Buckley v. Unknown Party

Filing 1

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER severing case number 18-518-JPG. Signed by Judge J. Phil Gilbert on 4/9/2018. (tjk)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

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SHAWN BUCKLEY,
#10702-025
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAPTAIN CRAMMER,
COLE,
OFFICER COOK,
OFFICER PHILLIPS,
OFFICER ROSS,
OFFICER HAWKINS, and
OFFICER SNYDER,
Defendants.

Case No. 18-cv-518-JPG

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
GILBERT, District Judge:
Plaintiff, currently incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, brings
this pro se civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiff raises claims pertaining to
his detention at the Alton County Jail (“Jail”). The Complaint is now before the Court for a
preliminary review pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915A, which provides:
(a) Screening – The court shall review, before docketing, if feasible or, in any
event, as soon as practicable after docketing, a complaint in a civil action in which a
prisoner seeks redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a
governmental entity.
(b) Grounds for Dismissal – On review, the court shall identify
cognizable claims or dismiss the complaint, or any portion of the complaint, if the
complaint–
(1) is frivolous, malicious, or fails to state a claim on which
relief may be granted; or
(2) seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune
from such relief.

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An action or claim is frivolous if “it lacks an arguable basis either in law or in fact.”
Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989). Frivolousness is an objective standard that refers
to a claim that any reasonable person would find meritless. Lee v. Clinton, 209 F.3d 1025, 102627 (7th Cir. 2000). An action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted if it does not
plead “enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atlantic Corp. v.
Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007). The claim of entitlement to relief must cross “the line
between possibility and plausibility.” Id. at 557. At this juncture, the factual allegations of the
pro se complaint are to be liberally construed. See Rodriguez v. Plymouth Ambulance Serv., 577
F.3d 816, 821 (7th Cir. 2009).
The Court must also consider whether misjoinder is an issue. The Court retains authority
to sever unrelated claims against different defendants into one or more additional lawsuits for
which Plaintiff will be assessed a filing fee. See George v. Smith, 507 F.3d 605, 607 (7th Cir.
2007). In George, the Seventh Circuit emphasized that the practice of severance is important,
“not only to prevent the sort of morass” produced by multi-claim, multi-defendant suits “but also
to ensure that prisoners pay the required filing fees” under the Prison Litigation Reform Act. Id.
The Seventh Circuit strongly encourages district courts to use severance when faced with an
omnibus or scattershot complaint, Owens v. Evans, 878 F.3d 559, 561 (7th Cir. 2017), and
discourages courts from allowing a prisoner “to flout the rules for joining claims and defendants,
see FED. R. CIV. P. 18, 20, or to circumvent the Prison Litigation Reform Act's fee requirements
by combining multiple lawsuits into a single complaint.” Owens v. Godinez, 860 F.3d 434, 436
(7th Cir. 2017). In a misjoinder situation, severance may occur before preliminary review,
allowing the district court to create multiple suits, which can then be separately screened.
Wheeler v. Wexford Health Sources, Inc., 689 F.3d 680, 683 (7th Cir. 2012).

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The Complaint
Plaintiff brings a number of complaints about conditions at the Jail. (Doc. 2, pp. 5-6). In
connection with these claims, Plaintiff has identified the following individuals as defendants: (1)
Captain Crammer; (2) Cole; (3) Officer Cook; (4) Officer Phillips; (5) Officer Ross; (6) Officer
Hawkins; and (7) Officer Snyder. Plaintiff’s claims are summarized below.
Mental Health Treatment
Plaintiff spoke with staff several times and asked to see a psychiatrist. (Doc. 2, p. 5).
Specifically, Plaintiff asked Cook, Ross, Hawkins, Snyder, and Phillips if he could be seen by a
psychologist or psychiatrist.

Id.

