In a bold legal move, two individuals have filed a common-law suit against a federal judge, accusing him of obstructing justice and violating their constitutional rights. The complaint was lodged by Jason Borne and Scott Bernard on February 24, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against Judge John deGravelles.
The plaintiffs, Jason Borne and Scott Bernard, claim that Judge John deGravelles failed to act on their common-law suit against HOME BANK et al., which they filed on April 12, 2024. They argue that despite their demands for a jury trial—a right they assert is guaranteed under the Constitution—Judge deGravelles did not advance their case or issue any judgment. Instead, he allegedly prioritized other cases filed after theirs. The plaintiffs accuse Judge deGravelles of "dereliction of judicial duty," "obstruction of justice," and "breach of sworn oath," among other charges. They argue that his actions—or lack thereof—constitute a deliberate effort to uphold statutory authority at the expense of their rights. According to the complaint, this conduct has resulted in undue harm and deprivation of their rights.
Borne and Bernard further allege that Judge deGravelles' refusal to act is part of a broader pattern of judicial obstruction and selective application of rights. They contend that his failure to engage with their case while actively participating in others demonstrates bias and an abuse of authority. Their complaint details numerous instances where Judge deGravelles signed orders in other cases filed after theirs, suggesting that his inaction was not due to incapacity but rather a choice to avoid engagement with their suit.
The plaintiffs are seeking $25 million in damages, plus costs and any additional sanctions deemed appropriate by a jury upon finding facts supporting their allegations. They demand that their case be judged by a common-law jury as per the Seventh Amendment to the Bill of Rights.
Representing themselves pro se, Jason Borne signed the complaint from Prairieville, Louisiana. The document mentions Chief Judge Shelly Dick as well as Magistrate Erin Wilder-Doomes as having roles related to the court proceedings referenced within it. The case ID is 3:25-cv-00166-EWD-RLB.