Brown v. Hagel et al
Filing
43
ORDER and FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS signed by Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan on 2/16/17 ORDERING that Defendants' MOTION for leave to file a supplement to the MOTION to Dismiss 40 is DENIED as moot; and Plaintiff's MOTION for Sanc tions 25 is DENIED. Further, it is RECOMMENDED that defendants' MOTION to Dismiss 22 be granted. These Findings and Recommendations are submitted to U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Objections to these F&Rs due within fourteen days. (Mena-Sanchez, L)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
8
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
9
10
KEITH BROWN,
11
12
13
14
No. 2:15-cv-26-JAM-EFB PS
Plaintiff,
v.
JAMES MATTIS, Secretary of Defense;1
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE,
15
ORDER AND FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Defendants.
16
17
This case was before the court on October 26, 2016, for hearing on defendants’ motion to
18
dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
19
(“Rule”) 12(b)(1) and for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) (ECF No. 22), and
20
plaintiff’s motion for sanctions pursuant to Rule 11 (ECF No. 25).2 Assistant United States
21
Attorney Philip Scarborough appeared on behalf of defendants; plaintiff appeared pro se. For the
22
following reasons, plaintiff’s motion for sanctions is denied and it is recommended that
23
defendants’ motion to dismiss be granted.
24
25
26
27
28
1
On January 20, 2017, James Mattis became the Secretary of Defense. Pursuant to
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(d), James Mattis is substituted as defendant in place of
Ashton Carter, the former Secretary of Defense.
2
This case, in which plaintiff is proceeding pro se, is before the undersigned pursuant to
Eastern District of California Local Rule 302(c)(21). See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).
1
1
I.
2
Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss
A.
3
Background
1.
4
First Amended Complaint’s Factual Allegations
This action proceeds on plaintiff’s first amended complaint, which purports to assert
5
claims against the United States Department of Defense and James Mattis, the Secretary of
6
Defense. ECF No. 16. Plaintiff, a 58 year old African American male, was previously employed
7
as a federal police officer with the Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) who had his security
8
clearance revoked. Id. ¶¶ 25, 26.
9
Plaintiff alleges that throughout his employment with the DLA he received fully
10
successful performance ratings with exceptional rankings from his superiors. Id. ¶ 27. However,
11
on November 19, 2012, things changed. He was cited by a California Highway Patrol officer for
12
having tinted windows and an expired vehicle registration. Id. ¶ 37. In light of the circumstances
13
of that traffic stop, the DLA opened an investigation regarding the traffic citations and plaintiff
14
was placed on administrative duties. Id. ¶¶ 39, 40. Shortly thereafter, District Attorney’s office
15
notified the DLA that a criminal complaint was filed against plaintiff charging him with three
16
felonies. Id. ¶ 42. Specifically, plaintiff was charged with theft of a vehicle, receiving stolen
17
property, and vehicle license forgery. Defs.’ Req. for Judicial Notice (“RJN”), Ex. A.3 Based on
18
that criminal complaint, the agency suspended plaintiff’s employment without pay, denied him
19
physical access to DLA’s building, revoked his security clearance, and ultimately terminated his
20
employment. ECF No. 16 ¶¶ 45, 49, 45. According to the complaint, that criminal complaint,
21
/////
22
/////
23
24
25
26
27
28
3
Defendants’ request for judicial notice of state court documents and decisions issued by
the Merit System Protection Board (ECF No. 23) is granted. See Fed. R. Evid. 201; U.S. ex rel
Robinson Rancheria Citizens Council v. Borneo, Inc., 971 F.2d 244, 248 (9th Cir. 1992) (district
courts may “take notice of proceedings in other courts, both within and without the federal
judicial system, if those proceedings have a direct relation to matters at issue.”); Anderson v.
Holder, 673 F.3d 1089, 1094 n.1 (9th Cir. 2012) (courts “may take judicial notice of records and
reports of administrative bodies.”) (quotations omitted). Plaintiff’s request for judicial notice of
numerous appellate courts opinions (ECF No. 26) is denied as unnecessary. The court may
consider these authorities without judicially noticing them.
2
1
which formed the basis of disciplinary actions in dispute here, was subsequently dismissed.4
2
Id. ¶ 57.
3
Although the DLA contends that the revocation of the security clearance and the
4
disciplinary actions of which plaintiff complains were the result of the information obtained from
5
the state criminal charges, the crux of plaintiff’s complaint is that the various disciplinary
6
decisions directed at him were motivated by race and age discrimination. He contends that the
7
discipline he received was disproportionate to the discipline administered to other non-African
8
American DLA police officers under the age of 40 for similar conduct. Id. ¶¶ 1-8. He also claims
9
that he was denied multiple promotions based on discrimination, and that he was defamed,
10
11
libeled, and slandered by statements related to the disciplinary events. Id. ¶¶ 9-19.
He asserts claims styled as (1) race discrimination under Title VII; (2) age discrimination
12
under the Age Discrimination Act of 1967; (3) “harmful procedural error;” and (4) violation of
13
his due process rights under the Fifth Amendment. Although not identified as a separate cause of
14
action, the complaint contains numerous allegations accusing defendants of defaming plaintiff’s
15
character.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
2.
Proceedings Before the Merit Systems Protection Board
Plaintiff filed an appeal with the Merits Systems Protection Board (“MSPB”) challenging
the agency’s March 15, 2013 decision to suspend him indefinitely without pay.5 Declaration of
4
The underlying facts surrounding the traffic citation and related criminal complaint have
not been fully presented to the court and remain unclear. However, an administrative decision
submitted in support of defendants’ motion suggests that plaintiff did not steal a vehicle, but
instead placed California license plates registered to a different vehicle on an unregistered vehicle
he had acquired from out of state. See RJN Ex. F.