He explained that he was experiencing severe anxiety,

depression, and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Id. He also “stressed the emergency
of a mental breakdown.” Id. His requests were refused. Id.
An exhibit attached to the Complaint indicates that, in October 2017, Plaintiff filed
grievances pertaining to his mental health. (Doc. 2, p. 10). On October 7, 2017, Plaintiff
claimed that he was having a “nervous breakdown” and that he needed to speak with a therapist
or a crisis team. Id. Plaintiff indicates that he pushed the emergency button in his cell but
Officer Cook told him she did not like him, she wished he was gone, and did not take any action.
(Doc. 2, pp. 10-11). Plaintiff also indicates that, on October 10, 2017, he asked Officer Cook for
help with a “medical emergency” and told her he was about to have a mental breakdown. (Doc.
2, p. 10). Officer Cook ignored Plaintiff and walked away. Id.
The grievance response indicates that Plaintiff had recently been seen by Dr. Arogona,
Plaintiff’s cell was under 24-hour surveillance for medical emergencies, and nothing further
could be done unless and until the Jail received approval to have Plaintiff seen by a mental health
professional. (Doc. 2, p. 10).

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Physician Prescribed Diet
According to the Complaint, the food at the Jail was “not up to nutritional standards.”1
(Doc. 2, p. 5). As a result, Dr. Arogona prescribed a “special diet” for Plaintiff. Id. Plaintiff
claims that Officer Cook refused to honor his physician prescribed diet and that this went on for
“weeks at a time.” Id.
Medical and Nutritional Needs - Oral Surgery
On September 11, 2017, Plaintiff had oral surgery, performed by an outside physician.
(Doc. 2, pp. 5, 8). Following the surgery, Plaintiff received aftercare instructions that included a
liquid diet and “to have salt to care for the wound.” (Doc. 2, p. 5). Instead of providing Plaintiff
with a nutritionally adequate liquid diet, Officer Cook “purposely served” Plaintiff Garanimals
Yogurt, a product made for children, for several days. Id. Plaintiff claims the yogurt provided
insufficient nutrition and calories.
Plaintiff also claims that he developed an infection and dry socket. (Doc. 2, p. 5). As a
result, Plaintiff felt “physically and emotionally drained.” Id. Officer Cook called Plaintiff a
“pussy” and said nothing was wrong with him. Id. Plaintiff’s family called his physician’s
emergency care line. Id. At that point, Plaintiff’s physician contacted the jail and Plaintiff was
taken back to the physician. Id. The physician prescribed antibiotics. Id. Plaintiff claims that,
had his family not contacted his physician, he would not have received the necessary follow-up
care for his infection and dry socket. Id.
A grievance attached to the Complaint provides additional facts pertaining to Plaintiff’s
interactions with Officer Cook following oral surgery.

According to the grievance, on

September 16, 2017, Plaintiff told Officer Cook that he was in excruciating pain and needed ice.

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A grievance attached to the Complaint indicates Plaintiff was unhappy with the lack of fruit and other healthy food
options. (Doc. 2, p. 16).

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(Doc. 2, p. 8). Officer Cook told Plaintiff he was fine and refused to give him ice. Id.2
Although not entirely clear, the grievance also suggests that Plaintiff may have told Officer Cook
that his wound was not healing properly, that he had a fever (which he believed indicated he had
an infection), and that he needed medical treatment.3 (Doc. 2, pp. 8-9). According to the
grievance, Officer Cook did not seek medical treatment for Plaintiff and told Plaintiff to “stop
being such a sissy.” (Doc. 2, p. 8). Another grievance attached to the Complaint indicates that
Officer Cook “laughed” when Plaintiff complained about the pain associated with his oral
surgery. (Doc. 2, p. 19).
Religious Services
Religious services and bible studies were not available on Sundays. (Doc. 2, p. 6).
Plaintiff claims he asked Ross and Cook about this issue several times and/or asked Ross and
Cook if he could speak with Crammer about this issue. However, Plaintiff does not describe
their response.
Failure to Respond to Complaints
Plaintiff asked “Lt. & the Captain several times to speak with [them] about these issues,”
but got no response. (Doc. 2, p. 5). However, Captain Crammer did respond to one of Plaintiff’s
complaints about “the food.” Id.
Vague Allegations – Law Library and Cleaning Products
The Complaint includes two incredibly vague allegations about the law library and
cleaning materials. According to the Complaint, Plaintiff “would also like to address [illegible] a
legal law library or access to my legal help while facing charges on the federal level.” (Doc. 2,

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The grievance was deemed “non-grievable” because the “doctor stated further medical attention not needed. Ice
only needed 24 hours after surgery.” (Doc. 2, p. 8).
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It is not entirely clear whether Plaintiff relayed these complaints to Officer Cook or if he is relaying these
complaints, for the first time, to the individual reading the grievance.

