Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-01625/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-01625-30/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

FEDERICO HERNANDEZ,

Plaintiff,

v.

M. HERNANDEZ, et al.,

Defendants.

CASE NO. 1:13-cv-01625-MJS (PC)

ORDER DENYING REQUEST FOR 

REIMBURSEMENT OF WITNESS FEES

(ECF No. 150)

Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding in forma pauperis in this civil rights action 

brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The action, now closed, proceeded against 

Defendants Hernandez, Zambrano, Clark, Rodriguez, and Martin on Plaintiff’s Eighth 

Amendment excessive force claim. Trial was set for August 11, 2015, but was taken off 

calendar pursuant to the parties’ notice of settlement. (ECF No. 146.) The parties’ 

eventually filed a stipulation for dismissal with prejudice and the matter was closed. 

(ECF No. 151.)

Prior to trial, Plaintiff submitted money orders for witness fees payable to 

Correctional Captain A. Walker and Associate Warden D. Fischer to secure their 

appearance at trial. (ECF No. 105.) Both officers were employed at Pleasant Valley 

State Prison (“PVSP”). Both officers were served with the money orders, along with 

subpoenas, through correctional officials. (ECF Nos. 148, 149.)

Case 1:13-cv-01625-MJS Document 155 Filed 04/25/16 Page 1 of 2
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Before the Court is Plaintiff’s August 26, 2015 request that the money orders be 

returned to him. (ECF No. 150.) On March 25, 2016, the Court ordered defense 

counsel to advise the Court of the whereabouts of the money orders or funds. (ECF 

No. 153.) Defense counsel responded on April 14, 2016, providing evidence that the 

money orders had been returned to the United States Marshals Service on September 

29, 2015. (ECF No. 154.) The Marshals Service has informed the Court that the money 

orders were returned on September 30, 2015 to Esperanza Hernandez, 1589 E. 48th 

Place, Los Angeles, CA 90011. 

Because the money orders have been returned to the person who procured 

them for Plaintiff, Plaintiff’s request for reimbursement is moot and is therefore 

HEREBY DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: April 22, 2016 /s/Michael J. Seng 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:13-cv-01625-MJS Document 155 Filed 04/25/16 Page 2 of 2