Secretary, Department of Labor v. River Ranch Bar & Grille, LLC et al

Filing 39

ORDER confirming rulings at show cause hearing. On or before April 10, 2019, Defendants River Ranch Bar & Grille, LLC, and Ryan W. Blakeslee shall provide to counsel for the Secretary of the Department of Labor all requested financial documents. Defendant Ryan Blakeslee is directed to work in good faith with counsel for the Secretary of the Department of Labor in providing the requested financial documents and in working toward a payment plan. The currently imposed $500 daily fine shall be suspended pending the Secretary's review of Defendant's financial documents. By written notice filed on or before May 10, 2019, counsel for the Department of Labor shall advise the Court regarding the status of the case and whether any further issues require the Court's resolution at that time. Plaintiff's motion for additional sanctions (Doc. 33) shall be terminated as moot. Signed by Magistrate Judge Philip R. Lammens on 3/26/2019. (JWM)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
OCALA DIVISION
SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR,
Plaintiff,
v.

Case No: 5:17-cv-94-Oc-30PRL

RIVER RANCH BAR & GRILLE, LLC
and RYAN W. BLAKESLEE,
Defendants.

ORDER
On March 26, 2019, pursuant to prior notice, this Fair Labor Standards Act case came
before the Court for Defendants River Ranch Bar & Grille, LLC and Ryan W. Blakeslee to appear
and show cause why they should not be held in civil contempt for failing to comply with the
Default Judgment (Doc. 20) and prior Order (Doc. 31) entered in this case, and why the relief
sought in Plaintiff’s Petition for Additional Sanctions (Doc. 33) should not be granted. Counsel
for the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Ryan W. Blakeslee (representing himself)
appeared in person.
During the course of the hearing, the undersigned advised Mr. Blakeslee regarding the
history of the case, including the Default Judgment in the amount of $27,862.18 and the previously
imposed daily fine of $500 per day, which has been accruing and presently exceeds $117,000.
(Doc. 31). The undersigned further cautioned Mr. Blakeslee that, had he not appeared at the

hearing today, the undersigned would have recommended that he be found in continued civil
contempt and that Defendants be confined until they purged themselves of contempt.
During the hearing, counsel for the Secretary represented that Mr. Blakeslee has now
agreed to provide financial documents to the agency so that his eligibility for a payment plan can
be determined. Indeed, Mr. Blakeslee expressed his willingness to work with counsel for the
Secretary toward a payment plan. Counsel for the Secretary requested that Defendant be given two
weeks to provide requested financial documents to the Department of Labor, and that the daily
fine of $500 per day be suspended while the Department reviews the documents. Counsel for the
Secretary further stated that the Secretary was no longer asking for additional sanctions in light of
Defendant’s appearance at the hearing and his willingness to cooperate toward a payment plan.
Accordingly, it is ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that:
1.

On or before April 10, 2019, Defendants River Ranch Bar & Grille, LLC, and Ryan
W. Blakeslee shall provide to counsel for the Secretary of the Department of Labor
all requested financial documents.

2.

Defendant Ryan Blakeslee is directed to work in good faith with counsel for the
Secretary of the Department of Labor in providing the requested financial
documents and in working toward a payment plan.

3.

At the request of counsel for the Secretary of the Department of Labor and effective
immediately, the currently imposed $500 daily fine shall be suspended pending the
Secretary’s review of Defendant’s financial documents. Upon appropriate motion,
the fine may be reinstated or increased, or other sanctions may be imposed, due to
Defendant’s failure to comply with this Order or for other good cause shown.

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4.

By written notice filed on or before May 10, 2019, counsel for the Department
of Labor shall advise the Court regarding the status of the case and whether any
further issues require the Court’s resolution at that time.

5.

Plaintiff’s motion for additional sanctions (Doc. 33) shall be terminated as moot.

DONE and ORDERED in Ocala, Florida on March 26, 2019.

Copies furnished to:
Counsel of Record
Unrepresented Parties
Courtroom Deputy

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