5
In Elgin v. Department of Treasury, 567 U.S. 1 (012), the United States Supreme Court
succinctly described the administrative procedures available under the Civil Service Reform Act
(“CSRA”) to federal employees challenging adverse employment decisions:
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) established a
comprehensive system for reviewing personnel action taken against
federal employees. . . . Employees entitled to review are those in
the “competitive service” and “excepted service” who meet certain
requirements regarding probationary periods and years of service.
The reviewable agency actions are removal, suspension for more
than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or furlough for 30 days or
3
1
Carl Eskew ISO Defs.’ Mot. to Dismiss (“Eskew Decl.”) ¶¶ 9-10, Exs. B-C. In the meantime,
2
Carl Eskew, the Chief of Security and Emergency Services at the DLA’s Defense Distribution
3
Depot San Joaquin, forwarded information regarding the criminal charges to DLA Intelligence for
4
investigation and review of plaintiff’s security clearance. Eskew Decl. ¶ 11. On June 11, 2013
5
(prior to resolution of the appeal), plaintiff’s security clearance was suspended. Eskew Decl.
6
¶ 12; ECF No. 16 ¶ 54.
7
The following month, an MSPB Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) issued an initial
8
decision, subsequently affirmed by the Board, that reversed plaintiff’s indefinite suspension. The
9
ALJ found that the criminal complaint, without more, was insufficient to sustain the indefinite
10
suspension. RJN Exs. C, D. The MSPB ordered the agency to cancel the suspension; reinstate
11
plaintiff effective April 1, 2013; and pay plaintiff back pay and other benefits. RJN Ex. C at 10.
12
The agency complied and plaintiff’s suspension was subsequently canceled. He was returned to
13
his position, but because of the loss of the security clearance he was placed “in an administrative
14
leave status.” Eskew Decl. ¶ 11. Plaintiff alleges that placing him in that status was also
15
motivated by discriminatory animus. ECF No. 16 at 1-8.
16
/////
17
18
19
20
21
22
less.
When an employing agency proposes a covered action against a
covered employee, the CSRA gives the employee the right to
notice, representation by counsel, an opportunity to respond, and a
written, reasoned decision from the agency. If the agency takes
final adverse action against the employee, the CSRA gives the
employee the right to a hearing and to be represented by an attorney
or other representative before the Merit Systems Protection Board
(MSPB). The MSPB is authorized to order relief to prevailing
employees, including reinstatement, backpay, and attorney’s fees.
23
Id. at 2130 (quotations and citations omitted).
24
25
26
27
28
When an employee seeks review of an agency’s decision by the MSPB, the case may be
referred to an Administrative Law Judge, who will issue an initial decision. 5 C.F.R. § 1201.111.
A dissatisfied party may seek review of the initial decision by filing a petition for review with the
full Board. 5 C.F.R. § 1201.114. Upon review, the Board may, among other things, issue a final
decision resolving the case. 5 C.F.R. § 1201.117. However, if neither party seeks review, the
initial decision will become the Board’s final decision 35 days after its issuance. 5 C.F.R. §
1201.113.
4
1
In January 2014, the agency issued a decision to terminate his employment effective
2
February 4, 2014. Id. ¶ 13-15, Exs. E-F. Plaintiff responded with anther MSPB appeal
3
challenging his termination (RJN Ex. F), and an ALJ again reversed the agency’s decision. The
4
ALJ found that the agency violated plaintiff’s due process rights by relying on evidence not
5
identified in the notice of removal as the basis for terminating his employment.6 Id.
6
Consequently, plaintiff’s removal was canceled, he was again restored to an administrative leave
7
status, and he received back pay from the effective date of his termination. Eskew Decl. ¶ 16.
8
Plaintiff also filed two petitions with the MSPB seeking enforcement of its ruling. One
9
sought enforcement of the order reversing his indefinite suspension and the other related to the
10
decision reversing his termination. RJN Exs. E, G. He argued that the agency failed to comply
11
with the MSPB’s orders by refusing to return plaintiff to active duty, failing to reinstate certain
12
benefits of employment, and improperly calculating his back pay and benefits. Id. The MSPB
13
denied both petitions, finding that plaintiff had failed to demonstrate noncompliance. Id.
14
Although it appears that plaintiff was successful in obtaining reinstatement and back pay
15
in his appeals before the MSPB, he nonetheless has filed a “mixed case” 7 in this court in which
16
he asserts claims of race and age discrimination, alleged “harmful procedural error,” and
17
defamation. Defendants move to dismiss the action arguing that plaintiff’s claims necessarily call
18
into question the revocation of the security clearance and are therefore jurisdictionally barred.
19
Defendants further argue that plaintiff’s claims as to age discrimination and procedural errors
20
before the agency are moot.
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
6
The agency filed a petition for review of the ALJ’s decision, which the Board dismissed
as untimely. RJN Ex. H.
7
“When an employee complains of a personnel action serious enough to appeal to the
MSPB and alleges that the action was based on discrimination, she is said (by pertinent
regulations) to have brought a ‘mixed case.’” Kloeckner v. Solis, 133 S.Ct. 596, 601 (2012). The
CSRA grants district courts jurisdiction to review MSPB decisions involving mixed cases. 5
U.S.C. § 7703; Kloeckner, 133 S.Ct. at 601-02. Plaintiff’s complaint does not explicitly request
review of a particular MSPB decision. However, “[i]f the challenged conduct ‘falls within the
scope of the CSRA’s ‘prohibited personnel practices,’ then the CSRA’s administrative procedures
are [the employee’s] only remedy.” Mangano v. United States, 529 F.3d 1243, 1246 (9th Cir.
