A family in Illinois is accusing a Pennsylvania court of harassment and conspiracy, alleging that they are being unfairly targeted with unjustified invoices. On June 24, 2024, Justin Juan De La Cruz Martinez, along with Aneesa Lynn Martinez, Zoe Martinez, Holly Martinez, and Caleb Martinez filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
The plaintiffs claim that on June 9, 2024, they received an invoice from the defendant demanding $902.50 for appeal process fees. The family argues that this invoice is a form of harassment since they have been granted In Forma Pauperis (IFP) status by the same court as well as five other courts. They assert that this status exempts them from such fees due to their financial hardship. "Not only are no monies due to the Defendant by the Plaintiff," states Justin Martinez in his motion challenging the invoice, "but that the INVOICE is harassment."
The complaint further alleges that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of harassment and conspiracy involving multiple officials within the Pennsylvania judicial system. The plaintiffs cite previous interactions where Deputy Prothonotary Bobbi Jo Wagner allegedly mocked Justin Martinez and confirmed his IFP status in front of his daughter Zoe on March 4th and 5th, 2024. Additionally, Judge Katherine B. Emery had previously declared Justin indigent and unable to pay prosecution fees in related cases.
Justin Martinez contends that these actions violate their civil rights under 42 U.S.C §§1983, 1985, and 1986. He accuses the Superior Court of Pennsylvania of knowingly conspiring to harass him and his family through unjustified financial demands despite their recognized inability to pay. "Defendant acted knowingly, intentionally, willfully and maliciously," reads one part of the complaint.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for emotional harm, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other injuries inflicted by what they describe as judicial bullying. They also seek punitive damages against the defendant and any other appropriate injunctive or declaratory relief.
Representing themselves pro se in this matter are Justin Juan De La Cruz Martinez along with his family members Aneesa Lynn Martinez, Zoe Martinez, Holly Martinez, and Caleb Martinez. The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:24-cv-50250 under Judge Thomas G Bruton.