Jeffrey Henson, Sr. v. Thomas et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois denied Jeffrey Henson’s emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Henson sought to prevent FBI agents and others from initiating or participating in federal grand jury or criminal proceedings concerning him, alleging retaliatory interference with his employment and legal consulting activities. The court held that federal courts generally do not enjoin criminal investigations or prosecutions and that the motion lacked supporting legal authority under the applicable local rule.

Holdings

1. The requested injunctive relief was not appropriate because federal courts ordinarily do not enjoin criminal prosecutions or interfere with ongoing federal criminal investigations, and Henson identified no authority supporting the extraordinary relief he sought.
2. The motion failed to comply with Civil Local Rule 7.1(B) because it raised legal questions without identifying supporting legal authorities, providing an independent basis for denial.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the district court could enjoin federal agents and persons acting in concert with them from initiating, presenting, directing, or participating in an ongoing federal grand-jury or criminal proceeding.
2. Whether Henson demonstrated a basis for the extraordinary equitable relief requested under the preliminary-injunction and TRO standards.
3. Whether Henson's failure to cite supporting legal authority required denial of the motion under Civil Local Rule 7.1(B).

Disposition

denied