2008). Accordingly, the court construes plaintiff’s amended complaint as seeking judicial review
of the MSPB’s final decisions.
5
1
B.
2
Legal Standards
1.
3
Rule 12(b)(1)
On a Rule12(b)(1) motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, plaintiff bears
4
the burden of proof that jurisdiction exists. See, e.g., Sopcak v. Northern Mountain Helicopter
5
Serv., 52 F.3d 817, 818 (9th Cir. 1995); Thornhill Pub. Co. v. General Tel. & Electronics Corp.,
6
594 F.2d 730, 733 (9th Cir. 1979). Different standards apply to a 12(b)(1) motion, depending on
7
the manner in which it is made. See, e.g., Crisp v. U.S., 966 F. Supp. 970, 971-72 (E.D. Cal.
8
1997). “A Rule 12(b)(1) jurisdictional attack may be facial or factual.” Safe Air For Everyone v.
9
Meyer, 373 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 2004). A facial attack “asserts that the lack of subject
10
matter jurisdiction is apparent from the face of the complaint.” Id. If the motion presents a facial
11
attack, the court considers the complaint’s allegations to be true, and plaintiff enjoys “safeguards
12
akin to those applied when a Rule 12(b)(6) motion is made.” Doe v. Schachter, 804 F. Supp. 53,
13
56 (N.D. Cal. 1992).
14
Conversely, a factual attack challenges the truth of the allegations in the complaint that
15
give rise to federal jurisdiction. If the motion makes a “factual attack” on subject matter
16
jurisdiction, often referred to as a “speaking motion,” the court does not presume the factual
17
allegations of the complaint to be true. Thornhill, 594 F.2d at 733. In a factual attack, defendant
18
challenges the truth of the jurisdictional facts underlying the complaint. “Faced with a factual
19
attack on subject matter jurisdiction, the trial court may proceed as it never could under Rule
20
12(b)(6). . . . No presumptive truthfulness attaches to plaintiff’s allegations, and the existence of
21
disputed material facts will not preclude the trial court from evaluating for itself the merits of
22
jurisdictional claims.” Id. (quotations and citation omitted). The court may consider evidence
23
such as declarations or testimony to resolve factual disputes. Id.; McCarthy v. United States, 850
24
F.2d 558, 560 (9th Cir. 1988). “However, when ‘ruling on a jurisdictional motion involving
25
factual issues which also go to the merits, the trial court should employ the standard applicable to
26
a motion for summary judgment.’ Under this standard, ‘the moving party should prevail only if
27
the material jurisdictional facts are not in dispute and the moving party is entitled to prevail as a
28
/////
6
1
matter of law.’” Trentacosta v. Frontier Pacific Aircraft Industries, Inc., 813 F.2d 1553, 1558
2
(9th Cir. 1987) (quotations and citations omitted) (emphasis added).
3
Here, defendants present a facial attack. The question raised by the defense can be
4
resolved by the allegations of the complaint itself and documents subject to judicial notice.
5
Accordingly, the court applies the Rule 12(b)(6) standards to this motion.
6
7
2.
Rule 12(b)(6)
To survive dismissal for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6), a complaint
8
must contain more than a “formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action”; it must
9
contain factual allegations sufficient to “raise a right to relief above the speculative level.” Bell
10
Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555 (2007). “The pleading must contain something more
11
. . . than . . . a statement of facts that merely creates a suspicion [of] a legally cognizable right of
12
action.” Id. (quoting 5 C. Wright & A. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1216, pp. 235-
13
236 (3d ed. 2004)). “[A] complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to
14
‘state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.’” Aschroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009)
15
(quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 570). “A claim has facial plausibility when plaintiff pleads factual
16
content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the
17
misconduct alleged.” Id. Dismissal is appropriate based either on the lack of cognizable legal
18
theories or the lack of pleading sufficient facts to support cognizable legal theories. Balistreri v.
19
Pacifica Police Dep’t, 901 F.2d 696, 699 (9th Cir. 1990).
20
In considering a motion to dismiss, the court must accept as true the allegations of the
21
complaint in question, Hospital Bldg. Co. v. Rex Hosp. Trs., 425 U.S. 738, 740 (1976), construe
22
the pleading in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion, and resolve all doubts in
23
the pleader’s favor. Jenkins v. McKeithem, 395 U.S. 411, 421, reh’g denied, 396 U.S. 869
24
(1969). The court will “presume that general allegations embrace those specific facts that are
25
necessary to support the claim.’” Nat’l Org. for Women, Inc. v. Scheidler, 510 U.S. 249, 256
26
(1994) (quoting Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 561 (1992)).
27
28
Pro se pleadings are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by lawyers.
Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972); Bretz v. Kelman, 773 F.2d 1026, 1027 n.1 (9th Cir.
7
1
1985). The Ninth Circuit has held that the less stringent standard for pro se parties is now higher
2
in light of Iqbal and Twombly, but the court still continues to construe pro se filings liberally.
3
Hebbe v. Pliler, 627 F.3d 338, 342 (9th Cir. 2010). However, the court’s liberal interpretation of
4
a pro se litigant’s pleading may not supply essential elements of a claim that are not pled. Pena v.
5
Gardner, 976 F.2d 469, 471 (9th Cir. 1992); Ivey v. Bd. of Regents of Univ. of Alaska, 673 F.2d
6
266, 268 (9th Cir. 1982). Furthermore, “[t]he court is not required to accept legal conclusions
7
cast in the form of factual allegations if those conclusions cannot reasonably be drawn from the
8
facts alleged.” Clegg v. Cult Awareness Network, 18 F.3d 752, 754-55 (9th Cir. 1994). Neither
9
need the court accept unreasonable inferences, or unwarranted deductions of fact. W. Mining
10
Council v. Watt, 643 F.2d 618, 624 (9th Cir. 1981).
