DeAngelis v. Farinella et al

Filing 45

ORDER. The 42 Motion for Affidavit is DENIED. Signed by Judge Michael P. Shea on 12/20/2016. (Connelly, L.)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT

JEFFREY DeANGELIS,
Plaintiff,
v.
MONICA FARINELLA, et al.,
Defendants.

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CASE NO. 3:16-cv-307 (MPS)

DECEMBER 20, 2016

RULING ON MOTION FOR AFFIDAVIT [ECF No. 42]
Plaintiff asks the Court to order the defendants’ attorney to produce an affidavit from Dr.
Gerald Valletta, a doctor employed at Garner Correctional Institution who is not a defendant in
this case. Plaintiff does not indicate that he has sufficient funds to defray the cost of obtaining
the affidavit.
Although Plaintiff was permitted to file this case in forma pauperis, that status does not
entitle him to discovery costs or litigation services. See Riddick v. Chevalier, 2012 WL
3289079, at *1 (D. Conn. Aug. 9, 2012); see also, e.g., Hawks v. Diina, 2006 WL 2806557, at *4
(W.D.N.Y. Sept. 28, 2006) (holding that court may not authorize commitment of federal funds to
underwrite discovery and litigation expenses of an indigent civil litigant’s action); Garraway v.
Morabito, 2003 WL 21051724, at *7 (N.D.N.Y. May 8, 2003) (informing pro se litigant that in
forma pauperis status does not waive costs of litigation or discovery). Nor are the defendants
responsible for financing the plaintiff’s discovery costs. See Doe v. United States, 112 F.R.D.
183, 185 (S.D.N.Y. 1986). Plaintiff does not indicate that he has sufficient funds to pay any
costs associated with obtaining the affidavit.
Neither the Court nor the defendants are responsible for underwriting Plaintiff’s

discovery costs or obtaining affidavits on his behalf. Inmates’ Legal Aid Program is the
organization created to provide legal assistance to Connecticut inmates. Plaintiff should seek
assistance or advice on obtaining information from Dr. Valletta from that organization.
Plaintiff’s motion for affidavit [ECF No. 42] is DENIED.
SO ORDERED this 20th day of December 2016 at Hartford, Connecticut.

/s/
Michael P. Shea
United States District Judge

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