 (1989). Thus, absent a waiver or
congressional abrogation, the state retains sovereign immunity. Alsbrook v. City of Maumelle,
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184 F.3d 999, 1005 (8th Cir. 1999). Burchfield alleges no such waiver or abrogation.
Accordingly, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s claim against the State of Missouri under 28
U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) and (iii).
2. 	Judges Hoffman, Olsen, and Dodson
Burchfield alleges that Judge Jennifer Hoffman unlawfully authorized her arrest, doc. 1 at
10, and that Judge Olsen carried it out, doc. 1-1 at 2. But judges have immunity from suits for
damages, even when a plaintiff accuses a judge of acting with malice or bad faith. Woodworth v.
Hulshof, 891 F.3d 1083, 1090 (8th Cir. 2018). A litigant may overcome this immunity only for
nonjudicial actions or actions the judge takes without jurisdiction. Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9,
11–12 (1991). Burchfield’s allegations implicate neither exception. And while a litigant may
seek injunctive relief against a judge for an act or omission he takes in his official capacity, such
relief is available only if the judge violates a declaratory decree or if declaratory relief was
unavailable. 42 U.S.C. § 1983; see also Scheffler v. Trachy, 821 F. App’x 648, 653 (8th Cir.
2020). Here, too, Burchfield’s allegations implicate neither scenario. Accordingly, the Court
dismisses Burchfield’s claims against Judge Hoffman and Judge Olsen under 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) and (iii).
Despite including Judge Jason Dodson as a defendant, Burchfield makes no factual
allegations against him. See generally doc. 1. To prevail under section 1983, a plaintiff must
establish each defendant’s personal involvement in the alleged violation. White v. Jackson, 865
F.3d 1064, 1081 (8th Cir. 2017). Burchfield cannot do so on her alleged facts. And even if she
had alleged Judge Dodson’s personal involvement, judicial immunity would bar her claims
unless she could establish an applicable exception. See Woodworth, 891 F.3d at 1090; Mireles,
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502 U.S. at 11–12; Scheffler, 821 F. App’x at 653. Accordingly, the Court dismisses
Burchfield’s claims against Judge Dodson under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) and (iii).
3. 	Mattingly, Smith, and Chandler
Burchfield names Nina Mattingly, Denise Smith, and Brittany Chandler as defendants
and notes their employment with the Missouri Department of Social Services, see doc. 1 at 3;
doc. 15-1 at 27, but she alleges no specific facts connecting any of them to the alleged
misconduct. So, Burchfield has not put Mattingly, Smith, or Chandler on notice that their
personal liability is at stake in this case. See S.A.A. v. Geisler, 127 F.4th 1133, 1139 (8th Cir.
2025). The Court therefore construes the complaint as asserting only official-capacity claims
against Mattingly, Smith, and Chandler. See id.
Under section 1983, a plaintiff may assert a private cause of action against a person who,
acting under color of state law, deprives her of a constitutional or other federal right. West, 487
U.S. at 48. But neither a state nor its officials acting in their official capacities are “persons”
under section 1983. Will, 491 U.S. at 71. Absent a waiver or congressional abrogation, the state
retains sovereign immunity. Alsbrook, 184 F.3d at 1005. Burchfield alleges no such waiver or
abrogation. Accordingly, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s official-capacity claims against
Mattingly, Smith, and Chandler under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) and (iii).
Even if Burchfield brought individual-capacity claims against Mattingly, Smith, and
Chandler, the Court would dismiss those claims. Burchfield must establish each defendant’s
personal involvement in the alleged violation. White, 865 F.3d at 1081. Here, she does not
allege that Mattingly, Smith, or Chandler personally participated in any misconduct. The Court
will not supply additional facts for a litigant, even if self-represented. Stone, 364 F.3d at 914–15.
Therefore, even if the complaint included individual-capacity claims against Mattingly, Smith,
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and Chandler, the Court would dismiss those claims under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) for
failure to state a claim on which the Court may grant relief.
4. 	Davis
Burchfield also names Shomica Davis as a defendant and notes her employment with the
Missouri Department of Social Services. Doc. 1-1 at 1. Unlike with Mattingly, Smith, and
Chandler, Burchfield does allege specific facts connecting Davis to the alleged misconduct.