11
In deciding a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, the court may consider facts established by
12
exhibits attached to the complaint. Durning v. First Boston Corp., 815 F.2d 1265, 1267 (9th Cir.
13
1987). The court may also consider facts which may be judicially noticed, Mullis v. U.S. Bankr.
14
Ct., 828 F.2d 1385, 1388 (9th Cir. 1987), and matters of public record, including pleadings,
15
orders, and other papers filed with the court, Mack v. South Bay Beer Distribs., 798 F.2d 1279,
16
1282 (9th Cir. 1986).
17
C.
18
As noted, defendants argue that subject jurisdiction is lacking as to the majority of
Discussion
19
plaintiff’s claims, and that his factual allegations fail to state a claim as to the others. ECF No.
20
22-1.
21
22
1.
Timeliness of Defendants’ Motion
Plaintiff raises a threshold argument that the defendants’ motion is untimely and should
23
not be considered. ECF No. 24 at 27. The argument lacks merit. Defendants moved to dismiss
24
plaintiff original complaint on June 21, 2016. ECF No. 13. In response, plaintiff amended his
25
complaint pursuant to Rule 15 by filing a first amended complaint on June 29, 2016.8 ECF No.
26
16. Defendants subsequently filed a timely motion for an extension of time to respond to the first
27
28
8
Rule 15 permits a plaintiff to amend his complaint once as a matter of course within 21
days after service of an answer or a motion brought under Rule 12(b). Fed. R. Civ. P 15(a)(1).
8
1
amended complaint. ECF No. 18. On July 7, 2016, the court denied defendants’ motion to
2
dismiss the original complaint as moot, granted defendants’ request for an extension of time, and
3
directed defendants to file a response to the first amended complaint by August 19, 2016. ECF
4
No. 19. Defendants timely filed the instant motion to dismiss on August 17, 2016. ECF No. 22.
5
2.
Claims Related to the Revocation of Plaintiff’s Security Clearance
6
Turning to the merits of defendants’ motion, they first argue that the majority of plaintiff’s
7
claims must be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. They note that these claims are dependent upon
8
a review of the decision to revoke plaintiff’s security clearance, and any claims requiring review
9
of that decision are barred. ECF No. 22-1 at 11-14.
10
In Dep’t of Navy v. Egan, 484 U.S. 518 (1988), the Supreme Court held that the MSPB
11
lacks authority to review a decision denying an individual a security clearance, reasoning that
12
security clearance determinations are “sensitive and inherently discretionary” and are “committed
13
by law to the appropriate agency of the Executive Branch.” 484 U.S. at 527-29. Egan was
14
extended by the Ninth Circuit to also preclude judicial review of security clearance decisions,
15
finding that the reviewability of such decisions “applie[d] no less to the federal courts than to the
16
MSPB.” Dorfmont v. Brown, 913 F.2d 1399, 1401 (9th Cir. 1990).
17
Egan and Dorfmont have also been applied to preclude jurisdiction over a Title VII claim
18
alleging that a revocation of a security clearance was the result of race discrimination. Brazil v.
19
Dep’t of Navy, 66 F.3d 193 (9th Cir. 1995). The court in Brazil explained that the resolution of
20
the Title VII claim would necessarily require an evaluation of whether the reasons for revoking
21
the security clearance were valid. Id. at 197. It explained that under the McDonnell Douglas9
22
burden-shifting framework, “[i]t is impossible for the court to establish in the first place whether
23
the Navy’s proffered reasons were legitimate without evaluating their merits. Even if the court
24
/////
25
26
27
28
9
McDonnell Douglas v. Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 (1973), established a three-part
burden shifting test for evaluating discrimination claims. Under this test, a plaintiff is required to
first establish a prima facie case of discrimination. If the plaintiff establishes a prima facie case,
the burden shifts to the employer to articulate a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for its
decision. Once the employer does so, the plaintiff then bears the burden of proving that the
proffered reason is a pretext for discrimination. Id. at 802-04.
9
1
were able to get by step two, it is very likely to be impossible for it to proceed to step three and
2
determine whether the given reasons were mere pretext without considering their merits.” Id.
3
Here, plaintiff’s amended complaint specifically claims that defendants’ decision to
4
suspend his security clearance violated his right to due process and was based on harmful
5
procedural errors and discrimination in violation of Title VII and the Age Discrimination in
6
Employment Act (“ADEA”). ECF No. 16 ¶ 5. As such, his claim is indistinguishable from
7
Brazil and his challenge is barred.
8
Plaintiff’s claims related to his placement on administrative leave and denial of
9
promotions occurring after June 11, 2013—the date his security clearance was suspended—are
10
similarly barred. A prerequisite to plaintiff resuming his positions as a police officer or receiving
11
a promotion was his holding of a valid security clearance. Thus, resolution of these claims would
12
also require review of the merits of the decision to suspend plaintiff’s clearance. One necessarily
13
follows the other. As explained by Carl Eskew, the Chief of Security and Emergency Services at
14
DLA’s Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin, the decisions to preclude plaintiff from entering
15
the DLA base, and to place him on administrative leave instead of returning him to his duties as a
16
police officer after the MSPB reversed the agency’s decisions were based, at least in part, on
17
plaintiff’s security clearance having been suspended. Eskew Decl. ¶ 21. He explains that all
18
DLA police officers are required to maintain at least a “Secret” level security clearance. Eskew
19
Decl. ¶ 4. Without his security clearance, plaintiff was not able to return to his job as a police
20
officer. Id. ¶¶ 12, 21. Consequently, he was placed on administrative leave and barred from
21
entering the DLA base. Id. ¶ 21. Mr. Eskew further states that plaintiff was not qualified for a
22
promotion to a Sergeant or Lieutenant, as one cannot hold those positions without a security
23
clearance. Id. ¶ 22.
