Opinion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

STEVE MILLER, ET AL. CIVIL ACTION

VERSUS NO. 25-180-RLB

ZODIAK TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS CONSENT

& SOLUTIONS, LLC, ET AL.

ORDER

Before the Court is Optimum Dealership Group, LLC’s Motion to Compel Additional

Production, Adequate Discovery Responses, and Privilege Log (“Motion to Compel”). (R. Doc.

60). The motion is opposed. (R. Doc. 63).

Also before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel with Request for Incidental Relief

and Extend Discovery Deadlines (“Motion to Compel”). (R. Doc. 61). The motion is opposed.

(R. Docs. 62, 64). Plaintiffs filed a Reply Memorandum. (R. Doc. 67).

Also before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Motion for Relief under Fed. R. Civ. P. Rule 56(d)

(“Rule 56(d) Motion”). (R. Doc. 70). The motion is opposed. (R. Docs. 72, 73).

I. Background

On or about January 27, 2025, Steve Miller and Lisa Miller (collectively, “Plaintiffs”)

initiated this action by filing a Petition in State Court, naming Zodiak Transportation Logistics &

Solutions, LLC (“Zodiak”) and Optimum Dealership Group, LLC d/b/a Optimum RV

(“Optimum” or “Optimum Dealership Group”) as defendants in a nuisance action involving the

placement of approximately 80 vacant recreation vehicles (RVs) on a lot adjacent to Plaintiffs’

property. (R. Doc. 1-2).

The defendants removed the action, asserting this Court can properly exercise diversity

jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332. (R. Doc. 1). Both Optimum and Zodiak filed motions

to dismiss. (R. Docs. 24, 25).

In support of its motion to dismiss, Optimum argued, in part, that the Court could not

exercise general or specific personal jurisdiction over it because: Optimum did not own any of

the RVs at issue; Optimum did not contract with Zodiak with respect to the relocation of the

RVs; and Optimum did not otherwise direct Zodiak to park the RVs in Louisiana. In support of

its position, Optimum submitted three declarations: the Declaration of Travis Wengler,

Wholesale Manager of Optimum (R. Doc. 35-2, “Wengler Declaration”); the Declaration of

Chris Trapeni, who works “with and for a number of entities that refer to themselves as

‘Optimum’ or ‘Optimum RV’” (R. Doc. 25-3, “Trapeni Declaration”); and the Declaration of

Dan Plautz, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations at Zodiak (R. Doc. 25-4, “Plautz

Declaration”). Optimum subsequently withdrew its reliance on Paragraphs 6 and 7 of the

Wengler Declaration and Paragraphs 6, 7, and 10 of the Trapeni Declaration, representing that it

could no longer in good faith state that “it did not own at least some of the RVs” despite its

previous representations to the contrary. (R. Doc. 39).

The Court denied the foregoing motions to dismiss without prejudice to refile to the

extent Plaintiffs did not address the pleading deficiencies in an amended pleading. (R. Docs. 44,

45). Plaintiffs then filed a Second Supplemental, Amending, and Restated Complaint (“Second

Amended Complaint”). (R. Doc. 46). Defendants did not file renewed Rule 12(b) motions to

dismiss.

A. The Factual Allegations

In the Second Amended Complaint, Plaintiffs allege that they began a short-term rental

business at their property, resulting in an average of $3,000.00/month income. (Sec. Am. Compl.

¶ 3). Their property is adjacent to property owned by Rodney Willis Only, LLC. (Sec. Am.

Compl. ¶ 2).

Plaintiffs allege that on February 28, 2024, Zodiak, at the “direction of and with full

authority delegated to it by defendant Optimum,” began transporting and depositing the RVs –

which were “infested with rats, vermin of various kinds, fleas, and roaches” and caused ruts on

Plaintiffs’ property during transport – onto a lot adjacent to Plaintiffs’ property in Plaquemine,

Louisiana. (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶ 4). Optimum “gave defendant Zodiak the authority to determine

where the subject RV’s were stored and kept” but Optimum “was ultimately in control of where

and how the RV’s [were] placed by defendant Zodiak.” (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶ 4a). At some point,

“defendant Zodiak entered into an oral lease agreement with Rodney Willis Only, LLC

permitting the subject RV’s to be stored and kept on the property owned by Rodney Willis Only,

LLC” for two weeks, possibly a little longer,” in exchange for $6,000. (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶ 4c).

A hot shot driver employed by Zodiak informed Mrs. Miller that the RVs are owned by

Optimum, resulting in various communications between Mrs. Miller and Chris Trapeni, the

alleged Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Optimum, regarding the storage of, and damage

caused by, the RVs. (Sec. Am. Compl.¶¶ 5a-d). At no point did Mr. Trapeni represent that the

RVs were not the property of Optimum. (See Sec. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 5a-d).

Plaintiffs allege that the RVs created an “attractive nuisance” because they attracted

individuals inquiring whether the RVs were for sale and potential thieves who “looted and

vandalized” the RVs. (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 5d, 6). Despite Plaintiffs’ conversations with

representatives of Optimum and Zodiak regarding the RVs, they remained in place until April

19, 2024, and further damage was caused to Plaintiffs’ property at the time of their removal.

(Sec. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 6a, 7). Plaintiffs also allege that “Zodiak repeatedly trespassed on [their]

properties, including leaving feces, urine, trash, ruts, and debris” on the property. (Sec. Am.

Compl. ¶ 9).

Plaintiffs seek recovery for nuisance pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code articles 667, 668,

and 669; damage caused by ruin, vice, or defect in things pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code

article 2317.1; and trespass pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code article 2315. (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶

9). Plaintiffs allege that “the infestation of vermin from defendants’ vehicles and subject RVs,

hazardous conditions, ruin, vice, and defect in the RVs and as they were in deplorable condition,

including being infested with fleas and vermin, and nuisance activities have rendered their short-

term rental property uninhabitable and it is therefore no longer producing any rent or income and

is now vacant.” (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶ 10). Among other things, Plaintiffs seek recovery for

physical injuries, trespass, loss of use of their property, permanent impairment of use of their

property, pollution of their property, diminution in value of their property, severe emotional

distress and mental anguish, past and future lost wages and earnings, and past and future

enjoyment and peaceable possession of their property. (Sec. Am. Compl. ¶ 11).

In response, Optimum and Zodiak filed Answers. (R. Docs. 56, 57). In pertinent part,

Optimum’s Third Affirmative Defense states that it “did not cause any of Plaintiffs’ damages”;

its Fourth Affirmative Defense states that it “did not direct, control, or authorize the actions of

Zodiak”; and its Fifth Affirmative Defense provides that it is “not in contractual privity with

defendant Zodiak and Zodiak is not otherwise an agent, employee, or independent contractor” of

Optimum. (R. Doc. 56 at 4).

B. The Discovery Disputes

The instant Motions to Compel were filed on December 15, 2025, the deadline to

complete all discovery. (R. Docs. 60, 61).

In support of its Motion to Compel, Optimum seeks supplemental responses to

Interrogatories and Requests for Production served on September 16, 2025. (R. Doc. 60-2). First,

Optimum seeks supplemental production of documents in response to Request for Production

Nos. 27, 32, and 38, including the production of documents in native format with metadata as

requested. (R. Doc. 60-1 at 4-5). Second, Optimum seeks supplemental production of documents

in response to Request for Production Nos. 4 and 13, including a finding that Plaintiffs’

communications between themselves are not subject to the spousal privilege and the production

of a privilege log with respect to any withheld documents on the basis of spousal privilege. (R.

Doc. 60-1 at 5-6, 9). Third, Optimum seeks supplemental responses to Interrogatory Nos. 4, 12,

13, and 16. (R. Doc. 60-1 at 6-9).

In support of their Motion to Compel, Plaintiffs seek supplemental responses to

Interrogatories and Requests for Production served on May 7, 2025. (R. Doc. 61-3). In particular,

Plaintiffs seek an order compelling Optimum to supplement its responses to Interrogatory Nos. 1,

2, 3, 5, 6 and Request for Production of Documents Nos. 2-9, and compelling Zodiak to

supplement its responses to Interrogatory Nos. 1, 3, and Requests for Production 2-9. Plaintiffs

also seeks an order compelling the depositions of the following individuals: Dr. Marni Tovsen

(Optimum’s Human Resources Director and consultant of U.S. Carriers); Kari “Kat” Rowling

(employee of U.S. Carriers); Jamie Mangold (employee of Optimum); and Denver Beck (CEO of

Optimum), as well as an extension of the discovery deadline to complete certain depositions. (R.

