Lawson v. Warner et al

Filing 25

ORDER denying 20 Motion to Change Venue signed by Judge Karen L Strombom.(MET) cc: plaintiff

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
AT TACOMA

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GEOFFREY ROBERT LAWSON SR,
Plaintiff,

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v.
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BERNARD WARNER, KIM WYMAN,
JEFFEREY UTTECHT, ROY
GANZALES, J. DOE BAILEY, RAND
SIMMONS, L, WONDERS, J. DOE
CHE, CUS MILLER and FORD,
COUNSELORS GUNTER, AYERS and
STUENKEL, and JOHN DOE
CORRECTIONS OFFICERS 1 and 2,

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CASE NO. C14-5100 RBL-KLS
ORDER DENYING DEFENDANTS’
MOTION FOR A CHANGE OF
VENUE

Defendants.

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This matter has been referred to United States Magistrate Judge Karen L. Strombom

18 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), Local Rules MJR 3 and 4, and Fed. R. Civ. P. 72. The case is
19 before the court upon Defendant’s motion for change of venue. Dkt. 20. Defendants argue that
20 the majority of defendants reside in Eastern Washington and seek to transfer the action to that
21 District Court. After reviewing defendants’ motion, plaintiff’s response and the balance of the
22 record, the undersigned finds and ORDERS as follows:
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1.

Plaintiff’s allegations include activities that occurred in Kitsap County and Mason

24 County as well as activities in Eastern Washington. Further, plaintiff appears to challenge
ORDER DENYING DEFENDANTS’ MOTION
FOR A CHANGE OF VENUE- 1

1 Washington State Department of Corrections policies regarding transport of inmate property and
2 the policy makers principle place of business is Thurston County. This court has jurisdiction in
3 each of these three counties. See Local Rule 3. Thus, this court has proper jurisdiction over the
4 action. Accordingly, defendants’ motion for change of venue is DENIED.
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The Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Order to Plaintiff.

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Dated this 22nd day of May, 2014.

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A

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Karen L. Strombom
United States Magistrate Judge

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ORDER DENYING DEFENDANTS’ MOTION
FOR A CHANGE OF VENUE- 2