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pp. 5-6). As to cleaning materials, Plaintiff merely states that inmates did not receive “MSDS
Sheets” and that inmates had to share the same mop bucket, which became dirty after several
uses. (Doc. 2, p. 6).
Surveillance Cameras
According to the Complaint, the Jail was equipped with cameras that recorded inmates
both in their cells (all cells were equipped with overhead cameras) and in the bathrooms (there
was a camera that could see Plaintiff while he was in the restroom). (Doc. 2, p. 5). Plaintiff
claims that being recorded both in his cell and in the bathroom violated his constitutional rights.
Id. Plaintiff does not associate this claim with any particular individual.
Division of Counts
Based on the allegations of the Complaint, the Court finds it convenient to divide the pro
se action into the following counts. The parties and the Court will use these designations in all
future pleadings and orders, unless otherwise directed by a judicial officer of this Court. The
designation of these counts does not constitute an opinion regarding their merit. Any other claim
that is mentioned in the Complaint but not addressed in this Order is dismissed without prejudice
as inadequately pled under the Twombly pleading standard.4
Count 1 –

Count 2 –

Fourteenth Amendment claim against Cook for refusing to honor
Plaintiff’s dietary plan, as ordered by a physician.

Count 3 –

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Fourteenth Amendment claim against Cook, Ross, Hawkins,
Snyder, and Phillips for refusing Plaintiff’s requests for mental
health treatment.

Fourteenth Amendment claim against Cook for disregarding
Plaintiff’s medical and nutritional needs, following Plaintiff’s oral
surgery.

This includes Plaintiff’s incredibly vague allegations pertaining to the law library and cleaning supplies.

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Count 4 –

First Amendment claim against Ross and Cook in connection with
the lack of religious services on Sundays.

Count 5 –

Claim against Crammer for failing to respond to Plaintiff’s
grievances.

Count 6 –

Fourteenth Amendment claim against Unknown Party for using
surveillance cameras to monitor Plaintiff in his cell and in the
bathroom.

Dismissal of Cole
Although Cole is identified as a defendant in the case caption, he is not referenced
in the body of the Complaint. Accordingly, Cole shall be dismissed from the action without
prejudice. See Collins v. Kibort, 143 F.3d 331, 334 (7th Cir. 1998); Gentry v. Duckworth, 65
F.3d 555, 561 (7th Cir. 1995).
Dismissal of Count 5
At the outset, the Court finds that Count 5 is subject to dismissal. Plaintiff claims that he
asked to speak with Captain Crammer5 several times about “these issues,” after he “grieved and
got no response except one for the food.” (Doc. 2, p. 5). This allegation, standing alone, states
no claim. See, e.g., Owens v. Evans, No. 16-1645, 2017 WL 6728884, at *3 (7th Cir. Dec. 13,
2017) (“Prison officials who simply processed or reviewed inmate grievances lack personal
involvement in the conduct forming the basis of the grievance.”); George v. Abdullah, 507 F.3d
605, 609 (7th Cir. 2007) (“Ruling against a prisoner on an administrative complaint does not
cause or contribute to the violation.”); Owens v. Hinsley, 635 F.3d 950, 953 (7th Cir. 2011)
(“[T]he alleged mishandling of [a prisoner's] grievance by persons who otherwise did not cause
or participate in the underlying conduct states no claim.”). However, an official may be subject

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He also claims he asked to speak with the lieutenant. (Doc. 2, p. 5). However, it is not clear which, if any, of the
Defendants Plaintiff is referring to.