Doc. 61-1 at 15-18). Plaintiffs argue that the foregoing individuals have “relevant knowledge

about the claims and defenses in this case but were not identified in Initial Disclosures,” and

were only later identified at the Optimum depositions on December 11, 2025. (R. Doc. 61-1 at 6-

8).

On January 30, 2026, Zodiak and Optimum filed Motions for Summary Judgment. (R.

Docs. 68, 69).1 In pertinent part, Optimum asserts that the claims against it should be dismissed

because Plaintiffs cannot demonstrate that Optimum had control over Zodiak’s transportation of

the RVs, Optimum did not direct the transportation of the RVs, and Optimum did not derive any

property rights from Rodney Willis or Rodney Willis Only, LLC. (R. Docs. 69-2 at 6-7, 9).

Optimum asserts that it lacked the necessary garde over the RVs in light of its contract with U.S.

Carriers, which it now contends facilitated the transportation of the RVs. (R. Doc. 69-2 at 7-8).

Both Optimum and Zodiak also seek summary judgment on the basis that Plaintiffs lack

evidence that the alleged vermin, rats, and fleas came from the RVs. (R. Doc. 69-2 at 8, 11-13;

R. Doc. 68-2 at 12-13).

In response, Plaintiffs filed their Motion for Rule 56(d) Relief, through which Plaintiffs

seek the opportunity to conduct additional discovery to establish disputed issues of material fact.

(R. Doc 70). The discovery sought is largely identical to the discovery sought in Plaintiffs’

Motion to Compel:

(1) obtaining supplementation of the emails regarding who typed Mr. Trapeni’s

Declaration and cellphone records demonstrating communications with Dr.

Tovsen regarding his Declaration; email from Dr. Tovsen and/or others to Mr.

Trapeni regarding his Declaration; records of payment for the subject RV’s and

inventory of the subject RV’s; records of where the RVs went to after being on

the Millers’ property and property adjacent to the Millers’ property and Records

of the condition of the RVs when they arrived at Optimum and what repairs were

done to them (Mr. Trapeni referenced that as “detailed check in process/records”);

contract, if any, between Optimum and U.S. Carriers regarding the subject RV’s;

intakes/complaints to Optimum; W-2 or identifying documents of Mr. Wengler’s

employer; records for the purchase of the subject RV’s, inspector’s notes,

1 Plaintiffs did not move for summary judgment.

inventory list, and “copy and paste” list; and cellphone records between Mr.

Wengler and Mr. Rowling, and cellphone records between Mr. Wengler and Mr.

Buscemi; and “investigation” documents by Dr. Tovsen and her “team”; (2)

deposing Dr. Tovsen, personally, Ms. Rowling, Mr. Mangold, and Mr. Beck; and

(3) allowing plaintiffs to conduct any additional and/or related discovery

necessary based on the testimony of these witnesses.

(R. Doc. 70 at 3-4). In the alternative, Plaintiffs seek the opportunity to supplement their

prospective opposition to the Motions for Summary Judgment “with additional evidence and

facts” obtained to the extent the Court grants their Motion to Compel. (R. Doc. 70 at 4).

Plaintiffs submit declarations in support of the opportunity to conduct additional discovery. (See

R. Docs. 70-3, 70-4).

In light of the foregoing motions, the Court stayed Plaintiffs’ deadline to respond to the

Defendants’ Motions for Summary Judgment. (R. Doc. 71).

II. Law and Analysis

A. Legal Standards

“Unless otherwise limited by court order, the scope of discovery is as follows: Parties

may obtain discovery regarding any nonprivileged matter that is relevant to any party’s claim or

defense and proportional to the needs of the case, considering the importance of the issues at

stake in the action, the amount in controversy, the parties’ relative access to relevant information,

the parties’ resources, the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and whether the

burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit. Information within this

scope of discovery need not be admissible in evidence to be discoverable.” Fed. R. Civ. P.

26(b)(1). The court must limit the frequency or extent of discovery if it determines that: “(i) the

discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or can be obtained from some other

source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive; (ii) the party seeking

discovery has had ample opportunity to obtain the information by discovery in the action; or (iii)

the proposed discovery is outside the scope permitted by Rule 26(b)(1).” Fed. R. Civ. P.

26(b)(2)(C).

Rule 26(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allows the court to issue a protective

order after a showing of good cause “to protect a party or person from annoyance,

embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c)(1). Rule 26(c)’s

“good cause” requirement indicates that the party seeking a protective order has the burden “to

show the necessity of its issuance, which contemplates a particular and specific demonstration of

fact as distinguished from stereotyped and conclusory statements.” In re Terra Int'l, Inc., 134

F.3d 302, 306 (5th Cir. 1998) (quoting United States v. Garrett, 571 F.2d 1323, 1326 n.3 (5th

Cir. 1978)).

If a party fails to provide initial disclosures or fully respond to discovery requests, the

party seeking discovery may move to compel disclosures and responses and appropriate

sanctions under Rule 37. An “evasive or incomplete disclosure, answer, or response must be

treated as a failure to disclose, answer or respond.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(4).

Rule 16(b)(4) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allows for the modification of a

scheduling order deadline upon a showing of good cause and with the judge’s consent. The Fifth

Circuit has explained that a party is required “to show that the deadlines cannot reasonably be

met despite the diligence of the party needing the extension.” Marathon Fin. Ins. Inc., RRG v.

Ford Motor Co., 591 F.3d 458, 470 (5th Cir. 2009) (quoting S&W Enters., LLC v. Southtrust

Bank of Ala., NA, 315 F.3d 533, 535 (5th Cir. 2003)). In determining whether the movant has

established “good cause” for an extension of deadlines, the Court considers four factors: (1) the

party’s explanation for the requested extension; (2) the importance of the requested extension;

(3) the potential prejudice in granting the extension; and (4) the availability of a continuance to

cure such prejudice. See Leza v. City of Laredo, 496 Fed. App’x 375, 377 (5th Cir. 2012) (citing

Reliance Ins. Co. v. Louisiana Land & Exploration Co., 110 F.3d 253, 257 (5th Cir. 1997)).

Under Rule 56(d), if the non-moving party “shows by affidavit or declaration that, for

specified reasons, it cannot present facts essential to justify its opposition, the court may: (1)

defer considering the motion or deny it; (2) allow time to obtain affidavits or declarations or to

take discovery; or (3) issue any other appropriate order. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(d). Rule 56(d)

provides a tool to keep open the doors of discovery in order to adequately oppose a summary

judgment motion. Six Flags Inc. v. Westchester Surplus Lines Ins. Co., 565 F.3d 948, 963 (5th

Cir. 2009). A party seeking additional discovery pursuant to Rule 56(d) must show: (1) how that

discovery will create a genuine issue of material fact; and (2) that the movant exercised due

diligence in discovery. Id.; Culwell v. City of Fort Worth, 468 F.3d 868, 871-73 (5th Cir. 2006);

Baker v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 430 F.3d 750, 756 (5th Cir. 2005).

District courts have discretion to grant or deny a Rule 56(d) motion. See Am. Family Life

Assur. Co. of Columbus v. Biles, 714 F.3d 887, 894 (5th Cir. 2013) (citing Raby v. Livingston,

600 F.3d 552, 561 (5th Cir. 2010). “Rule 56(d) motions for additional discovery ‘are broadly

favored and should be liberally granted’ because the rule is designed to ‘safeguard non-moving

parties from summary judgment motions that they cannot adequately oppose.’” Am. Family, 714

F.3d at 894 (quoting Raby, 600 F.3d at 561). “Nevertheless, nonmoving parties requesting Rule

56(d) relief ‘may not simply rely on vague assertions that additional discovery will produce

needed, but unspecified, facts.’” Am. Family, 714 F.3d at 894 (quoting Raby, 600 F.3d at 561).

“Instead, the non-moving party must ‘set forth a plausible basis for believing that specified facts,

susceptible of collection within a reasonable time frame, probably exist and indicate how the

emergent facts, if adduced, will influence the outcome of the pending summary judgment

motion.’” Am. Family, 714 F.3d at 894 (quoting Raby, 600 F.3d at 561).

