Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-06743/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-06743-5/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 625
Nature of Suit: Drug Related Seizure of Property
Cause of Action: 21:881 Forfeiture Property-Drugs

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 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )

)

Plaintiff, )

)

vs. )

)

APPROXIMATELY $141,932.00 )

IN U.S. CURRENCY, )

)

Defendant. )

 )

1:04-cv-6743-LJO-TAG

ORDER ADOPTING FINDINGS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS TO GRANT 

PLAINTIFF’S MOTIONS TO STRIKE

AND TO ENTER DEFAULT AND FINAL

JUDGMENT OF FORFEITURE 

(Doc. 38) 

Plaintiff United States of America is proceeding with a civil forfeiture action in this Court

in which two purported claimants stated an interest in the defendant U.S. Currency. (Doc. 8).

Plaintiff filed motions seeking to strike the answers filed by Claimants Marc Steven Kalish and

Living Tree Company, Inc. Specifically, Plaintiff moved to strike Claimant Kalish’s answer due

to his discovery violations, and to strike Claimant Living Tree Company, Inc.’s answer because it

had not filed a verified claim. (Docs. 22, 32). Plaintiff also requested that default judgment be

entered against both Claimants, and that a final judgment of forfeiture be entered for Plaintiff.

(Id.). The matter was referred to the Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Local

Rule 72-302. On January 18, 2008, the Magistrate Judge issued Findings and Recommendations

recommending that Plaintiff’s motions be granted as prayed. (Doc. 38). The Findings and

Recommendations were served on all parties and contained notice that any objections to them 

were to be filed within fifteen (15) days of the date of service of the order. (Doc. 38). To date, no

objections have been filed. (See Dkt. Sheet). 

Case 1:04-cv-06743-LJO -TAG Document 39 Filed 02/07/08 Page 1 of 2
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In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636 (b)(1)(C) and Britt v. Simi Valley

United School Dist., 708 F.2d 452, 454 (9th Cir. 1983), this Court has conducted a de novo

review of the case. Having carefully reviewed the entire file, the Court finds that the Findings and

Recommendations are supported by the record and proper analysis.

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. The Findings and Recommendations (Doc. 38), filed January 18, 2008, are ADOPTED

IN FULL; 

2. Plaintiff United States of America’s motions to strike the answer of Claimants Marc

Steven Kalish and Living Tree Company, Inc. (Docs. 22, 32), ARE GRANTED; 

3. The Clerk of the Court is DIRECTED to strike the answer of Claimants Marc Steven

Kalish and Living Tree Company, Inc. (Doc. 8); 

4. Plaintiff’s motions for default judgment against Claimants Marc Steven Kalish and

Living Tree Company, Inc.(Docs. 22, 32), are GRANTED;

5. Plaintiff IS ENTITLED to, and the Clerk of the Court SHALL ENTER, a judgment that 

condemns and forfeits the interests of all claimants and potential claimants, including Claimants

Marc Steven Kalish and Living Tree Company, Inc., in the Defendant currency to the United

States of America, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(6), and which recognizes that all persons

claiming any right, title, or interest in or to the Defendant currency have DEFAULTED and no

longer have any right, title, or interest in the Defendant currency whatsoever; and

6. The Clerk of the Court SHALL ENTER final judgment of forfeiture for Plaintiff United

States of America and close this action.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 4, 2008 /s/ Lawrence J. O'Neill 

66h44d UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 1:04-cv-06743-LJO -TAG Document 39 Filed 02/07/08 Page 2 of 2