Judge Robert J. Shelby refers case to Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead for pretrial matters

The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead on January 8, 2025. District Judge Robert J.

Shelby signed the order under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A), giving Magistrate Judge Pead authority to handle all nondispositive pretrial matters. This referral means Judge Pead will manage routine pretrial issues such as discovery disputes, scheduling, and motions that do not resolve the case's merits.

The referral does not include dispositive motions like summary judgment or motions to dismiss, which remain with the district judge. No additional filings or documents accompanied the referral order, leaving the case's underlying claims and parties undisclosed in the public docket.

The case remains active, with no public record of its filing date or jurisdiction. The referral signals the case is in its early procedural stages, focusing on organizing the pretrial process and resolving preliminary disputes. Magistrate Judge Pead’s involvement aims to streamline case management and reduce the district court’s workload.

The docket shows a subsequent order issued by Judge Pead on May 10, 2026, indicating ongoing activity under his supervision. The absence of substantive filings or motions limits insight into the case’s subject matter or the parties’ positions.

The referral order is a routine procedural step in federal litigation, common in cases expected to require detailed pretrial management. It sets the framework for how the case will proceed before reaching dispositive motions or trial.

The district court retains ultimate authority over dispositive rulings and trial settings, while Magistrate Judge Pead handles day-to-day pretrial matters.