Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_10-cv-00180/USCOURTS-caed-1_10-cv-00180-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

PIERRE RIZZO,

Plaintiff,

v.

M. DIAZ, et al., 

Defendants.

 /

CASE NO. 1:10-cv-180-LJO-MJS (PC)

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO SEAL FILED

DOCUMENTS 

(ECF No. 4)

Plaintiff Pierre Rizzo (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma

pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Before the Court is

Plaintiff’s Motion to Seal Filed Documents [ECF No. 4] asking the Court seal all documents

filed in the above-captioned action. Plaintiff alleges that the mexican mafia has a “hit out”

on him that threatens the safety of his family and, therefore, the Court should seal all filings

in this case.

Absent compelling justification, filings in cases such as this are a matter of public

record. United States v. Stoterau, 524 F.3d 988, 1012 (9th Cir. 2008). The complaint in

this action involves allegations that the Defendant prison guards were contaminating

Plaintiff’s food. The Court does not see anything in the allegations that might involve

Plaintiff’s family or expose Plaintiff’s family to harm. Nothing filed thus far in the case

involves personal information or information that is sensitive in nature. Defendants have

not yet filed anything. 

Accordingly, Plaintiff’s Motion to Seal Filed Documents [ECF No. 4] is DENIED. If,

Case 1:10-cv-00180-LJO-MJS Document 14 Filed 07/16/10 Page 1 of 2
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as this litigation progresses, Plaintiff believes that a particular document reveals sensitive

information that warrants it being filed under seal, he is free to so move as to that particular

document. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 16, 2010 /s/Michael J. Seng 

ci4d6 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:10-cv-00180-LJO-MJS Document 14 Filed 07/16/10 Page 2 of 2