Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-06696/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-06696-2/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

CURTIS WELCH,

Plaintiff,

v.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT

OF CORRECTIONS, et al.,

Defendants.

 /

CASE NO. 1:03-CV-6696-AWI-SMS-P

ORDER ADOPTING FINDINGS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS, GRANTING

DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO DISMISS, AND

DISMISSING ACTION WITHOUT

PREJUDICE FOR FAILURE TO EXHAUST

PRIOR TO FILING SUIT

(Docs. 22, 28, and 37)

Plaintiff Curtis Welch (“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 was referred to a United States

Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Local Rule 72-302.

On February 22, 2005, the Magistrate Judge filed a Findings and Recommendations herein

which was served on the parties and which contained notice that any objections to the Findings and

Recommendations were to be filed within thirty days. After obtaining three extensions of time, on

August 10, 2005, plaintiff filed a document entitled “Motion Not to Dismiss for Filing Suit Prior to

Exhaustion All Remedies: Remedies Exhausted.” The Court shall treat the filing as an objection

to the Findings and Recommendations. 

In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C) and Local Rule 73-305, this

Court has conducted a de novo review of this case. Having carefully reviewed the entire file, the

Court finds the Findings and Recommendations to be supported by the record and by proper analysis.

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Case 1:03-cv-06696-AWI -SMS Document 38 Filed 08/29/05 Page 1 of 2
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In his objection, plaintiff argues that the administrative remedies have now been exhausted

and he should be allowed to proceed with his suit. (Doc. 37, Obj., p. 1.) In support of his objection,

plaintiff submits evidence that exhaustion of his claim against defendant Kim occurred on December

15, 2003, when his inmate appeal was denied at the Director’s Level of review. (Id., Exhibit B, p.

8.) Exhaustion must occur prior to filing suit. McKinney v. Carey, 311 F.3d 1198, 1199-1201 (9th

Cir. 2002). Because plaintiff filed this action on November 26, 2003, prior to the issuance of the

Director’s Level decision, this action must be dismissed. Id.

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. The Findings and Recommendations, filed February 22, 2005, is adopted in full; 

2. Defendant’s motion to dismiss, filed October 22, 2004, is GRANTED; 

3. Plaintiff’s motion to not dismiss, filed August 10, 2005, is DENIED; and

3. This action is dismissed, without prejudice, based on plaintiff’s failure to exhaust the

available administrative remedies prior to filing suit.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 26, 2005 /s/ Anthony W. Ishii 

0m8i78 UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 1:03-cv-06696-AWI -SMS Document 38 Filed 08/29/05 Page 2 of 2