Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-06412/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-06412-0/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

RICKEY GENE MOTEN,

Plaintiff,

v.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 

R. VELLA, et al.,

Defendants.

 /

CASE NO. 1:04-CV-6412-REC-LJO-P

ORDER RECUSING MAGISTRATE JUDGE

LAWRENCE J. O’NEILL AND REASSIGNING

CASE TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE WILLIAM

M. WUNDERLICH

Plaintiff Rickey Gene Moten (“plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma

pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The matter has been referred to the

Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Local Rules 72-302 and 72-304. After

reviewing plaintiff’s complaint pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915A, it appears to the undersigned, the

Magistrate Judge to whom this case is presently assigned, that disqualification pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 455 is appropriate in this matter. Specifically, the undersigned conducted the underlying trial and

made specific findings in orders that conflict with the Plaintiff’s position in his current newly-filed

claims. The appearance of impropriety is a concern to the undersigned. The ego of a Judge to keep

a case simply because that Judge is certain that he or she can and will be fair and follow the law in

all circumstances, should never affect the absolute need to keep intact the appearance of the fairness

of the Court even to a casual observer.

Accordingly, 

1. The undersigned recuses himself as the Magistrate Judge to whom this case is

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assigned; and

2. This case shall be reassigned to the docket of Magistrate Judge William M.

Wunderlich, and that all future pleadings and/or correspondence be hereinafter numbered as:

1:04-CV-6412-REC-WMW-P

///

Plaintiff is advised that use of an incorrect case number, including the judges’ initials, may

result in a delay of documents being processed and copies thereof being correctly distributed and

received by the appropriate judicial officer.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 3, 2005 /s/ Lawrence J. O'Neill 

b9ed48 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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