Gray v. Gusman et al

Filing 13

ORDER ADOPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8 . IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiffs suit is DISMISSED with prejudice pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1915(e)(2)(B)(i) and (ii). Signed by Judge Susie Morgan.(bwn)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

SHAQUILLE GRAY

CIVIL ACTION

VERSUS

NUMBER 15-5531

MARLIN N. GUSMAN, ET AL.

SECTION “E”(5)
Flag Section “C”
ORDER

Before the Court is the Report and Recommendation of the United States Magistrate Judge
recommending that the Court dismiss the in forma pauperis action by pro se plaintiff Shaquille
Gray as frivolous under § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i). See Rec. Doc. 8. Plaintiff alleges that he “has suffered
chest pains, so[re] throat and headaches” in Orleans Parish Prison and that defendants “failed to
help pass out cleaning supplies and medical attention.” See Rec. Doc. 3 at 4–5.
The Magistrate Judge reviewed the complaint to determine if it has an arguable basis in
law or fact or fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. See Rec. Doc. 8 at 1. The
Magistrate Judge concluded that there were at least two independent grounds for dismissing
plaintiff’s complaint as frivolous. See id. First, the Magistrate Judge concluded that plaintiff’s
complaint could not support a claim against any of the defendants either in their official or
individual capacity. See id. at 2–3. The Magistrate Judge noted that the complaint “contains no
allegations whatsoever regarding [the named defendants’] involvement in the matters of which he
complains,” nor does it allege that there was a policy or custom at Orleans Parish Prison that caused
his alleged harm. See id. Second, the Magistrate Judge concluded that the allegations of plaintiff
“fall far short of establishing the objective and subjective components . . . needed to prevail on a
conditions-of-confinement claim,” noting that it appears “at worst” that plaintiff suffered de
minimis injuries insufficient to justify an award of damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1997e(e). See id. at
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3–5. Furthermore, plaintiff’s transfer from Orleans Parish Prison to the Louisiana State
Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, means his request for injunctive relief has been rendered moot.
See id. at 5. As such, the Magistrate Judge has recommended that the Court dismiss plaintiff’s suit
with prejudice pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i) and (ii).
The Magistrate Judge’s Report and Recommendation notified the parties that they had
fourteen days to timely object in writing. See Rec. Doc. 8 at 6. Plaintiff timely filed a two-page
written objection, but stated only that “Plaintiff object’s to Defendant’s answer’s” and asking that
the Court “Find’s that plaintiff motion is not frivolous or moot.” See Rec. Doc. 10.
The Court, having considered the complaint, the record, the applicable law, the Magistrate
Judge’s Report and Recommendation, and Plaintiff’s objection to the Magistrate Judge’s Report
and Recommendation, hereby approves the Magistrate Judge’s Report and Recommendation and
adopts it as its opinion herein. Affording “all reasonable inferences which can be drawn from” pro
se plaintiff Gray’s complaint, the Court finds no reason to disturb the opinion of the Magistrate
Judge. See In re Tex. Pig Stands, Inc., 610 F.3d 937, 941 n.4 (5th Cir. 2010) (regarding manner in
which court should interpret the filings of pro se litigants). The plaintiff was afforded the
opportunity to state why his complaint should not be dismissed as frivolous, but provided no
additional detail.
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiff’s suit is DISMISSED with prejudice pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
§1915(e)(2)(B)(i) and (ii).
New Orleans, Louisiana, this 19th day of January, 2016.
___

SUSIE MORGAN
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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