Where a party seeks an extension of the discovery deadline while a summary judgment

motion is pending, district courts will consider the standards imposed by both Rule 16(b)(4) and

Rule 56(d). Warner v. Lear Corp., No. 15-1878, 2017 WL 930829, at *2 (N.D. Tex. Mar. 9,

2017) (“Because Warner filed his motion while Lear’s summary judgment motion was pending,

the court will consider Warner’s motion both under the Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b)(4) good cause

standard and as a motion for additional discovery under Rule 56(d).”); Off. Brands, Inc. v. Roc

Nation Sports, LLC, No. 15-2199, 2017 WL 291536, at *6 (N.D. Tex. Jan. 23, 2017) (“Rule

16(b)(4), which provides that a scheduling order “may be modified only for good cause and with

the judge'’ consent,” is tied to Rule 56(d) in this context, so considering Plaintiff’s request in

light of both is proper.”).

B. Optimum’s Motion to Compel (R. Doc. 60)

1. The Meet-and-Confer Requirement

A motion to compel “must include a certification that the movant has in good faith

conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make disclosure or discovery

in an effort to obtain it without court action.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(1). With no elaboration,

Optimum certifies that its counsel “conferred in good faith with counsel for Plaintiffs in an effort

to resolve this Motion without court action” but the “Plaintiffs do not agree to the relief sought in

this Motion.” (R. Doc. 60-1 at 10).

Despite this certification, Plaintiffs assert that they “provided timely full responses on

October 16, 2025, and supplemented their responses on November 6, 2025, November 10, 2025,

November 11, 2025, December 5, 2025, December 3, 2025, and December 2025” but “[n]o

indication was given by defense counsel that supplementation did not cure any alleged

deficiency until the instant Motion was filed and thereafter by email.” (R. Doc. 63 at 2) (citing R.

Docs. 63-1, 63-2, 63-3, 63-4). Plaintiffs further represent that at no time during the parties’

communications did defense counsel “bring up or discuss the alleged deficiencies as it related to

plaintiffs’ discovery answers.” (R. Doc. 63 at 4).

The emails attached to Plaintiffs’ opposition show that defense counsel raised the issues

addressed in Optimum’s motion on October 29, 2025. (R. Doc. 63-1). That said, there is no

record that, as required by the Scheduling Order, defense counsel attempted to confer with

Plaintiffs’ counsel “in person or by telephone for purposes of amicably resolving the issues and

stating why they are unable to agree or stating that opposing counsel has refused to do so or

confer after reasonable notice.” (R. Doc. 33 at 1). The record does not support a finding that any

specific conference – whether by telephone or in person – was held or attempted for the purposes

of resolving the issues raised in Optimum’s motion in good faith without court intervention.

Given the foregoing, Optimum’s motion is subject to denial for failure to satisfy Rule

37(a)(1). See Calhoun v. CarMax Bus. Servs., LLC, No. 24-660, 2025 WL 3567851, at *2 (M.D.

La. Nov. 17, 2025) (single email setting a conference without further efforts to communicate is

insufficient to meet the requirements of Rule 37(a)(1)) (citing cases); McAllister v. McDermott,

Inc., No.18-361, 2019 WL 6050724, at *2 (M.D. La. Nov. 15, 2019) (single attempt through

email to obtain supplemental responses under threat of filing a motion to compel did not satisfy

the requirements of Rule 37(a)(1)) (citing cases); see also Ross v. Citifinancial, Inc., 203 F.R.D.

239, 240 (S.D. Miss. 2001) (recognizing Rule 37(a)(1)’s meet-and-confer “prerequisite is not an

empty formality”). Given the record, however, the Court will resolve the merits of Optimum’s

motion and consider the failure to hold a good faith conference for the purpose of determining

whether to award any reasonable expenses. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(5)(i).

2. Electronically Stored Information in Native Format

Optimum raises a global argument that Plaintiffs’ first document production, which

consists of primarily of a single PDF document, is “woefully deficient and incomplete.” (R. Doc.

60-1 at 4). Optimum did not submit a copy of the production for review.

In opposing this relief, Plaintiffs state that they “produced documents, audio recordings,

and video recordings in the format that they possess them” and offered Optimum the opportunity

to inspect original photographs on November 6 and November 10, 2025, but those offers were

ignored. (R. Doc. 63 at 3-4).

The record shows that Optimum stated the following on October 29, 2025 in an email:

“The document production primarily consists of illegible, photocopied documents, including

photographs and emails. The emails are missing metadata and attachments, and the photographs

are completely illegible. Further, the majority of the production consists of a single PDF. Federal

law requires documents to be produced in their native format with all metadata intact. Please re-

produce the entire production to comply with these requirements.” (R. Doc. 63-1 at 1). In

response, Plaintiffs’ counsel stated on November 6, 2025: “[W]e produced all of the photographs

we have and you are welcome to come and examine the originals.” (R. Doc. 63-1 at 1).

Optimum’s instructions to the Requests for Production specifically provides the

following: “All documents shall be produced in their native format, with all metadata intact. The

documents shall indicate, by notation or grouping, which request each produced document is

responsive to.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 5). Plaintiffs have failed to direct the Court to any objection to

this specific instruction.

Rule 34 allows a request for production to “specify the form or forms in which

electronically stored information is to be produced.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(b)(1)(C). Here, Optimum

requested documents to be produced in their native format.2 In responding to a request for

electronically stored information, “[t]he response may state an objection to a requested form for

producing electronically stored information. If the responding party objects to a requested form –

or if no form was specified in the request—the party must state the form or forms that it intends

to use.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(b)(2)(D). Despite being asked for documents (and, therefore,

electronically stored information) to be produced in native format, Plaintiffs produced copies of

emails and photographs in a single PDF document.3 Plaintiffs did not raise an objection to the

requested form.

While the foregoing PDF production is Bates numbered, it does not include the requested

electronically stored information in native format, with metadata intact, as requested.

Accordingly, to the extent Plaintiffs produced (1) emails and (2) digital photographs in PDF

form, the Court will require them to supplement the production with electronically stored

information in native format, with metadata intact. See, e.g., Express Lien, Inc. v. Nat'l Ass'n of

Credit Mgmt., Inc., No. 13-3323, 2014 WL 12767814, at *3 (E.D. La. Mar. 20, 2014) (requiring

production of electronically store information in native format where responding party failed to

raise objections). The quantity of emails and photographs produced by Plaintiffs appears to be

relatively limited, and Plaintiffs have not demonstrated any burden or prejudice imposed by a

production in native format, with metadata intact.

2 “[A] Rule 34 request for production of ‘documents’ should be understood to encompass, and the response should

include, electronically stored information unless discovery in the action has clearly distinguished between

electronically stored information and ‘documents.’” Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(a), Advisory Committee Notes to 2006

Amendment.

3 There appears to be no dispute that Plaintiff produced certain hard copy documents, as well as audio recordings

and video recordings, in the proper format.

3. Optimum’s Requests for Production Nos. 27, 32, 38

Optimum argues that Plaintiffs’ “document production” as a whole “is facially

incomplete” because it “is missing documents that are known to exist, including Plaintiffs’

correspondence with current and prospective tenants at their AirBNB, correspondence with

AirBNB itself, correspondence with Orkin, correspondence with Rodney Willis, and

correspondence with the multitude of individuals that Plaintiffs have identified as having direct

knowledge of the alleged legal issues.” (R. Doc. 60-1 at 4-5). Optimum asserts that Plaintiffs

submitted “a single PDF screenshot of a message inbox on AirBNB” that “shows snippets of

various communications the Plaintiffs had with prospective and current tenants” but did not

produce the full conversations. (R. Doc. 60-1 at 5).

Optimum argues that this production is deficient without providing, as required by the

Court’s local rules, the verbatim language of each request for production and responses or

objections at issue. See LR 37 (“Motions addressed to issues concerning discovery propounded

under Fed. R. Civ. P. 33, 34, 36 and 37 must quote verbatim each interrogatory, request for

production, or request for admission to which the motion is addressed, followed immediately by

the verbatim response or objection which provided thereto.”). Instead, Optimum states, in

conclusory fashion, that it “requested these documents in Request for Productions Nos. 27, 32,

38, and the Court should require production.” (R. Doc. 60-1 at 5).

These document requests collectively seek documents and communications “relating to

any payments made by AirBnB or any customer, renter, or tenant of the 59020 Bellview

Property,” “with any employee or representative of Rodney Willis Only, LLC or Rodney Willis,”

and “with any of the following [26] individuals [and Orkin Pest Control] relating to this Lawsuit

or any of the allegations of this Lawsuit.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 7-8). In response, Plaintiffs referred

Optimum to its document production. (R. Doc. 60-2 at 7-9)

In opposing the motion, Plaintiffs confirm that despite diligent searches, they are not in

possession of any “additional correspondence with tenants, AirBnB, Orkin, Willis, or other

unidentified individuals regarding this matter other than what has been produced,” that all

correspondence with prospective tenants was through AirBnB’s platform “and is in the

possession of AirBnB,” and that they are not “in possession of any additional correspondence

with Orkin” as supported by the lack of any documents produced by Orkin in response to a

subpoena. (R. Doc. 63 at 5).