24
Review of these determinations necessitates an evaluation of whether defendants’
25
“proffered reasons [for suspending plaintiff’s security clearance] were legitimate” or “whether the
26
given reasons were mere pretext.” Brazil, 66 F.3d at 197; see Drazich v. Mubuz, 20142014 WL
27
2069474 (N.D. Cal. May 16, 2014) (court lacked jurisdiction over plaintiff’s discriminatory
28
termination claim where plaintiff “was terminated because his security clearance was revoked,
10
1
and the clearance was a requirement of his job.”). As the Ninth Circuit has explained in Brazil,
2
review of the clearance decision in this context is barred. Therefore these claims must be
3
dismissed without leave to amend.10 See Noll v. Carlson, 809 F.2d 1446, 1448 (9th Cir. 1987)
4
(while the court ordinarily would permit a pro se plaintiff to amend, leave to amend should not be
5
granted where it appears amendment would be futile).
6
7
3.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
As with the Title VII claims, any of plaintiff’s age discrimination claims that call into
8
question the revocation of his security clearance are also barred. But defendants also argue that
9
the age discrimination claim related to the challenged disciplinary action is moot. ECF No. 22-1
10
11
at 14-15 (noting plaintiff’s successful appeal before the MSPB). Id. at 16.11
“The doctrine of mootness, which is embedded in Article III’s case or controversy
12
requirement, requires that an actual, ongoing controversy exists at all stages of federal court
13
proceedings.” Pitts v. Terrible Herbst, Inc., 653 F.3d 1081, 1086 (9th Cir. 2011). A case is moot
14
“if events subsequent to the filing of the case resolve the parties’ dispute.” Id. at 1087. Under
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
10
On January 13, 2017, defendants requested leave to supplement the motion to dismiss,
which they noticed for hearing on February 15, 2017. ECF No. 40. That request and the
proposed supplement indicate that on December 20, 2016, the Department of Defense
Consolidated Adjudications Facility, which is responsible for reviewing security clearance
determinations, reinstated plaintiff’s security clearance. See ECF No. 40-2 at 2. This additional
information does not alter the outcome of the pending motion. Egan and its progeny make clear
that his court is without jurisdiction to review the merits of the agency’s decision to revoke
plaintiff’s security clearance. While it might raise questions of mootness, the subsequent decision
to reinstate plaintiff’s security clearance, even if predicated on a finding that it was wrongfully
removed, does not vest jurisdiction where it was lacking in the first place.
11
Plaintiff claims that adverse employment actions taken against him before the
suspension of his security clearance are not barred by Egan. These include the November 21,
2012 and February 8, 2013 decisions to place him on administrative leave; an April 1, 2013,
decision to indefinitely suspend him without pay; and decisions to not promote him in 2011,
2012, and early 2013. He alleges discrimination claims under Title VII and the ADEA and a
claim he describes as “harmful procedural error” as to these decisions. ECF No. 16 ¶¶ 1-4, 9-14.
Challenges to these decisions do not appear to be foreclosed by Egan as they occurred prior to the
security clearance suspension. Defendants’ move to dismiss the ADEA and “harmful procedural
error” claims premised on these decisions, see ECF No. 22-1 at 14-16, they do not move to
dismiss plaintiff’s related Title VII claims. Accordingly, the court declines to address the
sufficiency of plaintiff’s Title VII claims related to these agency decisions.
11
1
such circumstances the court must dismiss the action because it does “not have the constitutional
2
authority to decide moot cases.” Id.
3
Defendants observe that the decisions to indefinitely suspend plaintiff and remove him
4
from federal service were reversed by the MSPB and that plaintiff was awarded all available
5
remedies. ECF No. 22-1 at 8-9. Thus, defendants contend, plaintiff’s age discrimination and
6
claim based on these disciplinary actions is now moot. Id. Indeed, it appears that plaintiff
7
already obtained any relief available on his age claim. Under the Age Discrimination in
8
Employment Act, relief “is limited to ‘judgments compelling employment, reinstatement, or
9
promotion,’ the recovery of unpaid minimum wages or overtime pay, and reasonable attorneys’
10
fees and costs.” Ahlmeyer v. Nevada Sys. of Higher Education, 555 F.3d 1051, 1059 (9th Cir.
11
2009) (citing 29 U.S.C. §§ 216(b), 626(b)). Punitive damages and compensatory damages for
12
pain and suffering are not available under the ADEA. Id.
13
Plaintiff was successful in having his indefinite suspension and removal from his
14
employment overturned. On July 17, 2013, an Administrative Law Judge found that the decision
15
to indefinitely suspend plaintiff was based solely on the criminal complaint filed in state court,
16
and that such evidence alone was insufficient to support the decision. See RJN Ex. C. An ALJ
17
ordered “the agency to cancel the suspension and retroactively restore [plaintiff] effective April 1,
18
2013,” and to pay plaintiff the appropriate amount of back pay. Id. at 8. That order was affirmed
19
by the MSPB. RJN Ex. D. Furthermore, the MSPB subsequently found that the agency complied
20
with its order “reversing the [plaintiff’s] indefinite suspension and making the appellant whole.”
21
RJN Ex. E, ¶ 6.
