UPDATE: DOJ Opens Investigation into Ramsey County
Date: July 10, 2025
Event: On July 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice formally opened a preliminary investigation into Strickland v. Ramsey County, et al. The case, filed under reference number [Case Number – to be added], was initially reviewed on the basis of ADA retaliation concerns.
Expanded Scope
While the investigation began with a focus on retaliation against Plaintiff’s disability accommodation requests, federal investigators have now been notified of irregular fee handling practices by judiciary members within Ramsey County. These practices appear tied to systemic barriers that obstruct access to justice, particularly for self-represented and disabled litigants.
Context and Concerns
The DOJ’s involvement marks the first federal inquiry into Ramsey County’s court administration since Plaintiff began documenting altered records, improper dismissals, and selective enforcement of filing requirements. The expansion of the scope to include fee irregularities underscores the seriousness of the allegations and raises questions about whether state-level oversight bodies had knowledge of — or participation in — these practices.
Appearance of Federal Oversight
The timing of the DOJ investigation is notable: it follows months of ignored complaints, altered court documents, and procedural obstructions raised in both state and federal filings. Plaintiff has emphasized that only federal oversight can address the breadth of misconduct, given the apparent unwillingness of Minnesota’s own agencies and judiciary to investigate themselves.