PITTSBURGH (LN) — U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Dodge on April 27, 2026, denied the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's motion to dismiss a civil rights and employment discrimination suit filed by Eric Ajeta, clearing the way for the case to move into the discovery phase.
The order, issued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, rejects the state agency's attempt to end the litigation before factual development.
Judge Dodge directed the department to file an Answer to the Amended Complaint by May 11, 2026.
The ruling allows Ajeta's allegations regarding his treatment by the state agency to be tested through the exchange of documents and depositions.
The case, docketed as 2:25-cv-01212, involves claims brought by the plaintiff against the defendant.
The department had previously sought to have the suit thrown out, arguing the plaintiff failed to state a valid claim upon which relief could be granted.
With the motion denied, the parties must now prepare for the next stage of litigation involving evidence gathering.