Kennedy v. Jones et al

Filing 5

ORDER denying 4 Motion for Reconsideration. Signed by Magistrate Judge Beth Deere on 3/10/2014. (ks)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
PINE BLUFF DIVISION
JEREMY KENNEDY
ADC #93061
V.

PLAINTIFF
NO. 5:14-CV-00053 KGB/BD

ROBERT JONES, et al.

DEFENDANTS
ORDER

Mr. Kennedy has moved for the Court to reconsider its decision to deny his
application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”) based on his status as a “three
striker.” (Docket entry #4) He states that he is in danger of imminent, serious physical
injury if he is not allowed to proceed IFP in this lawsuit. The motion (#4) is DENIED.
In his complaint, Mr. Kennedy complains about the medical treatment that he has
received, or allegedly failed to receive, since 2009. During that time, he has been housed
in at least five different units of the Arkansas Department of Correction (“ADC”). He
complains that he has received conflicting hepatitis test results; he has not received
adequate hepatitis treatment; he has not received partial dental implants; he has been
forced to perform work beyond his physical capability, thus causing further damage to his
shoulder; and he failed to received adequate medical treatment for a nose injury that he
sustained in 2011.
The Court first notes that Mr. Kennedy’s complaint is flawed. He may not defeat
the filing fee requirements by joining in one lawsuit a multitude of unrelated and legally
distinct claims involving different Defendants, time periods, and ADC units. Further,

based on Mr. Kennedy’s own allegations, it appears that he has continually been assessed
and treated by ADC medical staff. Mr. Kennedy may not be satisfied with the medical
treatment he has received, but that is insufficient to support a finding that he faces
imminent, serious harm.
Accordingly, if Mr. Kennedy seeks to proceed with this lawsuit, he has thirty days
to file an amended complaint containing only one constitutional claim and specifically
explaining how he will suffer serious physical injury if the Court does not allow him to
proceed IFP.1 Based on the allegations raised in Mr. Kennedy’s amended complaint, the
Court will determine whether he should be allowed to proceed IFP or be required to pay
the statutory filing fee.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 10th day of March, 2014.

____________________________________
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

1

For example, Mr. Kennedy may pursue either his claim involving the failure to
provide medical treatment for hepatitis or the failure to provide him adequate dental care.
He may not pursue both claims in this lawsuit.
2