Burchfield asserts that Davis ignored reports about J.L.’s alleged sexual assault, doc. 1-1 at 1,
and that Davis “falsely claimed [J.L.] had ongoing treatment at Compass Medical Center,” id. at
2. The Court therefore construes the complaint as asserting an individual-capacity claim against
Davis, because by asserting these facts and seeking punitive damages, Burchfield has put Davis
on notice that Davis’s personal liability is at stake in this case. See Geisler, 127 F.4th at 1139–
40. But Burchfield does not assert how Davis’s actions violated her constitutional rights; rather,
these allegations speak only to the alleged harm that J.L. suffered. As previously stated,
Burchfield does not have standing to bring claims on J.L.’s behalf. Warth, 422 U.S. at 499. The
Court therefore dismisses Burchfield’s individual-capacity claims against Davis under 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
5. 	Overland Police Department and Hazelwood Police Department
Burchfield asserts unlawful arrest claims against the Overland Police Department, doc. 1
at 3, 10, 12, and the Hazelwood Police Department, id. at 8; doc. 1-1 at 1. But a police
department, as a subdivision of local government, is not a distinct suable entity under section
1983. See Ketchum v. City of W. Memphis, 974 F.2d 81, 82 (8th Cir. 1992) (affirming district
court’s dismissal of plaintiff’s section 1983 claim against local police department because it was
a subdivision of city government and not a suable entity). Therefore, the Court dismisses
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Burchfield’s claims against the Overland Police Department and Hazelwood Police Department
under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
6. 	St. Louis County Jail
Similarly, Burchfield sues the St. Louis County Jail. Doc. 1-1 at 1. But, like police
departments, “county jails are not legal entities amenable to suit” under section 1983. Owens v.
Scott Cnty. Jail, 328 F.3d 1026, 1027 (8th Cir. 2003). The Court thus dismisses Burchfield’s
claim against St. Louis County Jail under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
7. 	The City of Hazelwood
Burchfield also sues the City of Hazelwood. Doc. 1 at 3. Section 1983 permits lawsuits
against local governing bodies. Monell v. Dep’t of Soc. Servs., 436 U.S. 658, 690 (1978). To
prevail on such a claim, a plaintiff must establish the governmental entity’s liability for the
alleged misconduct. See Kelly v. City of Omaha, 813 F.3d 1070, 1075 (8th Cir. 2016). Liability
attaches where the constitutional violation “resulted from (1) an official municipal policy, (2) an
unofficial custom, or (3) a deliberately indifferent failure to train or supervise.” Mick v. Raines,
883 F.3d 1075, 1079 (8th Cir. 2018) (citation modified); see also Marsh v. Phelps Cnty., 902
F.3d 745, 751 (8th Cir. 2018) (recognizing “claims challenging an unconstitutional policy or
custom, or those based on a theory of inadequate training, which is an extension of the same”).
Burchfield does not allege that the City of Hazelwood maintains an unconstitutional
policy or custom, or that it acted with deliberate indifference in training or supervising its
employees. Therefore, even accepting her allegations as true, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s
claims against the City of Hazelwood under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
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8. 	Walter’s Walk and Samantha Rank
Burchfield sues Walter’s Walk and Samantha Rank for their alleged involvement in J.L.’s
removal. Doc. 1 at 3, 8; doc. 1-1 at 1. She states that Rank, a therapist at Walter’s Walk,
reported Burchfield to the police during one of J.L.’s therapy sessions. Doc. 1 at 8. As already
explained, however, section 1983 only applies to persons acting under color of state law. West,
487 U.S. at 48. Private conduct—even if wrongful—generally does not give rise to section 1983
liability. Lugar v. Edmondson Oil Co., 457 U.S. 922, 936–37 (1982). Burchfield does not allege
that Rank or Walter’s Walk acted under color of state law. Further, although parents have a
protected liberty interest in the “care, custody, and control” of their children, Troxel v. Granville,
530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000), that does not include the right to avoid child abuse investigations,
Mitchell v. Dakota Cnty. Soc. Servs., 959 F.3d 887, 897 (8th Cir. 2020). Accordingly, the Court
dismisses Burchfield’s claims against Rank and Walter’s Walk under 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
9. 	Youth in Need
Finally, Burchfield sues Youth in Need for its alleged involvement in J.L.’s assault. Doc.
1 at 8; doc. 1-1 at 1. Like Walter’s Walk, Youth in Need is a private organization, not a
government official or entity. As such, its conduct generally does not give rise to section 1983
liability. Lugar, 457 U.S. at 936–37. Burchfield does not allege that Youth in Need acted under
color of state law. Accordingly, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s claims against Youth in Need
under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).
In sum, the Court finds that Burchfield’s complaint fails to state a claim upon which the
Court may grant relief. Accordingly, the Court dismisses Burchfield’s complaint without
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prejudice. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). The Court also denies as moot Burchfield’s motion
for a temporary restraining order, doc. 7, and request for emergency protective relief, doc. 15.
C. 	Motion to update case and request fee waiver and legal assistance
On December 1, 2025, Burchfield filed a “Motion to Update Case and Request Fee
Waiver and Legal Assistance.” Doc. 17. She alleges that, on August 14, 2025, she was
“assaulted by Corporal Cherry inside the Berkeley courtroom,” causing her to sustain a broken
rotator cuff and fractures to her neck, spine, and elbow. Id. at 1. She further states that she is
“receiving ongoing medical care for these injuries,” that the injuries “significantly limit” her
ability to perform daily activities,” and that the injuries created “substantial medical expenses.”
Id. Because Burchfield appears to assert a new claim against a new defendant, the Court
construes her “motion to update” as a motion to amend her complaint. See Miller v. Norris, 247
F.3d 736, 739 (8th Cir. 2001) (construing pro se motion liberally in favor of prisoner litigant).
