United States v. MOTOR TANKER SKIPPER BEARING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME NUMBER 9304667, AND THE OIL CARGO LADEN THEREON

Case No. 1:26-cv-00697 · District Court, District of Columbia

Case summary

United States v. MOTOR TANKER SKIPPER BEARING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME NUMBER 9304667, AND THE OIL CARGO LADEN THEREON is a federal court case on the docket of the District Court, District of Columbia, where it is recorded under case number 1:26-cv-00697. It was filed on February 26, 2026, and the public docket records no termination date. Court records list 8 parties, among them STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ (Movant) and ESLYN HERNANDEZ, SR. (Movant). The docket classifies the matter under the nature of suit "690 Forfeit/Penalty: Other", with the cause of action recorded as 18:981 Civil Forfeiture. Carl J. Nichols is the judge assigned to the case. The public docket contains 90 entries. The most recent entry, dated July 20, 2026, reads: MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the 52 53 Notices Regarding Mediation, all parties interested in pursuing mediation are ORDERED to provide a list of up to five potential….

Case details

Docket number
1:26-cv-00697
Court
District Court, District of Columbia
Date filed
February 26, 2026
Nature of suit
690 Forfeit/Penalty: Other
Cause
18:981 Civil Forfeiture
Jurisdiction
U.S. Government Plaintiff
Assigned judge
Carl J. Nichols

Parties

  • STEPHANIE HERNANDEZMovant
  • ESLYN HERNANDEZ, SR.Movant
  • ESLYN JOSEPH HERNANDEZ, JR.Movant
  • IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMSCross Claimant
  • WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.Cross Defendant
  • CANDYCE SUE HOGLANClaimant
  • MOTOR TANKER SKIPPER BEARING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME NUMBER 9304667, AND THE OIL CARGO LADEN THEREONDefendant
  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICACounter Defendant

Docket entries

90 entries on the public docket, showing the 65 most recent.

  1. July 20, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the 52 53 Notices Regarding Mediation, all parties interested in pursuing mediation are ORDERED to provide a list of up to five potential mediators on or before July 27, 2026. The parties should provide those names in one joint status report, noting any areas of agreement and disagreement between the parties. That status report should also propose dates on which to hold a virtual conference with the Court to discuss the mediator-selection process. Consideration of the Government's 54 Motion for Leave to File Supplemental Briefing is DEFERRED pending the Court's decision regarding mediation. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 07/20/2026. (lccjn3)

  2. Entry 55July 17, 2026

    Memorandum in opposition to re 54 MOTION for Leave to File filed by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (See Docket Entry 53 to view document). (znmw) (Entered: 07/20/2026)

  3. Entry 54July 17, 2026

    MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Briefing by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (See Docket Entry 52 to view document). (znmw) (Entered: 07/20/2026)

  4. Entry 53July 17, 2026

    NOTICE regarding Mediation and Opposition to the Government's Motion for Leave to File Supplemental Briefing on Venue by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP. re 52 Notice (Other) (Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 07/17/2026)

  5. Entry 52July 17, 2026

    NOTICE REGARDING MEDIATION AND MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEFING ON THE ISSUE OF VENUE by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA re Status Conference, Set Deadlines (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 07/17/2026)

  6. Entry 50July 8, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua S. Sohn on behalf of IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS (Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 07/08/2026)

  7. July 2, 2026

    Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Carl J. Nichols: Status Conference held on 7/2/2026. Government filing regarding Mediation due by 7/17/2026. All motions Taken Under Advisement. Court Reporter: Lorraine Herman. (zcam)

  8. Entry 51July 1, 2026

    SEALED DOCUMENT (Declaration) filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. re 13 Response to motion. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(znmw) (Entered: 07/09/2026)

  9. Entry 49July 1, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Sean Heiden on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Heiden, Sean) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

  10. July 1, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The Court having considered the 40 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Joshua Sohn, and it appearing to the Court that the attorney referenced therein meets the requirements for pro hac vice admission under Local Civil Rule 83.2, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Joshua Samuel Sohn is ADMITTED to practice before the Court pro hac vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 07/01/2026. (lccjn3)

