MLAA
LATEST

MLAA lawsuits against the federal government

Litigation

MLAA uses the Freedom of Information Act to compel federal agencies to disclose records related to maritime safety, sexual assault, and accountability failures. When agencies stonewall or withhold documents, we sue in federal court.

Active Cases & FOIA Actions

Coverage & Filings

Reporting on MLAA's FOIA litigation, court filings, and agency responses.

FOIA LitigationApr 25, 2024
April 19, 2024: Understanding USCG Non-Disclosure Agreements

If you’ve ever been interviewed during a Coast Guard investigation, you may have been asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or been advised that you shouldn’t discuss certain matters without prior approval.

FOIA LitigationNov 10, 2023
Ryan Melogy: The Accidental Advocate

An academy graduate and merchant mariner himself, 39-year-old Ryan Melogy never imagined he would become a one-man watchdog for the maritime industry.

FOIA LitigationJul 20, 2022
U.S. Coast Guard vs. Tommie Bernell Davis

This U.S. Coast Guard Suspension & Revocation Decision was never released to the public by the U.S. Coast Guard ALJ as required by federal law.

FOIA LitigationApr 1, 2021
USCG FOIA Appeal #2 (CG-INV)

This letter constitutes an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and is submitted to the United States Coast Guard ("USCG") by Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy, Ltd. (“MLAA”).

FOIA LitigationMar 23, 2021
USCG FOIA Appeal #1

This letter constitutes an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and is submitted to the United States Coast Guard ("USCG") by Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy, Ltd. (“MLAA”).