22
The MSPB also found that in terminating plaintiff’s employment, the agency violated
23
plaintiff’s procedural due process rights and ordered plaintiff returned to service and awarded
24
back pay. RJN Ex. F. Accordingly, the agency canceled plaintiff’s removal and awarded him
25
back pay. RJN Ex. G. This demonstrates that plaintiff already received all the relief he is entitled
26
to under his ADEA claim. Ahlmeyer, 555 F.3d at 1059. But plaintiff argues that he was not
27
returned to duty as a police officer. Thus, he insists, he was not given back pay for overtime
28
hours he would have received had he been restored as a police officer. Thus, he argues, his age
12
1
claim is not moot. ECF No. 24 ¶¶ 26, 28, 30, 31. This argument cannot overcome the Egan bar.
2
As discussed above, having a security clearance is a prerequisite to assuming the duties of a
3
police officer and his argument calls into question the suspension or revocation of his security
4
clearance. As such, it is barred. Brazil v. Dep’t of Navy, 66 F.3d at 197.
5
To be sure, the MSPB reversed the suspension without pay, but its initial decision
6
ordering cancellation of the indefinite suspension and retroactive restoration was not issued until
7
July 17, 2013. RJN Ex. C. By that time, plaintiff’s security clearance had already been revoked.
8
Consequently, although he could be restored to some type of duty, he was barred from resuming
9
active duty as a federal police office. Thus, while the MSPB could award back pay and direct a
10
return to service in some other capacity, it could not—nor could this court—order reinstatement
11
of a security clearance that would permit him to resume duties requiring such a clearance. As the
12
determination “necessarily requires the court to perform some review of the merits of the security
13
clearance decision,” the claim is barred for lack of jurisdiction. Brazil, F.3d at 196.
14
Plaintiff next argues that these claims are not moot because defendants failed to “properly
15
restore” his Thrift Savings Plan account and withheld $21,760 of his back pay “for
16
unemployment earnings without providing the requisite proof to the Plaintiff and the MSPB [that]
17
the Defendants in fact repaid” that sum on money to the State of California. ECF No. 24 ¶¶ 34-
18
35. These new allegations, however, are raised only in plaintiff’s opposition to defendants’
19
motion; the complaint itself is devoid of allegations concerning plaintiff’s Thrift Savings Plan and
20
unemployment earnings. Accordingly, they do not show that the claims in the complaint are not
21
moot. See Schneider v. Cal. Dept. of Corrections, 151 F.3d 1194, 1197 n.1 (new allegations
22
presented in an opposition are irrelevant in evaluating the sufficiency of the claims); Safe Air for
23
Everyone, 373 F.3d at 1039 (once moving party has presented evidence refuting jurisdiction, the
24
opposing party must produce “evidence necessary to satisfy its burden of establishing subject
25
matter jurisdiction.”). They do, however, suggest that the dismissal of the claim should be with
26
leave to amend to allow plaintiff an opportunity to allege a claim that remains ripe for review.
27
28
Defendants further argue that plaintiff fails to state a claim for age discrimination based
on his allegations that he was wrongfully denied promotions. ECF No. 22-1 at 16. To state a
13
1
claim for violation of the ADEA, plaintiff must allege that he “was (1) at least forty years old, (2)
2
qualified for the position for which an application was submitted, (3) denied the position, and (4)
3
the promotion was given to a substantially younger person.” Shelley v. Geren, 666 F.3d 599, 608
4
(9th Cir. 2012).
5
His complaint alleges that plaintiff is over forty (ECF No. 16 ¶ 25), but does not allege
6
that he was qualified for the positions he was denied. In fact, plaintiff does not even allege that
7
he applied for the positions he was allegedly wrongfully denied. Furthermore, plaintiff does not
8
identify the age of the individuals that were given the position. See ECF No. 16 ¶¶ 9-14. Rather,
9
he merely alleges that many of the individuals that were granted promotions were under the age
10
of 40. Id ¶ 63(k). This allegation is insufficient to show that the promotions were given to
11
individuals that were substantially younger than plaintiff. Thus, he fails to allege claims for age
12
discrimination. Accordingly, plaintiff’s ADEA claim must be dismissed with leave to amend
13
granted only to the extent that an amended claim is not predicated on any challenges to the
14
suspension of plaintiff’s security clearance. See Noll v. Carlson, 809 F.2d at 1448.
15
4.
Due Process
16
Plaintiff’s fourth cause of action alleges that defendants violated his right to due process
17
under the Fifth Amendment.12 ECF No. 16 at 27-32. The nature of this claim in the context of
18
this mixed Title VII/ADEA and MSPB appeal case is not entirely clear. On the one hand,
19
plaintiff complains of alleged procedural errors during the MSPB proceedings. On the other, he
20
seeks monetary damages for the alleged due process violations, suggesting a Bivens constitutional
21
tort claim.13 Any such claim is bared by the exclusivity of plaintiff’s remedies before the MSPB.
22
Those remedies, established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), Pub.L. No. 95–
23
454, 92 Stat. 1111 (codified as amended in scattered sections of 5 U.S.C.) provide the exclusive
24
12
25
26
Plaintiff’s third cause of action, although designated as a claim for “harmful procedural
error,” is a claim that the agency did not afford him all the process he was due in reaching its
decisions to impose discipline. See ECF No. 16 at 27-30. Accordingly, the court construes
plaintiff’s third and fourth claims as a single procedural due process claim.
27
28
13
See Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of the Fed. Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S.
388.