  11. July 1, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The Government's 14 Motion for Leave to File a Document Under Seal is GRANTED. It is ORDERED that the Patton Declaration be maintained under seal until the sales process over the M/T SKIPPER is complete or until further order of the Court. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 07/01/2026. (lccjn3)

  12. Entry 48June 12, 2026

    ANSWER to Crossclaim 41 of Iranian Terror Victims by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN.(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 06/12/2026)

  13. Entry 47June 12, 2026

    ANSWER to Crossclaim 41 by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP..(Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 06/12/2026)

  14. June 12, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The status conference that was set for May 29, 2026, is reset for Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 17. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 06/12/2026. (lccjn3)

  15. Entry 46June 3, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 38 Motion to Strike, filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 06/03/2026)

  16. Entry 44May 27, 2026

    Memorandum in opposition to re 38 First MOTION to Strike 32 MOTION to Intervene, 34 Claim INVOLVING BOTH THE "HERNANDEZ COLLECTIVE" AND THE "IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS" filed by IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS. (Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/27/2026)

  17. Entry 42May 26, 2026

    NOTICE of Change of Address by Aryeh S. Portnoy (Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

  18. Entry 41May 22, 2026

    ANSWER to Complaint with Jury Demand, CROSSCLAIM against ESLYN HERNANDEZ, SR, ESLYN JOSEPH HERNANDEZ, JR, CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN, WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP., STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ, COUNTERCLAIM against UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS.(Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/22/2026)

  19. Entry 40May 21, 2026

    MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Joshua Sohn, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12437349. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/21/2026)

  20. Entry 45May 19, 2026

    REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: MOVANTS - Various Documents. Reason(s): Movants' motion to intervene is pending. (Attachments: # 1 Motion to E-File, # 2 Order-Motion to E-File, # 3 Motion to Transfer, # 4 Order-Motion to Transfer, # 5 Notice of Appearance, # 6 Opposition to Motion to Strike, # 7 Cover Letter) (znmw) (Entered: 05/28/2026)

  21. Entry 39May 18, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 27 Motion to Dismiss, Motion to Suppress filed by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 05/18/2026)

  22. Entry 43May 13, 2026

    REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: Movants - Motion to E-File and Opposition to Motion to Transfer Case. Reason(s): Movants' Motion to Intervene is pending. (Attachments: # 1 Opposition) (znmw) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

  23. Entry 38May 13, 2026

    First MOTION to Strike 32 MOTION to Intervene, 34 Claim INVOLVING BOTH THE "HERNANDEZ COLLECTIVE" AND THE "IRANIAN TERRORISM VICTIMS" by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 05/13/2026)

  24. Entry 37May 13, 2026

    RESPONSE re 27 MOTION to Dismiss and MOTION to Suppress Evidence of the Cargo OPPOSING WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT'S MOTION TO DISMISS filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 05/13/2026)

  25. May 8, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The United States, the Hoglan Claimants, and Claimant Windward are ORDERED to appear for a status conference on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 17. The United States is further ORDERED to respond to Windward's 27 Motion to Dismiss on or before May 13, 2026. Windward's Reply, if any, is due on or before May 18, 2026. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 05/08/2026. (lccjn3)

  26. Entry 36May 4, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 26 Motion to Dismiss, Motion to Transfer Case filed by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 05/04/2026)

  27. Entry 35May 1, 2026

    SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by Iranian Terrorism Victims (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Verification of Claim, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/01/2026)

  28. Entry 34May 1, 2026

    CLAIM Verified Claim by Iranian Terrorism Victims. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Portnoy, Aryeh) (Entered: 05/01/2026)

  29. Entry 33May 1, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Aryeh S. Portnoy on behalf of Iranian Terrorism Victims (Portnoy, Aryeh) (Main Document 33 replaced on 5/4/2026) (znmw). (Entered: 05/01/2026)

  30. Entry 31April 29, 2026

    NOTICE OF THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL INTERROGATORIES TO CLAIMANT WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP. PURSUANT TO SUPPLEMENTAL RULE G(6) by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 04/29/2026)