Rule 34 requires that a responding party produce responsive documents that are within

their “possession, custody, or control.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(a)(1). Documents are deemed to be

within the “possession, custody, or control” of a responding party if that party either has “actual”

possession, custody, or control of the documents or if that party “has the legal right to obtain the

documents on demand or has the practical ability to obtain the documents from a non-party to the

action.” Estate of Monroe v. Bottle Rock Power Corp., No. 03-2682, 2004 WL 737463, at * 10

(E.D. La. April 2, 2004). “Rule 34 is broadly construed and documents within a party’s control

are subject to discovery, even if owned by a nonparty.” Id. (citing Commerce and Industry Ins.

Co. v. Grinnell Corp., Nos. 97–0775, 97–0803, 98–2200, 2001 WL 96337, at *3 (E.D. La. Feb.

1, 2001)). The burden, however, is on the party seeking discovery to make a showing that the

other party has control over the documents sought. Id. “When determining the sufficiency of

control of material for purposes of Rule 34, the nature of the relationship between the party and

the non-party is the key.” Id.; see MacNair v. Chubb Eur. Grp. SE, No. 23-761, 2024 WL

663652, at *6 (E.D. La. Feb. 16, 2024) (“In determining the sufficiency of control over material

for discovery purposes, the nature of the relationship between the party and the non-party is

key.”).

Here, Optimum has not met its burden of demonstrating that Plaintiffs have “custody” or

“control” over documents that it has represented are not in its actual possession. Optimum has

also not identified any specific attempts to identify outstanding communications at Plaintiffs’

depositions or through good faith conferences with Plaintiffs’ counsel. Accordingly, the Court

will not require Plaintiffs to respond further to these document requests.

4. Optimum’s Request for Production No. 4

Request for Production No. 4 seeks the production of “[a]ll documents and

communications produced or received in discovery in any lawsuit between the Millers and

Rodney Willis Only, LLC or Rodney Willis.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 5). Plaintiffs responded that “[n]o

discovery was propounded by said defendants.” (R. Doc. 60-3 at 8).

Optimum argues that the response is insufficient because it does not state whether any

documents and communications were produced or received in the litigation.

Plaintiffs acknowledge that they are parties in the following lawsuit: Millers v. Rodney

Willis Only, LLC and Rodney Willis, Docket No. 83509, 18th Judicial District Court, Parish of

Iberville, State of Louisiana (“the Willis lawsuit”). Plaintiffs represent that at the time the request

for production was received, neither party in the lawsuit had served or produced any discovery.

While Plaintiffs now contend that the request seeks irrelevant information, they have since

produced copies of discovery responses provided by Rodney Willis Only, LLC and Rodney

Willis in the Willis lawsuit, further representing that there “are no additional responsive

documents to provide.” (R. Doc. 63 at 6-7; see R. Doc. 63-9).

Plaintiffs did not raise a timely objection to the relevancy of the information sought by

this discovery request. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(b)(2). That said, given the foregoing representation

that there are no additional responsive documents to provide, the Court will not order any further

production at this time. Plaintiffs are reminded that they have a duty to supplement their

discovery responses to the extent responsive documents become available. See Fed. R. Civ. P.

26(e). Accordingly, Plaintiffs must supplement their production to Optimum with any documents

and communications that they ultimately produce in the Willis lawsuit, unless such productions

are made pursuant to a protective order governing the exchange of confidential information in

the Willis lawsuit.

5. Optimum’s Request for Production No. 13 and Privilege Log

Request for Production No. 13 seeks the production of “[a]ll documents and

communications between Steve Miller and Lisa Miller relating to any of the allegations of this

Lawsuit.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 5). Plaintiffs objected to the request “on the basis of spousal

privilege.” (R. Doc. 60-3 at 8).

Optimum argues that the objection must be overruled because “spousal privilege cannot

be used as a both a sword and a shield” where the spouses are co-plaintiffs, and that Plaintiffs

must otherwise be compelled to produce a privilege log with respect to documents withheld on

the basis of spousal privilege. (R. Doc. 60-1 at 6, 9-10).

While maintaining their assertion that the spousal privilege applies to their

communications, Plaintiffs assert that they informed Optimum on November 6, 2025 that they

had “performed a diligent search and are not in possession of any responsive documents which

they contend are protected by spousal privilege.” (R. Doc. 63 at 7). It remains unclear whether

Plaintiffs have produced all responsive documents that they do not contend are protected by

spousal privilege. Accordingly, Plaintiffs shall clarify this response by either (1) producing any

responsive documents in their possession, custody, or control responsive to Request for

Production No. 13, or (2) informing Optimum that they have no responsive documents to

produce. Given the foregoing representations, the Court will not require Plaintiffs to produce a

privilege log.

6. Plaintiffs’ Verification of Answers to Interrogatories

Optimum seeks the verification to all answers to interrogatories as required by Rule

33(b)(3) (“Each interrogatory must, to the extent it is not objected to, be answered separately and

fully in writing under oath”). (R. Doc. 60-1 at 6).

In response, Plaintiffs explain that they executed a Verification for their discovery

responses on November 6, 2025, which was notarized that same day, but was inadvertently not

sent with the discovery responses. (R. Doc. 63 at 7). This Verification has since been provided to

Optimum. (R. Doc. 63-9 at 1; see R. Doc. 63-9 at 19).

Given the foregoing, the relief sought with respect to the Rule 33(b)(3) verification is

moot.

7. Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 4

Interrogatory No. 4 seeks the identification of Plaintiffs’ “employer(s), job title, and

salary, for the prior 5 years.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 14). Plaintiffs provided the following response:

Plaintiffs were self-employed with the AirBNB property which provided income.

Mr. Miller was also employed by Westlake Chemical. Plaintiffs attach to these

responses the rental history for the property. However, as to Mr. Miller’s income

information from Westlake, plaintiffs object on the basis the request is overly

broad, unduly burdensome, not calculated or likely to lead to the discovery of

either relevant or admissible evidence, and on the basis of privacy and

confidentiality, specifically as the information is contained in their tax returns.

Subject to objection and without waiver of same, plaintiffs will produce their tax

returns for the past three (3) years subject to a mutually agreeable protective order

and with redaction of their Social Security numbers.

(R. Doc. 60-3 at 23). Optimum seeks supplementation with the identification of Mr.

Miller’s job title and salary. (R. Doc. 60-1 at 7).

Plaintiffs represent that on November 6, 2025, they informed Optimum through email

“that Mr. Miller was employed at Westlake Chemical as a shift supervisor for the past 5 years,”

they provided information related to his salary within his tax returns provided on December 2,

2025, and Optimum did not ask any questions regarding Mr. Miller’s salary at his deposition. (R.

Doc. 63 at 8).

Given the foregoing, the Court will not order any further supplementation in response to

this interrogatory.

8. Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 12

Interrogatory No. 12 seeks information with respect to the same individuals and entities

identified in Request for Production No. 38. The interrogatory, and Plaintiffs’ answer, are as

follows:

Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 12:

For each of the following individuals, provide their contact information and

identify in detail the specific facts you believe each of these individuals have of

the allegations of this Lawsuit:

a. Debbie Bissett

b. Marissa Jimenez

c. Aprila Wallace

d. Rachel Conners

e. Tammy Jo Street

f. Kimberly Corts

g. Jenifer Kidd

h. Brodie Meche

i. Nathan Prince

j. Mitchel Ourso

k. Nedi Morgan

l. "Reed c/o LDEQ"

m. Brian Romero

n. Tonly Clayton

o. Billy Nungesser

p. Caleb Klienpeter

q. Faith R. Willis

r. Bliss M. Higgins

s. Catherine Lucile Breaux Miller

t. Steve Gullotto

u. Chris Daigle

v. Cindy Lafosse

w. Colton West

x. Steve Smith

y. Lewis Burner

z. Brett Stassi

aa. Orkin Pest Control

(R. Doc. 60-2 at 16-17).

