Thomas v. Roberson et al

Filing 5

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by Magistrate Judge Kevin R. Sweazea. Show Cause Response due by April 17, 2024. (atc)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO
HEATHER MAY THOMAS on behalf of
CRISTYN JEANETTE SMITH-THOMAS,
Plaintiff,
v.

No. 1:24-cv-00298-KRS

ALMA C. ROBERSON,
GEOFFREY CUMMINGS,
WILLIAM P. JOHNSON,
MITCHELL ELFERS and
ALBUQUERQUE SWAT,
Defendants.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
This case apparently arises from the arrest and detention of Cristyn Jeanette SmithThomas by Albuquerque Police officers.

See Civil Rights Complaint Pursuant to

42 U.S.C. § 1983, Doc. 1, filed March 26, 2024 (“Complaint”).
It appears that Heather Mae Thomas is bringing this case on behalf of her daughter,
Cristyn Jeanette Smith-Thomas. Heather Mae Thomas signed the “Declaration Under Penalty of
Perjury” stating she “is the plaintiff in the above action, that [s]he has read the above complaint
and that the information contained therein is true and correct” and personally delivered the
Complaint to the Clerk’s Office for filing. Complaint at 6. The Complaint also states: “I have
audio recording of the officers trying to come in. We were told if she just comes out to talk,
there would be no problems. That’s when they assaulted & kidnapped my little girl.” Complaint
at 3.
Heather Mae Thomas is not a licensed attorney authorized to practice in this Court and,
therefore, cannot bring claims on behalf her daughter. See Fymbo v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co.,

213 F.3d 1320, 1321 (10th Cir. 2000) ("A litigant may bring his own claims to federal court
without counsel, but not the claims of others").
IT IS ORDERED that Heather Mae Thomas shall, within 21 days of entry of this Order,
show cause why the Court should not dismiss this case because Heather Mae Thomas cannot
bring claims on behalf of Cristyn Jeanette Smith-Thomas. Failure to timely show cause may
result in dismissal of this case.

_____________________________________
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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