Sanders v. Chippi et al

Filing 4

MEMORANDUM ON DISMISSAL granting 2 MOTION to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. Theaction filed by Patrick Dewayne Sanders (SPN Inmate #02549493) lacks an arguable basis in law. His claims are DISMISSED with prejudice under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). Email sent to Manager of Three Strikes List. (Signed by Judge Vanessa D Gilmore) Parties notified. (wbostic, 4)

United States District Court
Southern District of Texas

ENTERED
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
HOUSTON DIVISION
PATRICK DEWA YNE SANDERS,
(SPN #02549493)
Plaintiff,
VS.

SERGEANT CHIPPI, eta!.,
Defendants.

November 17, 2017
David J. Bradley, Clerk

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CIVIL ACTION H-17-3490

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MEMORANDUM ON DISMISSAL

I.

Background
Patrick Dewayne Sanders, a Harris County Jail ("HCJ") inmate, sued in November 2017,

alleging civil rights violations resulting from a denial of due process. Sanders, proceeding prose
and in forma pauperis, sues Sergeant Chippi and the Houston Police Department. Sanders asserts
that on May 16, 2015, he was arrested without probable cause. He complains that when he was
booked into the HCJ on May 19,2015, his property was taken without his permission or a warrant.
Sanders seeks $10,000,000.00 in compensatory damages.

II.

Discussion
Federal courts may dismiss a claim filed in forma pauperis (IFP) "if satisfied that the action

is frivolous or malicious." 28 U.S.C. § 1915. An action is frivolous if it "lacks an arguable basis
either in law or in fact." Gartrell v. Gaylor, 981 F.2d 254, 256 (5th Cir. 1993)(quoting Neitzke v.

Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989)). The statute mandates dismissal of a prisoner's IFP case if the
complaint is found to be frivolous or malicious, fails to state a claim upon which relief may be
granted, or seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C.
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§ 1915(e)(2)(B).
Dismissal of an action is appropriate when "it is clear from the face of a complaint filed in
forma pauperis that the claims asserted are barred by the applicable statute oflimitations." Gartrell,

981 F.2d at 256. In section 1983 cases, the federal courts apply the forum state's general personal
injury statute of limitations. Burge v. Parish of St. Tammany, 996 F.2d 786, 788 (5th Cir.
1993)(citing Hardin v. Straub, 490 U.S. 536, 538-39 (1989)). Although the governing period of
limitations is determined by reference to state law, the accrual of a cause of action under section
1983 is determined by reference to federal law. Jackson v. Johnson, 950 F.2d 263, 265 (5th Cir.
1992). Under the federal standard, "a cause of action accrues when the plaintiff knows or has reason
to know of the injury which is the basis of the action." Harris v. Hegmann, 198 F.3d 153, 156-57
(5th Cir. 1999)(quoting Burrell v. Newsome, 883 F.2d 416,418 (5th Cir. 1989)). The plaintiff must
be in possession of"critical facts" which indicate that he has been hurt and that the defendants were
responsible for the injury. Stewart v. Parish ofJefferson, 951 F.2d 681, 684 (5th Cir.), cert. denied,
506 U.S. 820 (1992). A plaintiff need not realize that a legal cause of action exists, but must know
the facts that would support a claim. Piotrowski v. City of Houston, 51 F.3d 512,516 (5th Cir.
1995).
The Texas period oflimitations for personal injury actions is two years. See Tex. Civ. Prac.
& Rem. Code Ann.§ 16.003(a) (Vernon 2001). Sanders's claim clearly arose from the events of

May 19, 2015. Sanders did not file this suit until November 13,2017, almost six months after
limitations had run.
The statute of limitations bars Sanders from asserting his civil rights claims against the
named defendants. Sanders's claims are dismissed under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). Ali v. Higgs, 892

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F.2d 438 (5th Cir. 1990).

Ill.

Conclusion
Sanders's motion to proceed in forma pauperis, (Docket Entry No.2), is GRANTED. The

action filed by Patrick Dewayne Sanders (SPN Inmate #02549493) lacks an arguable basis in law.
His claims are DISMISSED with prejudice under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2).
The Clerk of court must send a copy of this Order to Thomas Katz, Manager of the Inmate
Trust Fund, 1200 Baker Street, Houston, Texas 77002, Fax: [phone].
The Clerk will provide a copy of this order by regular mail, facsimile transmission, or e-mail
to:

(1)

the TDCJ- Office ofthe General Counsel, Capitol Station, P.O. Box 13084, Austin,

Texas, 78711, Fax: [phone];
(2)

the Inmate Trust Fund, P .0. Box 629, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0629, Fax:

936-437-4793; and
(3) the Manager of the Three-Strikes List for the Southern District of Texas at:
Three_ Strikes@txs. uscourts.gov.
SIGNED at Houston, Texas, on

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'2017.

VANESSA D. GILMOR
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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