Plaintiffs’ Answer:

a-i: DEQ/LDEQ Employees, c/o DEQ/LDEQ relating to concrete washout claims

involving Willis and Willis Only (unrelated to this lawsuit).

j: Mitchel Ourso, former Parish President, phone number (225) 776-6660, facts and

damages

k-s: None

t: Steve Gullotta, phone number (225) 776-1627, facts and damages re: parish

meeting on changing parish rules of trespassing and nuisance neighbors

u: Chris Daigle, current Parish President, facts and damages re: parish meeting on

changing parish rules of trespassing and nuisance neighbors

v-w: DEQ/LDEQ Employees, c/o DEQ/LDEQ relating to concrete washout claims

involving Willis and Willis Only (unrelated to this lawsuit).

x: Steve Smith, Parish Councilman of Mrs. Miller’s district, phone number (225)

776-1519, facts and damages re: the situation the plaintiffs have been facing.

y-z: DEQ/LDEQ Employees, c/o DEQ/LDEQ relating to concrete washout claims

involving Willis and Willis Only (unrelated to this lawsuit).

aa. Orkin Pest Control, employee Gregg Barber administered pest control services to

the Property.

(R. Doc. 60-3 at 36-37).

There is no dispute that Plaintiff identified the foregoing individuals and entities in their

Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures, which do not appear to be part of the record. Optimum does not

otherwise identify the relevance of the individuals and entities identified in the interrogatory.

In response, Plaintiffs state that they “cannot speculate as to the precise details each

witness may know until that person testifies,” they “provided what they believe each witness

knows about the allegations in this litigation to the best of their knowledge,” and they only listed

the individuals identified in K-S “out of an abundance of caution to ensure compliance with”

Rule 26(a)(1). (R. Doc. 63 at 8-9).

Optimum has made no specific effort to demonstrate that the supplemental information

sought regarding the foregoing individuals and entities falls within the scope of discovery. While

Plaintiffs could have provided more detailed responses, Optimum had the opportunity to

question Plaintiffs with respect to the individuals and entities listed in the interrogatory.

Optimum has not identified any specific effort to obtain this information at the depositions of the

Plaintiffs or in their correspondence with Plaintiffs’ counsel. Given the record, the Court finds

the foregoing responses to be sufficient.

9. Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 13

Interrogatory No. 13 asks for the identity and description of the damages Plaintiffs

“are seeking from Rodney Willis and Rodney Willis Only, LLC including the type of

damage, the amount of damages, and any documentation [Plaintiffs] have to support your

entitlement to said damages.” (R. Doc. 60-2 at 17). In response, Plaintiffs directed Optimum

to the Willis lawsuit “as the best evidence of its contents,” further noting that the case

remained in “the discovery phase.” (R. Doc. 60-3 at 60).

Optimum argues that Plaintiffs’ answer “is completely nonresponsive.” (R. Doc. 60-1

at 9). In opposition, Plaintiffs assert that the pleadings and supporting affidavits in the Willis

lawsuit sets forth the damages sought, noting that Optimum did not question Plaintiffs about

this issue at their depositions and that Plaintiffs are precluded by Louisiana Code of Civil

Procedure Article 893 from seeking a specific amount of damages in the Willis lawsuit. (R.

Doc. 63 at 9).

Again, Optimum has made no effort to demonstrate that the information sought –

damages requested in a separate State court lawsuit – falls within the scope of discovery in this

action. At any rate, the Court finds Plaintiffs’ response and production of the actual pleadings in

the Willis lawsuit to be a sufficient response.

10. Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 16

Interrogatory No. 16 seeks a description in detail of the basis for the denial of any request

for admission. (R. Doc. 60-2 at 26). In response, Plaintiffs stated that “[t]he basis for any

objection is described in the Answer to the Interrogatory of the same.” (R. Doc. 60-3 at 64).

Optimum argues that Plaintiffs’ answer “is nonresponsive” given that it refers to answers

to interrogatories, not requests for admission. Optimum seeks an order compelling Plaintiffs “to

respond to the question actually asked in this interrogatory.” (R. Doc. 60-1 at 9). Optimum does

not identify or address any of Plaintiffs’ underlying denials of the requests for admission.

Optimum served 22 Requests for Admission. Plaintiffs assert that they admitted (2) two

requests for admission (Request for Admission Nos. 16 and 18); denied in part (5) five requests

for admission with partial admissions (Request for Admission Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 21); denied (9)

nine requests for admission and provided explanations (Request for Admission Nos. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9,

13, 14, 15, and 22); and denied (6) six requests for admission with no explanation (Request for

Admission Nos. 10, 11, 12, 17, 19, and 20). (R. Doc. 63 at 9-11). Plaintiffs suggest that the

reasons for the denials are “subsumed in plaintiffs’ responses to the Interrogatories and Requests

for Production of Documents.” (R. Doc. 63 at 10). Plaintiffs provide certain examples of where

Optimum can locate their further responses to the denied requests for admission in their

responses to interrogatories and requests for production. (R. Doc. 63 at 10-11). Finally, Plaintiffs

argue that Interrogatory No. 16 effectively consists of multiple subparts that exceed the 25

interrogatory limit of Rule 33. (R. Doc. 63 at 11).

Where an interrogatory makes a general request for the description of the reasons for

denying responses to individual requests for admission that involve different subject areas, such

an interrogatory may be viewed as multiple interrogatories for the purposes of the 25

interrogatory limit. See Est. of Manship v. United States, 232 F.R.D. 552, 557 (M.D. La. 2005).

Here, Plaintiffs did not raise any objection to the interrogatory on the basis that it exceeded the

25 interrogatory limit and provided a vague and arguably evasive answer. Accordingly, Plaintiffs

waived any argument that Optimum’s Interrogatory No. 16 effectively exceeds the 25

interrogatory limit.

Plaintiffs must provide a supplemental response to Interrogatory No. 13 that answers the

actual interrogatory. To the extent Plaintiffs rely on other written discovery responses, they must

identify those specific responses and how they relate to a specific denial of a request for

admission. Plaintiffs may, to the extent applicable, incorporate the supplemental responses

provided in their opposition memorandum.

C. Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel and Extend Deadlines (R. Doc. 61) and Rule

56(d) Motion (R. Doc. 70)

1. Potential Trial Witnesses and Documents

Plaintiffs seek an order compelling both Optimum and Zodiak to provide supplemental

responses to Interrogatory Nos. 1 and 3, and Request for Production No. 4. Through these

written discovery requests, Plaintiffs collectively seek the identification of “may call” witnesses

and prospective testimony, as well as the identification and production of documents that may be

used at trial. (R. Doc. 61-3 at 3-5). Defendants responded that these written discovery requests

were premature given early stage of the proceeding. (R. Doc. 61-5 at 1-2, 8; R. Doc. 61-6 at 1-2,

7).

The Court’s Scheduling Order prescribes a deadline to submit a proposed pre-trial order,

which is the proper deadline for the identification of potential trial witnesses and exhibits. (See

R. Docs. 33, 34). The Court will not compel the identification or production of trial witnesses

and exhibits prior to that deadline at the discovery phase. Casanola v. Delta Mach. & Ironworks,

LLC, No. 19-300, 2021 WL 41078, at *6 (M.D. La. Jan. 5, 2021) (citing Nguyen v. Louisiana

State Board of Cosmetology, No. 14-80, 2016 WL 3646854, at *1 (M.D. La. April 13, 2016)

(“[T]he Court will not issue an order compelling the identification of may-call witnesses at a

time that conflicts with its own Scheduling Order.”).

Accordingly, the Court will sustain Defendants’ objections with respect to these

discovery requests.

That said, Zodiak supplemented its responses to these interrogatories with applicable lists

and documents that may be used at trial, noting that it has “previous produced or used in

depositions all known documents that Zodiak might conceivably use at trial.” (R. Doc. 62; see R.

Doc. 67-5). Optimum, on the other hand, states that it offered to revise its interrogatory

responses to identify “all witnesses with knowledge and all documents relevant to certain

allegations,” but Plaintiffs’ counsel declined that offer. (R. Doc. 64 at 5).

In their April 30, 2025 initial disclosures, Defendants identified Plaintiffs, Rodney Willis,

Al Buscemi, Dan Plautz, Chris Trapeni, and Travis Wengler as individuals who may have

discoverable information in this action. (R. Doc. 61-2). While the Court will not require

Defendants to provide any further responses to Interrogatory Nos. 1 and 3, and Request for

Production No. 4, the Court recognizes that Optimum did not disclose all individuals and

documents as required by Rule 26(a)(1).4

A party may move to compel an initial disclosure required by Rule 26(a). See R. Doc.