  31. Entry 32April 28, 2026

    MOTION to Intervene as Plaintiffs by ESLYN JOSEPH HERNANDEZ, JR, ESLYN HERNANDEZ, SR, STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ. (Attachments: # 1 Claim, # 2 Intervenor Complaint, # 3 Text of Proposed Order, # 4 Certificate of Service, # 5 Supplement, # 6 Letter)(znmw) (Entered: 04/29/2026)

  32. Entry 30April 27, 2026

    Memorandum in opposition to re 26 MOTION to Dismiss MOTION to Transfer Case filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

  33. Entry 29April 27, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew Adams on behalf of WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP. (Adams, Andrew) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

  34. Entry 28April 24, 2026

    SERVICE by Publication filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Last publication date 04/18/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Blaylock, Rick) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

  35. Entry 27April 15, 2026

    MOTION to Dismiss and, MOTION to Suppress Evidence of the Cargo by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 04/15/2026)

  36. Entry 26April 13, 2026

    MOTION to Dismiss by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Mitchell, Douglass). Added MOTION to Transfer Case on 4/14/2026 (znmw). (Entered: 04/13/2026)

  37. April 13, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The Court having considered the 22 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Andrew C. Adams, and it appearing to the Court that the attorney referenced therein meets the requirements for pro hac vice admission under Local Civil Rule 83.2(c), it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Andrew C. Adams is ADMITTED to practice before the Court pro hac vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 04/10/2026. (lccjn3)

  38. Entry 25April 8, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 15 Motion to Strike filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 04/08/2026)

  39. Entry 24April 6, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 11 Motion for Reconsideration,, Motion to Set Aside,, Motion for Briefing Schedule, filed by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

  40. Entry 23April 6, 2026

    STIPULATION to Extend Time to Extend Time to File Response to Forfeiture Complaint by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

  41. Entry 22April 6, 2026

    MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Andrew C. Adams, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12343693. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission, # 2 Exhibit 1)(Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

  42. Entry 21April 3, 2026

    RESPONSE re 15 MOTION to Strike 7 Claim filed by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

  43. Entry 20April 2, 2026

    SERVICE by Publication filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Last publication date 03/31/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Blaylock, Rick) (Entered: 04/02/2026)

  44. Entry 19March 31, 2026

    NOTICE re: Hoglan Claimants' Motion to Stay by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 03/31/2026)

  45. Entry 18March 30, 2026

    REPLY to opposition to motion re 9 Motion to Stay,, filed by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Email Chain re Surveyor, # 2 Exhibit B - Declaration of Anastasios Pallis)(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

  46. Entry 17March 30, 2026

    RESPONSE re 11 MOTION for Reconsideration MOTION to Set Aside MOTION for Briefing Schedule IN OPPOSITION TO WINWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT'S MOTION TO RECONSIDER, MODIFY, OR SET ASIDE INTERLOCUTORY SALE ORDER filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

  47. Entry 16March 27, 2026

    NOTICE of Intent to Reply by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN re 13 Response to motion (Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

  48. March 27, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The Court has reviewed the Windward Claimants' 11 Motion for Reconsideration and observes that they are "not contesting the forfeiture of the cargo aboard the Skipper." ECF No. 11 at 6 n.2. The Court will therefore extend the stay of its 6 March 16, 2026 Order as to the sale of the M/T Skipper itself but not the Skipper's cargo. The portion of the Court's 6 Order authorizing sale of the Skipper thus remains STAYED pending further order of this Court. The Court further ORDERS the Government to file a response to the Windward Claimants' 11 Motion on or before April 3, 2026. The Windward Claimants' reply, if any, shall be filed within seven days of the Government's response. Finally, upon consideration of the Government's 15 Motion to Strike, the Hoglan Claimants are ORDERED to file a response to the Government's 15 Motion on or before April 3, 2026. The Government's reply, if any, shall be filed within seven days of the Hoglan Claimants' response. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 03/27/2026. (lccjn3)

