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ALVERSON v. CROW, 2:14-CV-729-WKW. (2014)

Court: District Court, M.D. Alabama Number: infdco20150116914 Visitors: 4
Filed: Dec. 17, 2014
Latest Update: Dec. 17, 2014
Summary: RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE TERRY F. MOORER, Magistrate Judge. This 42 U.S.C. 1983 action is pending before the court on a complaint filed by Rodney Alverson ("Alverson"), an indigent state inmate. In the complaint, Alverson challenges the constitutionality of a behavior citation and disciplinary each issued against him for insubordination. Pursuant to the orders of this court, the defendants filed a written report supported by relevant evidentiary materials in which they address
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RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE

TERRY F. MOORER, Magistrate Judge.

This 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action is pending before the court on a complaint filed by Rodney Alverson ("Alverson"), an indigent state inmate. In the complaint, Alverson challenges the constitutionality of a behavior citation and disciplinary each issued against him for insubordination.

Pursuant to the orders of this court, the defendants filed a written report supported by relevant evidentiary materials in which they address the claims for relief presented by Alverson. The report and evidentiary materials refute the self-serving, conclusory allegations presented by Alverson in the complaint. Specifically, these documents appear to demonstrate that neither the behavior citation nor disciplinary were issued in retaliation for Alverson exercising a constitutionally protected right; rather, the documents indicate that the adverse actions occurred due to demeaning and insubordinate comments made by Alverson against a correctional official. In addition, the undisputed records filed by the defendants establish that the challenged disciplinary action has been expunged.

In light of the foregoing, the court issued an order directing Alverson to file a response to the defendants' written report. Order of October 15, 2014 — Doc. No. 14. The order advised Alverson that his failure to respond to the report would be treated by the court "as an abandonment of the claims set forth in the complaint and as a failure to prosecute this action." Id. at 1 (emphasis in original). Additionally, the order "specifically cautioned [the plaintiff] that [his failure] to file a response in compliance with the directives of this order" would result in the dismissal of this civil action. Id. The time allotted Alverson for filing a response in compliance with the directives of this order expired on October 30, 2014. As of the present date, Alverson has failed to file a response in opposition to the defendants' written report. The court therefore concludes that this case should be dismissed.

The court has reviewed the file to determine whether a less drastic measure than dismissal is appropriate. After such review, it is clear that dismissal of this case is the proper course of action at this time. Alverson is an indigent individual. Thus, the imposition of monetary or other punitive sanctions against him would be ineffectual. Additionally, Alverson's inaction in the face of the defendants' report and the overwhelming evidence refuting the claims raised herein suggests he does not seek to proceed with this case. Consequently, it appears that any additional effort by this court to secure his compliance would be unavailing. Finally, the undisputed evidentiary materials submitted by the defendants indicate that no violation of Alverson's constitutional rights occurred. In light of the foregoing, the court concludes that Alverson's abandonment of his claims and his failure to comply with an order of this court warrant dismissal. Moon v. Newsome, 863 F.2d 835, 837 (11th Cir. 1989) (As a general rule, where a litigant has been forewarned, dismissal for failure to obey a court order is not an abuse of discretion.); see also Tanner v. Neal, 232 Fed. Appx. 924 (11th Cir. 2007) (affirming sua sponte dismissal without prejudice of inmate's § 1983 action for failure to file an amendment to complaint in compliance with court's prior order directing amendment and warning of consequences for failure to comply).

For the above stated reasons, it is the RECOMMENDATION of the Magistrate Judge that this case be dismissed without prejudice. It is further

ORDERED that on or before January 5, 2015 the parties may file objections to the Recommendation. Any objections filed must specifically identify the findings in the Magistrate Judge's Recommendation to which the party is objecting. Frivolous, conclusive or general objections will not be considered by the District Court. The parties are advised that this Recommendation is not a final order of the court and, therefore, it is not appealable.

Failure to file written objections to the proposed findings and advisements in the Magistrate Judge's Recommendation shall bar the party from a de novo determination by the District Court of issues covered in the Recommendation and shall bar the party from attacking on appeal factual findings in the Recommendation accepted or adopted by the District Court except upon grounds of plain error or manifest injustice. Nettles v. Wainwright, 677 F.2d 404 (5th Cir. 1982); see Stein v. Reynolds Securities, Inc., 667 F.2d 33 (11th Cir. 1982); see also Bonner v. City of Prichard, 661 F.2d 1206 (11th Cir. 1981, en banc), adopting as binding precedent all decisions of the former Fifth Circuit handed down prior to the close of business on September 30, 1981.

Source:  Leagle

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