But as construed, Burchfield’s motion does not comply with the Local Rules and Judge’s
Requirements regarding amended pleadings because she attaches neither a tracked-changes nor a
clean copy of her proposed amended pleading. See E.D.Mo. L.R. 4.07; Judge’s Requirements at
4. Even looking past this error, however, Burchfield likely could not assert her new claim in this
action, as it appears to arise out of a separate occurrence from her other claims. See Fed. R. Civ.
P. 20(a)(2) (noting that a new defendant may be joined in an action if the right to relief asserted
against him “aris[es] out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or
occurrences”). Thus, Burchfield must raise this new claim against Corporal Cherry, if at all, in a
separate action.
In her motion to update, Burchfield also asks the Court to (1) “[g]rant a waiver of court
filing fees due to financial hardship,” and (2) “[p]rovide information or assistance for obtaining
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legal counsel.” Doc. 17 at 3. As discussed above, the Court grants Burchfield’s motion to
proceed in forma pauperis and waives the filing fee. And the Court discusses Burchfield’s
request for legal counsel below.
D. 	Motion for appointment of counsel
Along with her initial complaint, Burchfield filed a Motion for Appointment of Counsel
and Affidavit in Support. Doc. 2. Less than one month later, Burchfield filed a second motion
for appointment of counsel. Doc. 6. And in her most recent motion, Burchfield renews her
request for counsel, asking the Court to “provide guidance or information on available legal
assistance” because she is “not familiar with legal procedures or case law” and does not have
“the financial means to hire an attorney.” Doc. 17 at 3. Because the Court dismisses
Burchfield’s complaint, however, the Court denies Burchfield’s requests for counsel as moot.
E. 	Motion to seal
Finally, the Court addresses Burchfield’s motion for leave to file under seal. Doc. 9.
Burchfield seeks to file under seal J.L.’s affidavit, which details the abuse J.L. suffered while in
state custody. See doc. 13-1 at 22. Burchfield wishes to file this affidavit under seal “in the
interest of safety, protection from retaliation, and ongoing trauma experienced by [J.L.].” Doc. 9
at 1.
The Supreme Court has recognized “a common-law right of access to judicial records.”
IDT Corp. v. eBay, 709 F.3d 1220, 1222 (8th Cir. 2013) (citing Nixon v. Warner Commc’ns, Inc.,
435 U.S. 589, 597 (1978)). And the Eighth Circuit has “agree[d] with the other circuits that the
common-law right of access applies to judicial records in civil proceedings.” Id. This “right of
access bolsters public confidence in the judicial system by allowing citizens to evaluate the
reasonableness and fairness of judicial proceedings, and ‘to keep a watchful eye on the workings
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of public agencies.’” Id. (first citing Leucadia, Inc. v. Applied Extrusion Techs., Inc., 998 F.2d
157, 161 (3d Cir. 1993); and then quoting Nixon, 435 U.S. at 598). However, this right is not
absolute. See id. at 1223. “Where the common-law right of access is implicated, the court must
consider the degree to which sealing a judicial record would interfere with the interests served by
the common-law right of access and balance that interference against the salutary interests served
by maintaining confidentiality of the information sought to be sealed.” Id. at 1223.
Similarly, Local Rule 13.05(A) recognizes both the “the right of the public to access
material filed with the Court,” and the “right of parties . . . to seek the filing under seal of
material and information lawfully kept confidential in civil and criminal cases.” E.D.Mo. L.R.
13.05(A).
Here, Burchfield’s interest in keeping the details of her daughter’s abuse private
outweighs the public’s right of access. Because, as explained above, the Court finds that
Burchfield cannot bring claims on J.L.’s behalf, the disclosure of J.L.’s affidavit is not related to
the issues in Burchfield’s case. Burchfield has also cited legitimate concerns about protecting
her daughter from retaliation and further trauma. Granting the motion will not undermine the
public’s confidence in the Court’s determinations on the merits of the case. These reasons, taken
together, satisfy Burchfield’s burden of demonstrating that J.L.’s affidavit should be filed under
seal. The Court therefore grants Burchfield’s motion to file the affidavit under seal. Doc. 9.
IV. 	Conclusion
For these reasons, the Court grants Burchfield’s [3] motion to proceed in forma pauperis
and her [9] motion for leave to file under seal. The Court therefore orders that J.L.’s affidavit
(doc. 13-1 at 22) be sealed and that Burchfield’s motion (doc. 9) remain under seal. The Court
dismisses, without prejudice, Burchfield’s [1] Civil Complaint under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)
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and denies her [17] motion for leave to amend. The Court also denies as moot Burchfield’s
[7] motion for temporary restraining order and [15] declaration and request for emergency
protective relief. Finally, the Court denies as moot Burchfield’s [2] [6] [17] motions for
appointment of counsel.
So ordered this 17th day of February 2026.
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STEPHEN R. CLARK
CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Case: 4:25-cv-00710-SRC Doc. #: 18 Filed: 02/17/26 Page: 15 of 15 PageID #:
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