Cochran v. Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC

Background

Thomasina Tara Cochran, who appears without a lawyer, brought claims invoking the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act against Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC. She seeks damages. The opinion states that Cochran is from New York, New York, and that Jefferson Capital Systems is from Sartell, Minnesota.

The court had previously granted Cochran permission to proceed without prepaying court fees. In such cases, the court and the U.S. Marshals Service handle service of process—the formal delivery of the summons and complaint to the defendant.

Order

The court directed the Clerk of Court to issue a summons for Jefferson Capital Systems and complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form. The Clerk must provide the Marshals Service with the documents needed to serve Jefferson Capital Systems through its alleged registered agent, Corporation Service Company, at 80 State Street, Albany, New York 12207-2543.

The order explains that service must occur within 90 days after the summons is issued. If service is not completed within that period, Cochran should request more time. The court also directed the Clerk to mail Cochran an information package and required her to notify the court in writing if her address changes.

Disposition and Scope

Judge Vernon S. Broderick entered an order directing service. The opinion does not decide the merits of Cochran’s Fair Credit Reporting Act or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claims, and it does not state whether those claims will succeed.