GOODWILL v. THE MASIELLO GROUP LIMITED

1
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MAINE
SARA D. GOODWILL,
Plaintiff,
v.
THE MASIELLO GROUP LIMITED, d/b/a
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL
ESTATE/THE MASIELLO GROUP
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
2:22-cv-00407-SDN
ORDER AFFIRMING RECOMMENDED DECISION
On December 19, 2025, the Magistrate Judge recommended dismissing Plaintiff’s
complaint with prejudice as a sanction for Plaintiff’s discovery noncompliance. ECF No.
114 at 12. The Magistrate Judge further recommended directing the Clerk’s Office to “send
information about Goodwill’s counsel’s lack of candor to the Maine Board of Overseers of
the Bar.” Id. The Magistrate Judge notified the parties that failure to object would waive
their right to de novo review and appeal. The time within which to file objections expired
on January 2, 2026, and no objections have been filed, either before or after the deadline.
Notwithstanding 	the 	parties’ 	waiver, 	I 	have 	reviewed 	and 	considered 	the
Magistrate Judge’s Recommended Decision in light of the record. In doing so, I note the
extensive history of this case and accord substantial deference to the Magistrate Judge’s
familiarity with the proceedings and parties. Accordingly, I find no clear error and concur
with the Magistrate Judge’s conclusions as set forth in her Recommended Decision. I
likewise determine that no additional proceedings are necessary.
I therefore AFFIRM and ADOPT the Recommended Decision. ECF No. 114.
Plaintiff’s complaint is DISMISSED with prejudice. I further direct the Clerk’s Office
Case 2:22-cv-00407-SDN Document 116 Filed 01/23/26 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:
<pageID>

2
to send a copy of this Order, the Magistrate Judge’s Recommended Decision, and the
docket sheet to the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar, consistent with the findings
stated in the Recommended Decision. I do so only after deliberate consideration, mindful
of the serious and professional consequences such a referral may carry. This direction is
not made lightly, but reflects the Court’s independent obligation to address conduct that
the record demonstrates cannot be overlooked.
S O ORDERED .
Dated this 23rd day of January, 2026.
/s/ Stacey D. Neumann
UNITED S TATES DISTRICT J UDGE
Case 2:22-cv-00407-SDN Document 116 Filed 01/23/26 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:
<pageID>