Clemons v. Hobbs

Filing 17

ORDER declining to adopt 8 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS re 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus. The case is referred back to Judge Volpe to sort out the filing issue and for further development in general. Signed by Judge D. P. Marshall Jr. on 8/24/12. (kpr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
PINE BLUFF DIVISION
JAMES E. CLEMONS
ADC # 78567
v.

PETITIONER
No. 5:12-cv-176-DPM-JJV

RAY HOBBS, Director, Arkansas
Department of Correction

RESPONDENT

ORDER
Clemons has objected to Magistrate Judge Volpe's proposed findings
and recommendations. Document Nos. 8 & 10. Judge Volpe recommended
that the Court dismiss Clemons's habeas corpus petition as untimely. Document
No.8. The conclusion hinges on whether Clemons properly filed a timely

Rule 37 petition in state court, thereby tolling the statute of limitations. He
sent it to the circuit judge; did he file it with the circuit clerk? Judge Volpe,
like the Arkansas Supreme Court before him, concluded that Clemons failed
to do so. Document No.8, at 4; Clemons v. State,2011 Ark. 345. But in response,
Clemons has submitted what appears to be a file-marked copy of his Rule 37
petition.

The document reflects filing by the Union County Clerk in

December 2010. Document No. 9, at 29. This is at odds with the circuit clerk's
affidavit. Document No. 7-6.

On de novo review, the Court declines to adopt Judge Volpe's
recommendation, Document No. 8.

FED.

R. CIV. P. 72(b)(3).

The Court

appreciates Judge Volpe's good work thus far and refers the case back to him
to sort out the filing issue and for further development in general.
So Ordered.

D.P. Marshall Jr.
United States District Judge

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