37(a)(3)(A). As discussed further below, the Court will provide Plaintiff the opportunity to

depose certain witnesses and obtain documents that should have been disclosed in initial

disclosures or supplemental initial disclosures.

2. Documents Identified at the Optimum Depositions

Plaintiffs seek an order requiring Optimum to provide supplemental responses to

Interrogatory Nos. 2, 5, and 6 and Requests for Production Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.5 As

required by Local Rule 37, Plaintiffs state verbatim the language of these written discovery

requests and Optimum’s responses. (See R. Doc. 61-1 at 2-5).

4 In relevant part, a party must provide the following in its initial disclosure without awaiting a discovery request: (i)

“the name and, if known, the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable

information--along with the subjects of that information--that the disclosing party may use to support its claims or

defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment” and (ii) “a copy--or a description by category and

location--of all documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things that the disclosing party has in its

possession, custody, or control and may use to support its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for

impeachment.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(A)(i)-(ii). The parties have continuing obligation to supplement their initial

disclosures (and written discovery responses) in accordance with Rule 26(e)(1).

5 Plaintiffs also seek an order requiring Zodiak to provide supplemental responses to Requests for Production Nos. 2,

3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Given that the focus of Plaintiffs’ arguments is solely on documents purportedly revealed in

deposition testimony by Optimum deponents, the Court will only address Plaintiffs’ motion with respect to

Optimum. Any relief sought with respect to Zodiak pertaining to Requests for Production Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

is denied unless otherwise stated below.

Plaintiffs do not, however, argue that Optimum’s original responses to Interrogatory Nos.

2, 5, and 6 and Requests for Production Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are, in and of themselves,

deficient. Instead, Plaintiffs argue that the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of Optimum and the

individual depositions of Chris Trapeni and Travis Wengler resulted in the discovery of

additional documents and information that should have been disclosed in response to these

written discovery requests.6

Plaintiffs state that they conferred with defense counsel on June 17 and June 20, 2025,

resulting in the supplementation of certain responses. (R. Doc. 61 at 6; see R. Doc. 61-7).

Plaintiffs further state that these conferences “did not cure the deficiencies related to

Interrogatory Numbers 1 and 3, and Requests for Production of Documents Number 3.” (R.

Doc. 61 at 6). Plaintiffs sought further supplementation on August 6 and September 17, 2025,

but did not receive any further supplementation. (R. Doc. 61-9).

On December 11, 2025, Plaintiffs deposed Mr. Trapeni, Mr. Wengler, and Optimum. (R.

Doc. 67-1, “Trapeni Depo. Tr.”; R. Doc. 67-2, “Wengler Depo. Tr.”; R. Doc. 67-3, “Optimum

Depo Tr.”). Plaintiffs argue that at these depositions they first became aware of “at least nineteen

(19) additional documents” identified at the depositions. (R. Doc. 61-1 at 13-14).7 These

documents can be categorized in the following five groups:

(a) Documents pertaining to the Trapeni and Wengler Declarations;

(b) Wengler Communications;

(c) Purchase and Inventory Records;

(d) U.S. Carriers Contract; and

(e) Documents pertaining to Dr. Tovsen’s investigation of Plaintiffs’ claims.

6 Plaintiffs also argue that the deposition testimony resulted in the identification of four additional individual

witnesses who should have been disclosed pursuant to Rule 26(a)(1), namely Dr. Marni Tovsen, Kari “Kat”

Rowling, Jamie Mangold, and Denver Beck. (R. Doc. 61-1 at 11). The Court addresses that issue below.

7 Plaintiffs list various overlapping categories of documents “identified” at the depositions. Plaintiffs describe these

documents (and the testimony in which they were purportedly first identified) in their Reply Memorandum. (See R.

Doc. 67).

Plaintiffs argue that these documents must be produced because they should have been identified

or produced in response to Interrogatory Nos. 2, 5, and 6, and/or Requests for Production Nos. 2,

3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (R. Doc. 61 at 8-11).

In support of their Rule 56(d) motion, “Plaintiffs contend the documents they seek to be

supplemented will show disputed issues of fact that Optimum did have control over the

transportation and storage of the RV’s, both Optimum and Zodiak knew of the RV’s condition

with vermin, rats, and fleas, and defendant Optimum derived its rights from Willis/Willis Only,

through Zodiak.” (R. Doc. 70-2 at 2).

a. Documents pertaining to the Trapeni and Wengler

Declarations

Plaintiffs seek the production of “[e]mails regarding who typed Trapeni’s Declaration

and cellphone records demonstrating communications with Dr. Toven regarding his Declaration”

and an “[e]mail from Dr. Tovsen and/or others to Trapeni regarding Declaration.” (R. Docs. 67

at 1-2). Plaintiffs also seek the production of a “W-2 or identifying documents of Mr. Wengler’s

employer” given his contradictory answer at his deposition that he was employed by “Optimum

RV” and did not know anything about “Optimum Dealership Group, LLC” of whether he was

employed by that entity. (R. Doc. 67 at 5-6) (citing Wengler Depo Tr., 5:9-8:11, 8:16-18, 9:20-

23).

Plaintiffs have had the opportunity to depose Mr. Trapeni and Mr. Wengler with respect

to the veracity of their statements in their submitted declarations, which they signed under

penalty of perjury. Plaintiffs have not established the relevance of the individual(s) who typed or

prepared these declarations. The Court also finds Plaintiffs’ reliance on Request for Production

No. 3 to be misplaced. This request seeks communications between Optimum, Plaintiffs, and/or

Rodney Willis and/or Rodney Willis Only LLC:

Plaintiffs’ Request for Production No. 3:

Copies of any and all communications, including writings, emails, letters, text

messages, posts, affidavits, and statements, of any kind, regarding in any way,

Optimum Dealership Group, LLC. and with, and, or about the Plaintiffs, and/or

Rodney Willis and/or Rodney Willis Only LLC.

Optimum’s Response:

Objection. This request is overbroad, unduly burdensome, and seeks irrelevant

information that is not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible

evidence. As drafted, this request seeks all conversations between Zodiak, Optimum,

and/or Rodney Willis and/or Rodney Willis Only LLC, regardless of their subject

matter or relation to the allegations of this lawsuit. Further, this request is not limited

to any specific temporal period, and could potentially encompass voluminous

amounts of irrelevant documents spanning multiple years. Optimum will not produce

documents in response to this request until the request is limited in scope to a

relevant, non-burdensome subject matter, and an appropriate temporal period.

While the request arguably seeks production of the declarations as “statements,” it cannot be

read to include the underlying drafting of the declarations. To the extent necessary, the Court

sustains Optimum’s objections based on overbreadth. Email communications regarding the

preparation of the declarations, as well as the identity of the individual or individuals who

drafted the declarations, are not sought by this request for production and Plaintiffs have not

demonstrated that such information falls within the scope of discovery.

That said, and as discussed below, the Court will provide Plaintiffs with the opportunity

to depose Dr. Tovsen in her individual capacity. Plaintiffs will therefore have the opportunity to

obtain further testimony regarding the drafting of the Trapeni Declaration, including Dr.

Tovsen’s involvement, if any. Furthermore, Dr. Tovsen, who is Optimum’s Human Resources

Director, can clarify for the record whether Mr. Trapeni and Mr. Wengler are employed by

Optimum. The Court finds no basis for ordering Mr. Trapeni and Mr. Wengler, who are non-

party individuals, to produce their W-2s in this litigation.

In sum, Plaintiffs have not directed the Court to any specific document requests or

subpoenas seeking the foregoing information, and have not otherwise demonstrated that the

sought production is required to establish disputed issues of material fact.

b. Wengler Communications

Plaintiffs seek the production of cellphone records of calls (1) between Mr. Wengler and

Ms. Rowling (of U.S. Carriers) and (2) between Mr. Wengler and Mr. Buscemi (of Zodiak). (R.

Doc. 67 at 7-8). Plaintiffs seek these records, if they occurred at all, to establish the timing of Mr.

Wengler’s communications with Ms. Rowling and Mr. Buscemi regarding the transfer of the

RVs at issue.

Plaintiffs have not directed the Court to any specific request for Mr. Wengler’s cellphone

records, whether through a request for production directed at Optimum or subpoena directed at

Mr. Wengler or the applicable mobile service carrier. Plaintiffs have had an opportunity to

depose Mr. Wengler about the substance and timing of any such communications.8 As discussed

below, Plaintiffs have (or will have) the opportunity to depose Mr. Buscemi regarding the nature

and timing of any communication between him and Mr. Wengler. The Court will also provide

Plaintiffs with the opportunity to depose Ms. Rowling, and, therefore, will have the opportunity

to seek testimony regarding the nature and timing of any communication between her and Mr.