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to liability if he or she “knows about unconstitutional conduct and facilitates, approves,
condones, or ‘turn[s] a blind eye’ to it.” Perez v. Fenoglio, 792 F.3d 768, 781 (7th Cir. 2015)
(citing Vance v. Peters, 97 F.3d 987, 992-93 (7th Cir. 1996).
With respect to Count 5, the claims pertaining to Captain Crammer suggest nothing more
than his involvement in the grievance process. There is no indication that Crammer is subject to
liability under the standard articulated in Perez or related authority. As such, Plaintiff’s claims
pertaining to Crammer fall short of stating a constitutional claim and shall be dismissed without
prejudice. As this is the only claim directed against Captain Crammer, he shall be dismissed
from the action without prejudice.
Improper Joinder and Severance
As previously noted, district courts are obligated to apply Rule 20 to prevent improperly
joined parties from proceeding in a single case. George v. Smith, 507 F.3d 605, 607 (7th Cir.
2007). Rule 20 prohibits a plaintiff from asserting unrelated claims against different defendants
or sets of defendants in the same lawsuit. Multiple defendants may not be joined in a single
action unless the plaintiff asserts at least one claim to relief against each of them that arises out
of the same transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences and presents
questions of law or fact common to all. George, 507 F.3d at 607; 3A Moore's Federal Practice §
20.06, at 2036–2045 (2d ed.1978).
Only after the requirements for joinder of parties have been satisfied under Rule 20 may a
plaintiff use Rule 18 to join unrelated claims against the multiple defendants. Intercon Research
Assn., Ltd. v. Dresser Ind ., Inc., 696 F.2d 53, 57 (7th Cir. 1983) (quoting 7 Charles Alan Wright
et al., Federal Practice & Procedure). In other words, only once the core set of defendants has
been determined under Rule 20 may a plaintiff join additional unrelated claims against one or

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more of those defendants under Rule 18.
In the instant case, Plaintiff has asserted a Fourteenth Amendment claim pertaining to
mental health treatment (Count 1) against Cook, Ross, Hawkins, Snyder, and Phillips (the “core”
defendants).

Counts 2 through 4, directed against Cook and/or Ross, are not transactionally

related to Count 1. However, because Cook and Ross are also named in Count 1, Rule 18 allows
Plaintiff to bring unrelated claims against them in a single action. Accordingly, Counts 1
through 4 are properly joined in the same action.
The same cannot be said for Count 6. Count 6 is an unrelated claim that is not associated
with any particular defendant. Additionally, this claim, which pertains to cameras at the Jail,
does not appear to be directed against any of the core defendants, who are described as officers
or jailers. As such, Count 6 shall be severed into a new action. The Clerk of the Court cannot
open a new action in CM-ECF without naming a defendant. Accordingly, as an administrative
matter, the severed case will be opened in CM-ECF as against “Unknown Party.” Plaintiff may
be given leave to amend in the severed case so that he may properly name the relevant defendant
or defendants. The separate action will have a newly assigned case number, shall be assessed a
filing fee, and shall undergo preliminary review pursuant to § 1915A.
Counts 1 through 4, which appear, at least tenuously, to be appropriately joined under
Rules 20 and 18, shall remain in this action. These Counts shall receive preliminary review in a
separate order, filed contemporaneously herewith.
Pending Motion
Plaintiff has a pending motion on file with the Court (Doc. 7). The Court will address the
pending motion in its preliminary review of Counts 1 through 4, which will be addressed in a
separate order.

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Disposition
Dismissal of Count 5 and Defendants Cole and Captain Crammer
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that COUNT 5 is DISMISSED without prejudice for
failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. In connection with this dismissal,
CAPTAIN CRAMMER is DISMISSED from the action without prejudice, and the Clerk of the
Court is DIRECTED to terminate him as a party in CM/ECF.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that COLE is DISMISSED from the action without
prejudice for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, and the Clerk of the Court
is DIRECTED to terminate him as a party in CM/ECF.

Severance
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that COUNT 6 (against UNKNOWN PARTY) is
SEVERED into a new case.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the only claims remaining in this action, are
COUNTS 1 through 4.

Newly Severed Case
The claims in the newly severed case shall be subject to screening pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915A after the new case number and judge assignment is made. In the new case, the Clerk is
DIRECTED to file the following documents:
•
•
•

This Memorandum and Order;
The Complaint (Doc. 2); and
Plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis (Doc. 3)
Plaintiff will be responsible for an additional $350 filing fee in the newly severed

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case.6 No service shall be ordered in the severed case until the § 1915A review is completed.

Merits Review of Counts 1 -4
These Counts shall receive preliminary review in a separate order, filed
contemporaneously herewith.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED: April 9, 2018
s/J. Phil Gilbert
United States District Judge

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Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1914, effective May 1, 2013, an additional $50.00 administrative fee is also to be assessed
in all civil actions, unless pauper status is granted.

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