14
1
route for plaintiff to address prohibited personnel actions. Saul v. United States, 928 F.2d 829,
2
833 (9th Cir. 1991). The CSRA created an elaborate “framework for evaluating adverse
3
personnel actions against” federal employees and “[i]t prescribes in great detail the protections
4
and remedies applicable to such action, including the availability of administrative and judicial
5
review.” United States v. Fausto, 484 U.S. 439, 443 (1988). It is now well established that
6
“[w]hen allegedly unconstitutional conduct falls within the broad confines of the CSRA, courts
7
lack jurisdiction to hear a Bivens action based on the conduct.” Collins v. Bender, 195 F.3d 1076,
8
1078 (9th Cir. 1999); see also Saul, 928 F.2d at 840 (“[T]he CSRA precludes even those Bivens
9
claims for which the act provides no alternative remedy.”). Thus, plaintiff’s claim for monetary
10
damages premised on due process violations must be dismissed.
11
Plaintiff’s fourth cause of action might also be read as an attempt to request review of the
12
MSPB decision based on alleged due process violations, raising the question of whether leave to
13
amend to clearly assert such a claim is appropriate. He claims that his due process rights were
14
violated because he was never returned to the workplace and that the post-suspension and post-
15
removal processes were defective for a variety of reasons, including: the MSPB did not sanction
16
the DLA for discovery motion violations; the ALJ allowed DLA officials to commit perjury and
17
testify without providing documentation to support their testimony; and the DLA never provided
18
plaintiff with a statement explaining the amount of back pay he was entitled to receive. ECF No.
19
16, ¶¶ 97-98. Lastly, he alleges that the agency committed numerous procedural errors in
20
deciding to place him on administrative leave, suspending him without pay, not promoting him,
21
and terminating his employment. Id. ¶¶ 88-93. But as defendants argue, plaintiff’s due process
22
allegations necessarily fail because his own complaint and documents subject to judicial notice
23
demonstrate that plaintiff received all the process he was due. ECF No. 22-1 at 17. As noted
24
above, plaintiff not only availed himself of the opportunity to challenge his indefinite suspension
25
before the MSPB, he was successful in having it overturned. RJN Exs. C, D. Although he
26
quibbles with the extent of relief granted by the board, his own complaint shows that he was not
27
deprived of due process. As argued by defendants, “[t]hese allegations show that Mr. Brown’s
28
true gripe is that he did not get the particular outcome that he wanted at the MSPB . . . .” ECF
15
1
No. 22-1 at 17. However, the allegations do not demonstrate that he was deprived of reasonable
2
notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Brewster v. Bd. Of Educ. Of Lynwood Unified
3
Sch. Dist., 149 F.3d 971, 982 (9th Cir. 1998). Not only did he receive such process, he was
4
ultimately successful in challenging his removal.
5
6
Given that judicially-noticeable documents demonstrate that he was afforded due process,
the dismissal must be without leave to amend. See Noll v. Carlson, 809 F.2d at 1448.
7
5.
Defamation
8
Plaintiff’s complaint, without specifically saying so, vaguely suggests a claim for
9
defamation. Defendants argue, among other things, that a defamation claim fails as a matter of
10
law due to plaintiff’s failure to exhaust his administrative remedies under the Federal Tort Claims
11
Act. ECF No. 22-1 at 18.
12
As a sovereign, the United States is immune from suit except according to its consent to
13
be sued. Lehman v. Nakshian, 453 U.S. 156, 160 (1981). It necessarily follows that where
14
Congress waives the immunity of the United States any terms and conditions that it places on the
15
waiver are jurisdictional and must be strictly construed. See Block v. North Dakota ex rel. Board
16
of Univ. and School Lands, 461 U.S. 273, 287 (1983); Jerves v. United States, 966 F.2d 517, 521
17
(9th Cir. 1992). Congress has waived the immunity of the United States for certain tort claims as
18
provided in the FTCA,14 but only according to the terms and conditions set out in that statute.
19
As relevant here, those conditions include the administrative tort claim requirements. 28 U.S.C.
20
§ 2675(a). Thus, “[t]he requirement of an administrative claim is jurisdictional.” Brady v. United
21
States, 211 F.3d 499, 502 (9th Cir. 2000).
22
Although Congress has consented to suits against the United States under the FTCA, prior
23
to litigating a tort claim against the United States, a plaintiff must first file an administrative claim
24
with the appropriate federal agency. 28 U.S.C. § 2675(a). Presentation of an FTCA claim must
25
be made within two years of the accrual of the claimant’s cause of action. 28 U.S.C. § 2401(b).
26
27
28
14
The FTCA waives immunity to make the United States “liable to the same extent as a
private party for certain torts of federal employees acting within the scope of their employment.”
United States v. Orleans, 425 U.S. 807, 813, 96 S.Ct. 1971, 48 L.Ed.2d 390 (1976).
16
1
A claim is deemed “presented” to the federal agency upon its receipt. See 28 C.F.R. § 14.2(a);
2
Vacek v. U.S. Postal Service, 447 F.3d 1248, 1251 (9th Cir. 2006) (mailbox rule does not apply to
3
FTCA cases). A civil action may not be instituted until an administrative claim has “been finally
4
denied by the agency in writing and sent by certified or registered mail.” 28 U.S.C. § 2675(a).
5
As noted, the administrative claim requirement under the FTCA is jurisdictional and cannot be
6
waived. Cadwalder v. United States, 45 F.3d 297, 300 (9th Cir.1995). In addition, courts are
7
required to strictly construe the exhaustion requirement. Vacek, 447 F.3d at 1250 (where
8
exhaustion conditions not satisfied, action may not proceed “merely because dismissal would visit
9
a harsh result upon the plaintiff.”).