Wengler.

In sum, Plaintiffs have not directed the Court to any specific document requests or

subpoenas seeking the foregoing information, and have not otherwise demonstrated that the

sought production is required to establish disputed issues of material fact.

8 Optimum cites Mr. Wengler’s deposition testimony in support of the assertion that he “testified that he did not

have conversations with Mr. Buscemi about the Plaintiffs” and “that he does not know if his cell phone record

would reflect telephone calls he had with Mr. Buscemi.” (R. Doc. 64 at 6 n.2).

c. Purchase and Inventory Records

Plaintiffs seek production of purchase records and inventory records, including inventory

notes and lists identified at the December 11, 2025 depositions. (R. Doc. 67 at 3-4, 6-7).

Mr. Trapeni testified that Optimum purchased 700 RVs from the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (“FEMA”) at auction, and those RVs were sent to various Optimum

dealerships through U.S. Carriers. (Trapeni Depo Tr., 48:8-51:24, 60:7-24, 127:24-128:4).

Plaintiffs argue that purchase and inventory records regarding the RVs are responsive to Request

for Production Nos. 3 and 8, and are “relevant to establish the condition of the RV’s at the time

they were purchased and what was known by the defendant about their condition. . . .” (R. Doc.

67 at 3).

The Court disagrees that these documents are responsive to Request for Production No. 3

(which seeks communications), or Request for Production No. 8 (or No. 9), which seek

documents relating to the “positioning” of the RVs, respectively, on the property of Rodney

Willis and/or Rodney Willis Only, LLC and the property of another entity, Crown Storage.

Plaintiffs could have sought and obtained these documents through a specifically worded request

for production. Plaintiffs also do not direct the Court to any conference in which they specifically

sought these documents. Finally, Plaintiffs did not have to wait until the December 11

depositions to be alerted of the possible existence of purchase and inventory documents

regarding the RVs at issue.

Nevertheless, the Court will require Optimum to produce purchase and inventory

documents, which are relevant to Optimum’s ownership and control over the RVs, as well as its

knowledge of the condition of the RVs at the time of purchase and delivery. This production

must include the following:

• Purchase records pertaining to the RVs at issue, including any bills of sale,

purchase agreements, or records from the FEMA auction; and

• Inventory records pertaining to the RVs at issue, including records pertaining to

the condition of the RVs and any maintenance, repair, or inspection records.

These documents shall include any records of the locations (i.e., Optimum RV dealerships or

otherwise) where the RVs were transferred after being temporarily stored on or adjacent to the

Plaintiffs’ property at the times at issue in this litigation. The production shall also include any

communications or complaints from customers regarding the condition of the RVs at issue.

These documents were arguably required to be provided or identified in initial or

supplemental disclosures given Optimum’s Third Affirmative Defense that it “did not cause any

of Plaintiffs’ damages.” (R. Doc. 56 at 4). But even if the documents were not required to be

disclosed, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have established that this discovery will plausibly create

a genuine issue of material fact regarding Optimum’s knowledge of the condition of the RVs at

the time of purchase and the time of transfer. While Plaintiffs could have been more diligent in

seeking this information in discovery, they timely moved for the production of these documents

prior to the close of discovery and shortly after completing appropriate depositions.

The Court orders9 Optimum to provide Plaintiffs with the purchase and inventory

documents described above, within 14 days of the date of this Order.

d. U.S. Carriers Contract

Plaintiffs seek a copy of any contract between Optimum and U.S. Carriers. (R. Doc. 67 at

4). Plaintiffs argue that such a contract is responsive to Request for Production No. 3, and is

relevant to establish the relationship between Optimum and U.S. Carriers, as well as to determine

the knowledge of both entities regarding the condition of the RVs. (R. Doc. 67 at 4).

9 Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(d)(3).

The U.S. Carriers Contract is not a communication that falls within the scope of Request

for Production No. 3. That said, Optimum should have identified U.S. Carriers, as well as its

contract with U.S. Carriers, in its initial or supplemental disclosures. Indeed, in summary

judgment, Optimum argues that it “shifted the duty to control and maintain the RVs to U.S.

Carrier” through such a contract. (R. Doc. 69-2 at 7). The U.S. Carriers contract also may be

used to support Optimum’s Fifth Affirmative Defense, which provides that it is “not in

contractual privity with defendant Zodiak and Zodiak is not otherwise an agent, employee, or

independent contractor” of Optimum. (R. Doc. 56 at 4).

Accordingly, the Court will allow Plaintiff to obtain the contract between Optimum and

U.S. Carriers pertaining to the transfer of the RVs at issue. Even if the U.S. Carriers contract was

not required to be disclosed in initial or supplemental disclosures, the record shows that Plaintiffs

did not learn the identity of U.S. Carriers until the December 11, 2025 depositions. This

document will plausibly create a genuine issue of material fact regarding Optimum’s control

over the RVs at the time of transfer. While Plaintiffs could have been more diligent in seeking

this information in discovery, they timely moved for the production of these documents prior to

the close of discovery and shortly after completing appropriate depositions.

The Court orders10 Optimum to provide Plaintiffs with the purchase and inventory

documents described above, within 14 days of the date of this Order.

e. Documents pertaining to Dr. Tovsen’s investigation of

Plaintiffs’ claims

Finally, Plaintiffs seek the production of documents pertaining to Dr. Tovsen’s

investigation of Plaintiff’s claims.

10 Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(d)(3).

Plaintiffs have not set forth any evidence that any investigation into Plaintiffs’ claims by

Dr. Tovsen resulted in the creation of any documents or communications. Optimum references

testimony by Dr. Tovsen, in her capacity as Optimum’s Rule 30(b)(6) representative, that she

“simply testified that she investigated the allegations and reviewed the information available to

her.” (R. Doc. 64 at 7 n.2).

To be clear, copies of any documents or communications created with respect to

Plaintiffs’ claims by Dr. Tovsen (as an employee of Optimum) would be responsive to Request

for Production No. 2, which seeks “Copies of any and all communications, including writings,

emails, letters, text messages, posts, affidavits, and statements, of any kind, regarding in any way,

plaintiffs’ complaints.” (R. Doc. 61-3 at 11). Optimum did not object to this discovery request. (R.

Doc. 61-5 at 7). Optimum must produce any documents and communications regarding Dr. Tovsen’s

investigation into Plaintiffs’ claims to the extent they exist. Plaintiffs will also have the opportunity

to depose Dr. Tovsen in her individual capacity regarding the investigation.

3. Additional Depositions

On November 21, 2025, Plaintiffs noticed the depositions of Dan Plautz, Al Buscemi,

and Zodiak to take place on December 10, 2025, and the depositions of Chris Trapeni, Travis

Wengler, and Optimum to take place on December 11, 2025. (R. Doc. 61-11). These individuals

were identified by Defendants in Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures provided on April 30, 2025. (R.

Doc. 61-2).

Prior to the depositions, counsel for the parties discussed potential agreements regarding

the extension of the non-expert discovery deadline, accommodations for new deposition dates,

and supplementation of written discovery. (R. Docs. 61-12, 61-13, 61-16).

As discussed above, Plaintiffs deposed Mr. Wengler, Mr. Trapeni, and Optimum on

December 11, 2025. Plaintiffs are now seeking an order compelling (1) the depositions of Mr.

Plautz, Mr. Buscemi, and Zodiak; and (2) the depositions of four individuals identified at the

December 11, 2025 depositions: Dr. Marni Tovsen (Optimum’s Human Resources Director and

consultant of U.S. Carriers); Kari “Kat” Rowling (employee of U.S. Carriers); Jamie Mangold

(employee of Optimum); and Denver Beck (CEO of Optimum).

a. Zodiak, Buscemi, and Plautz

The record indicates that Zodiak agreed to proceed with the depositions of Mr. Buscemi,

Mr. Plautz, and the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of Zodiak on January 12, 2026. (See R. Doc. 62 at

3). To the extent these depositions have not occurred, the parties shall coordinate and complete

these depositions by the deadline set below.

b. Dr. Tovsen and Ms. Rowling

Plaintiffs seek an order compelling the depositions of Dr. Tovsen (in her individual

capacity) and Ms. Rowling (an employee of U.S. Carriers).

