From Judge William Session III in Ha v. Conn (D. Vt.):
[Defendant] Ms. Conn's attorney withdrew from the case several months ago {stating that his relationship with his client had "irrevocably broken down"}. The Court subsequently ordered Ms. Conn [on November 5, 2021] to appear with replacement counsel, or enter her own appearance pro se (representing herself), within 30 days. That deadline passed in December 2021, and Ms. Conn has failed to comply. Plaintiffs now contend that the litigation is stalled, and that Ms. Conn's ongoing tortious conduct continues to cause them harm. Plaintiffs therefore move for monetary sanctions to compel Ms. Conn's compliance with the Court's order….
Plaintiffs bring this action claiming that Ms. Conn has defamed them by publicly accusing them of "criminal offenses involving moral turpitude." Ms. Conn has also allegedly posted intimidating and harassing videos "motivated by ethnic, racial, religious and gender animosity." This conduct is reportedly ongoing. For relief, Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief and attorney's fees….
The Court previously dismissed Ms. Conn's counterclaims as a sanction for [her] failure [to comply with the order to enter an appearance]. Plaintiffs now request daily monetary sanctions, payable to the Court, until Ms. Conn complies with [that] order. Plaintiffs also request attorney's fees incurred in connection with their motion….