  49. Entry 15March 26, 2026

    MOTION to Strike 7 Claim by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

  50. Entry 14March 26, 2026

    SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Declaration)(Datta, Rajbir) Modified event on 3/27/2026 (znmw). (Entered: 03/26/2026)

  51. Entry 13March 26, 2026

    RESPONSE re 9 Emergency MOTION to Stay March 16, 2026 Order re Interlocutory Sale OPPOSING STAY OF INTERLOCUTORY SALE ORDER filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Datta, Rajbir) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

  52. Entry 12March 25, 2026

    CLAIM Verified Claim Pursuant to FRCP G(5) by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

  53. Entry 11March 25, 2026

    MOTION for Reconsideration Modify, Set Aside the Interlocutory Sale Order and Set a Briefing Schedule by WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP.. (Attachments: # 1 Verified Claim, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Baratz, Michael) Modified event on 3/26/2026 (znmw). Added MOTION to Set Aside, MOTION for Briefing Schedule on 3/26/2026 (znmw). (Entered: 03/25/2026)

  54. Entry 10March 25, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Jeremy Baratz on behalf of WINDWARD SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP. (Baratz, Michael) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

  55. March 24, 2026

    MINUTE ORDER. The Court has reviewed the Hoglan Claimants' 9 Emergency Motion to Stay and notes that Claimants ask the Court to resolve this motion by March 30, 2026. ECF No. 9 at 2. The Government is therefore ORDERED to file a response to Claimants' motion on or before March 26, 2026. Execution of the Court's 6 March 16, 2026 Order Granting the Government's Motion for Interlocutory Sale is hereby STAYED as to the sale of the M/T SKIPPER bearing International Maritime Organization number 9304667 pending resolution of Claimants' 9 motion. So ORDERED by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 03/24/2026. (lccjn3)

  56. Entry 9March 23, 2026

    Emergency MOTION to Stay March 16, 2026 Order re Interlocutory Sale by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Douglass A Mitchell, # 2 Declaration Anastasios Pallis, # 3 Exhibit A - Hoglan Claimants, # 4 Exhibit B - Adisa Ship Information, # 5 Exhibit C - Skipper Seize Warrant Papers, # 6 Exhibit D - News Article re Seizure of Skipper, # 7 Exhibit E - Letter to DOJ Re Hoglan Claimants, # 8 Exhibit F - Forfeiture Notice, # 9 Exhibit G - Email Chain Hoglan Claimants with DOJ, # 10 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

  57. Entry 8March 16, 2026

    SEALED DOCUMENT filed by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN re 7 Claim (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

  58. Entry 7March 16, 2026

    CLAIM Verified Claim Pursuant to FRCP G(5) by CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List of Hoglan Claimants, # 2 Exhibit SDFL Arrest Warrant for Skipper)(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

  59. Entry 6March 16, 2026

    ORDER granting 4 Motion for Order of Sale. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 03/16/2026.(lccjn3) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

  60. Entry 5March 13, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Douglass A. Mitchell on behalf of CANDYCE SUE HOGLAN (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List of Hoglan Claimants)(Mitchell, Douglass) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

  61. Entry 4March 12, 2026

    MOTION for Order of Sale FOR INTERLOCUTORY SALE by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Datta, Rajbir) Modified event on 3/13/2026 (znmw). (Entered: 03/12/2026)

  62. Entry 3March 12, 2026

    NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua Lee Sohn on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Sohn, Joshua) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

  63. Entry 2February 27, 2026

    WARRANT for Arrest In Rem Issued Electronically (zmtm) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

  64. February 27, 2026

    Case Assigned to Judge Carl J. Nichols. (zmtm)

  65. Entry 1February 26, 2026

    COMPLAINT IN REM against MOTOR TANKER SKIPPER BEARING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME NUMBER 9304667, AND THE OIL CARGO LADEN THEREON (Fee Status:Filing Fee Waived) filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Seizure Warrant)(Blaylock, Rick) (Attachment 1 replaced on 2/27/2026) (zmtm). (Entered: 02/26/2026)

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