In its Fourth Affirmative Defense, Optimum asserts that “Plaintiffs’ claims are barred, in

whole or in part, because [Optimum] did not direct, control, or authorize the actions of defendant

Zodiak and Zodiak is not otherwise an agent, employee, or independent contractor of” Optimum.

(R. Doc. 56 at 4). Plaintiffs represent that Mr. Trapeni and Mr. Wengler “testified Zodiak sent its

invoices for the RV’s to U.S. Carriers,” with Mr. Trapeni further claiming that “he did not know

who he worked for.” (R. Doc. 61-1 at 12). Plaintiffs further represent that Dr. Tovsen, in her

capacity as the Optimum corporate representative, testified that she is the Human Resources

Director and Risk Manager for Optimum. In addition, she testified that she consults for U.S.

Carriers, supervising Ms. Rowling, who appears to work for U.S. Carriers and dispatches the

RVs. Based on the foregoing, the Court will provide Plaintiffs the opportunity to depose Dr.

Tovsen and Ms. Rowling.

As stated above, Optimum should have identified U.S. Carriers in its Rule 26(a)(1)

disclosures. There is no dispute that U.S. Carriers (1) contracted with Optimum with respect to

the transport of the RVs; (2) Dr. Tovsen serves as a consultant of U.S. Carriers and supervisors

Ms. Rowling; and (3) U.S. Carriers is located at the same business address as Optimum. Given

the foregoing, the Court will provide Plaintiffs the opportunity to proceed with depositions of Dr.

Tovsen and Ms. Rowling.

To be clear, Plaintiffs timely sought an extension of the discovery deadline for the

purposes of taking these depositions. (See R. Doc. 61). The Court finds good cause pursuant to

Rule 16(b)(4) to extend the discovery deadline for the purpose of allowing Plaintiffs the

opportunity to conduct these depositions will plausibly create a genuine issue of material fact

regarding Optimum’s control over the RVs at the time of transfer.

c. Mr. Mangold and Mr. Beck

Plaintiffs have not, however, set forth sufficient information in support of allowing the

depositions of Mr. Mangold and Mr. Beck to proceed after the close of discovery.

In support of an order compelling their depositions (or allowing them to proceed),

Plaintiffs merely state the following:

Mr. Mangold was identified by Mr. Wengler as having knowledge about the

condition and location of the RV’s. Mr. Beck was identified as being directly

involved in the purchase of the RV’s for which Mr. Trapeni, Mr. Wengler, and

Dr. Tovsen in the Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 30(b)(6) deposition could not identify where

the RV’s were located or who they were purchased from. This is a critical issue in

this case. Therefore, Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 26 permits plaintiffs to depose these

individuals. They should be compelled to appear as defendants refuse to produce

them and/or consent to their depositions.

(R. Doc. 61-1 at 12).

In opposition, Optimum explains that Mr. Beck is its CEO. Optimum directs the Court to

Mr. Wengler’s testimony in support of a finding that Mr. Beck had no personal involvement of

the purchase of the RVs, other than general knowledge because he reviews the company’s

inventory. (R. Doc. 64 at 8). Optimum argues that the “apex doctrine’ precludes the deposition

given that “lower-level employees and corporate representatives can testify to the same

knowledge.” (R. Doc. 64 at 9).

“There is no Fifth Circuit precedent which applies the apex deposition doctrine strictly

prohibiting the deposition of high level executives. In fact, Federal Courts have permitted the

depositions of high level executives when conduct and knowledge at the highest corporate levels

of the defendant are relevant in the case.” McGee v. Arkel Int'l, LLC, No. 08-4704, 2013 WL

12228710, at *3 (E.D. La. Aug. 9, 2013) (citations omitted); see Bachemin by & Through

Bachemin v. DDMS, LLC, No. 22-1976, 2023 WL 7280515, at *12 (E.D. La. Nov. 3, 2023)

(“There is no Fifth Circuit law which applies the apex doctrine to strictly prohibit the deposition

of high-level, or apex, executives.”). “Instead, in the Fifth Circuit, courts typically permit an

apex deposition so long as the party seeking that deposition has first taken a 30(b)(6) deposition

or deposed other ‘lower ranking employees with more direct knowledge of the relevant facts.’ ”

Lewis v. Bd. of Supervisors of Louisiana State Univ. & Agric. & Mech. Coll., No. 21-198-SM-

RLB, 2023 WL 7251507, at *2 (M.D. La. Nov. 2, 2023) (quoting Wilco Marsh Buggies &

Draglines, Inc. v. Weeks Marine, Inc., 20-3135, 2022 WL 742443, at *4 (E.D. La. Mar. 11,

2022)); see also Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. v. Louisiana Generating, L.L.C., No. 14-

385-SDD-RLB, 2021 WL 24686, at *8 (M.D. La. Jan. 4, 2021) (permitting “apex” witness

deposition without first requiring a Rule 30(b)(6) deposition); Texas v. Google LLC, 347 F.R.D.

490, 497 (E.D. Tex. 2024) (“The prioritized completion of lower-ranking-employee depositions,

or Rule 30(b)(6) corporate representative depositions, may either obviate any need for the ‘apex’

executive's deposition, or alternatively narrow the scope of the apex executive’s deposition.”).

Plaintiffs had the opportunity to take the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of Optimum, as well as

the depositions of Mr. Trapeni and Mr. Wengler. Plaintiffs have not set forth any specific

testimony or documents identifying Mr. Beck as having any unique personal knowledge

regarding the purchase, condition, or transport of the RVs at issue. Accordingly, the Court does

not find good cause for extending the discovery deadline for the purpose of allowing Plaintiffs to

obtain the deposition. Plaintiffs have not otherwise set forth a plausible basis in support of a

finding that Mr. Beck’s deposition would result in the any additional unique discovery necessary

to oppose the pending Rule 56 motions.

Similarly, while Plaintiffs assert that Mr. Mangold is a member of the “senior leadership

team,” they do not set forth any specific testimony or documents identifying Mr. Mangold as

having any unique personal knowledge regarding the purchase, condition, or transport of the

RVs at issue.11 At most, Plaintiffs direct the Court to testimony in support of a finding that “Mr.

Mangold provided the authority for the purchase of the RV’s and the number of RV’s to

purchase.” (R. Doc. 70-2 at 6). Plaintiffs do not explain, however, how the deposition of Mr.

Mangold will lead to the discovery of any unique information not already obtained in the

depositions of Optimum, Mr. Trapeni, and Mr. Wengler.

Given the record, the Court finds no basis for allowing the deposition of Mr. Mangold to

proceed pursuant to either Rule 16(b)(4) or Rule 56(d).

III. Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons,

IT IS ORDERED that Optimum Dealership Group, LLC’s Motion to Compel Additional

Production, Adequate Discovery Responses, and Privilege Log (R. Doc. 60) is GRANTED IN

11 Optimum identifies Mr. Mangold as an “Optimum executive.” (R. Doc. 73 at 2).

PART and DENIED IN PART. Plaintiffs shall provide supplemental responses consistent with

the body of this Order within 14 days of the date of this Order, or as otherwise agreed upon by

the parties. Defendants may seek leave to supplement their Motions for Summary Judgment, as

applicable, with respect to any additional discovery obtained.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel with Request for

Incidental Relief and Extend Discovery Deadlines (R. Doc. 61) and Motion for Relief under Fed.

R. Civ. P. Rule 56(d) (R. Doc. 70) are GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.

Defendants shall provide supplemental responses consistent with the body of this Order within

14 days of the date of this Order, or as otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the non-expert discovery deadline is extended to

May 22, 2026 for the purpose of providing Plaintiffs with the opportunity to secure the

depositions and other discovery allowed by the body of this Order. No other discovery will be

allowed.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ deadline to oppose the pending Motions

for Summary Judgment (R. Docs. 68, 69) is extended to June 5, 2026.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Court finds good cause, in light of the foregoing

deadlines, to modify the Scheduling Order (R. Doc. 33) as follow:

• Deadline to file pre-trial order: August 14, 2026.

• Deadline to file motions in limine: September 11, 2026.

• Deadline to file an affidavit of settlement efforts: September 25, 2026.

• Pre-trial conference date: September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chambers of the

Honorable Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.

• Deadline to submit joint jury instructions, voir dire, and verdict forms to the

presiding judge: October 13, 2026.

• A 4-day jury trial is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. beginning on November 2, 2026 in

Courtroom 6.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall bear their own costs.

Signed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 31, 2026.

S

RICHARD L. BOURGEOIS, JR.

U NITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE