Melendres et al v Sheridan et al

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WO
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
Manuel de Jesus Ortega Melendres, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly
situated; et al.
Plaintiffs,
and
United States of America,
Plaintiff-Intervenor,
v.
Gerard A. Sheridan, in his official capacity
as Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona; et
al.
Defendants.
No. CV-07-2513-PHX-GMS
ORDER
After discussion with the parties and consideration of Defendant Sheriff Gerard A.
Sheridan’s Request for Sealed Status Conference (Doc. 3567) and Plaintiffs’ Response
(Doc. 3568), the Court has determined that the nature of the document at issue, the
Monitor’s Report (Doc. 3555), is one of public concern, both as it pertains to the Maricopa
County Sheriff’s Office (“MCSO”) and the function of the Monitor. See, e.g., Robinson v.
York, 566 F.3d 817, 822 (9th Cir. 2009) (holding that “[a]s a matter of law, ‘the competency
of the police force is surely a matter of great public concern’”) (internal citation omitted).
The Court has further concluded that the document’s present confidential nature
prevents the MCSO from being able to adequately respond and the Plaintiffs from being
able to adequately consult concerning the report. Finally, the normal justification for
Case 2:07-cv-02513-GMS Document 3582 Filed 10/05/26 Page 1 of 2

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keeping documents confidential related to potential internal investigations is overridden
by: (1) the fact that it is the report of the Monitor and not the product of the MCSO
disciplinary process, (2) the necessary opportunity for the MCSO to adequately respond,
(3) the necessary consultation among Plaintiffs, and (4) the interest of the public.
For the foregoing reasons, the Monitor’s Report (Doc. 3555), Defendant’s Request
for a Sealed Status Conference (Doc. 3567), and Plaintiffs’ Response in Opposition (Doc.
3568) are ordered to be unsealed.
IT IS ORDERED that the Monitor’s Report of August 6, 2026 (Doc. 3555) be filed
and be unsealed, and that despite the markings on Doc. 3555 identifying it as a Highly
Confidential – Attorneys Eyes Only document, the document is unsealed and is available
to the public.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant Sheriff Gerard A. Sheridan’s
Request for a Sealed Status Conference (Doc. 3567), and Plaintiffs’ Response in
Opposition (Doc. 3568) are ordered to be unsealed.
Dated this 5th day of October, 2026.
Case 2:07-cv-02513-GMS Document 3582 Filed 10/05/26 Page 2 of 2