10
There is no indication from the record that plaintiff presented his an administrative tort
11
claim regarding his allegations of defamation with any federal agency. Plaintiff’s failure to
12
exhaust his administrative remedies deprives this court of subject matter jurisdiction over this
13
claim. More significantly, even had he filed an administrative claim, the FTCA does not extend
14
to “any claim arising out of . . . libel . . . [or] slander . . . .” 28 U.S.C. § 2680(h). As the United
15
States has not waived its immunity for claims of defamation, this claim must be dismissed with
16
prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See Wilborn v. Napolitano, 2012 WL 354494, at
17
* 9 (S.D. Cal. Feb. 2, 2012).
18
II.
19
Plaintiff’s Motion for Sanctions
Plaintiff seeks sanctions against defendants pursuant to Rule 11, arguing that their motion
20
to dismiss mischaracterizes the facts of this case and that the declarations of Carl A. Eskew,
21
submitted in support of defendants’ motion, contains false statements. ECF No. 25.
22
“Rule 11 requires the imposition of sanctions when a motion is frivolous, legally
23
unreasonable, or without factual foundation, or is brought for an improper purpose.” Conn v.
24
Borjorquez, 967 F.2d 1418, 1420 (9th Cir. 1992). “The central purpose of Rule 11 is to deter
25
baseless filings.” United States ex rel. Robinson Rancheria Citizens Council v. Borneo, Inc., 971
26
F.2d 244, 254 (9th Cir. 1992) (quoting Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp., 496 U.S. 384 (1990)).
27
/////
28
/////
17
1
An “improper purpose” is a purpose to “harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase
2
in the cost of litigation.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(b)(1). The test for improper purpose is an objective
3
one. G.C. and K.B. Invs., Inc. v. Wilson, 326 F.3d 1096, 1109 (9th Cir. 2003).
4
Defendants’ motion was not filed for an improper purpose. Rather, as explained above, it
5
presents meritorious arguments supporting the dismissal of plaintiff’s first amended complaint.
6
Plaintiff’s motion for sanctions lacks merit and is denied.
7
III.
8
9
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, what remains of plaintiff’s complaint are portions of his Title VII
claim concerning agency action that predate the suspension of his security clearance, which the
10
government did not move to dismiss. See supra note 11. All other claims must be dismissed.
11
However, plaintiff is granted leave to amend the portions of his purported ADEA claim that
12
would not barred by Egan, if he can allege sufficient facts in support of such a claim. Lopez v.
13
Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1126-27 (9th Cir. 2000) (en banc) (district courts must afford pro se
14
litigants an opportunity to amend to correct any deficiency in their complaints). Should plaintiff
15
choose to file an amended complaint, the amended complaint shall clearly set forth the allegations
16
against defendants and shall specify a basis for this court’s subject matter jurisdiction. Any
17
amended complaint shall plead plaintiff’s claims in “numbered paragraphs, each limited as far as
18
practicable to a single set of circumstances,” as required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
19
10(b), and shall be in double-spaced text on paper that bears line numbers in the left margin, as
20
required by Eastern District of California Local Rules 130(b) and 130(c). Any amended
21
complaint shall also use clear headings to delineate each claim alleged and against which
22
defendant or defendants the claim is alleged, as required by Rule 10(b), and must plead clear facts
23
that support each claim under each header.
24
Additionally, plaintiff is informed that the court cannot refer to prior pleadings in order to
25
make an amended complaint complete. Local Rule 220 requires that an amended complaint be
26
complete in itself. This is because, as a general rule, an amended complaint supersedes the
27
original complaint. See Loux v. Rhay, 375 F.2d 55, 57 (9th Cir. 1967). Accordingly, once
28
plaintiff files an amended complaint, the original no longer serves any function in the case.
18
1
Therefore, “a plaintiff waives all causes of action alleged in the original complaint which are not
2
alleged in the amended complaint,” London v. Coopers & Lybrand, 644 F.2d 811, 814 (9th Cir.
3
1981), and defendants not named in an amended complaint are no longer defendants. Ferdik v.
4
Bonzelet, 963 F.2d 1258, 1262 (9th Cir. 1992). Finally, the court cautions plaintiff that failure to
5
comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this court’s Local Rules, or any court order
6
may result in a recommendation that this action be dismissed. See Local Rule 110.
7
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that:
8
1. Defendants’ motion for leave to file a supplement to the motion to dismiss (ECF No.
9
40) is denied as moot; and
10
2. Plaintiff’s motion for sanctions (ECF No. 25) is denied.
11
Further, it is RECOMMENDED that defendants’ motion to dismiss (ECF No. 22) be
12
granted as follows:
13
1. Plaintiff’s Title VII and ADEA claims be dismissed without leave to amend to the
14
extent they are predicated on agency action that occurred after June 11, 2013. The balance of
15
plaintiff’s age discrimination claim be dismissed with leave to amend.
16
17
2. Plaintiff’s defamation claim and due process claims (and related harmful procedural
error claim) be dismiss without leave to amend.
18
3. Plaintiff be granted thirty days from the date of any order adopting these findings and
19
recommendations to file an amended complaint as provided herein. The amended complaint must
20
bear the docket number assigned to this case and must be labeled “Second Amended Complaint.”
21
Should plaintiff fail to timely file an amended complaint, this action will proceed on plaintiff’s
22
Title VII claim challenging defendants’ conduct prior to the suspension of his security clearance.
23
These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge
24
assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen days
25
after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written
26
objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned
27
“Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Failure to file objections
28
/////
19
1
within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court’s order. Turner v.
2
Duncan, 158 F.3d 449, 455 (9th Cir. 1998); Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
3
DATED: February 16, 2017.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
20
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?