Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ared-5_17-cv-00254/USCOURTS-ared-5_17-cv-00254-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 555
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Prison Condition
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

---

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

PINE BLUFF DIVISION

GARRETT CHAMBLIS,

ADC #159706 PLAINTIFF

v. Case No. 5:17-cv-000254-KGB/JTR

E. BLAND, APN, 

Varner Super Max Unit, ADC, et al. DEFENDANTS

ORDER

The Court has reviewed the Partial Recommended Disposition submitted by United States 

Magistrate Judge J. Thomas Ray (Dkt. No. 81). Plaintiff Garrett Chamblis filed objections on 

March 21, 2019 (Dkt. No. 82). After careful consideration of the Partial Recommended 

Disposition and the objections, and a de novo review of the record, the Court concludes that the 

Partial Recommended Disposition should be approved and adopted in its entirety as this Court’s 

findings in all respects (Id.). Consistent with the Partial Recommended Disposition, the Court 

grants, in part, and denies, in part, the motion for summary judgment filed by Estella Bland, 

Amanda Sackett, Patrick Drummond, Geraldine Campbell, Dr. Ronald Stuckey, and Jason Kelley 

(Dkt. No. 64). The Court grants the motion for summary judgment filed by Rory Griffin (Dkt. No. 

54).

The Court writes separately to address Mr. Chamblis’ objections (Dkt. No. 82). In his 

objections, Mr. Chamblis argues that his “monetary claims should be granted by this Court for in 

ADC Policy AD-14-16 monetary claims are not grievable.” (Id., at 1). Mr. Chamblis asserts that 

he has “been charged for medical sick calls” and for his “legal fees.” (Id.). The Court also notes 

that, in his complaint, Mr. Chamblis seeks monetary relief against defendants (Dkt. No. 2, at 21-

22). In support of his argument, Mr. Chamblis attaches a page of Administrative Directive 14-16

Case 5:17-cv-00254-KGB Document 83 Filed 03/26/19 Page 1 of 3
2

(“AD 14-16”), which states:

Remedies available do not include disciplinary actions against employees, 

contractors, or volunteers, nor monetary damages. The policy 

violation/incident/action alleged in the grievance shall be investigated because of 

the particular grievance if not previously grieved or otherwise prohibited under this 

grievance policy.

(Id., at 2).

While Mr. Chamblis does not elaborate on this argument, the Court interprets Mr. 

Chamblis’ objections as arguing that he is not required to exhaust his grievances due to the 

statement in AD 14-16 that monetary damages are not available as a remedy. This argument has 

been foreclosed by precedent. See Walker v. Maschner, 270 F.3d 573, 577 (8th Cir. 2001) (citing 

Booth v. Churner, 532 U.S. 731 (2001)) (holding that the unavailability of monetary damages in 

the prison grievance process did not excuse the plaintiff’s failure to exhaust his administrative 

remedies). Accordingly, the unavailability of monetary damages in the prison grievance process 

does not excuse Mr. Chamblis’ failure to exhaust his administrative remedies. See 

Williams/Rashid v. Ark. Dep’t of Correction, Case No. 1:08-cv-00025 SWW/HDY, 2010 WL 

4867426 (E.D. Ark. Nov. 1, 2010) (holding that plaintiff’s inability to receive monetary damages 

through the grievance process did not excuse his failure to exhaust his administrative remedies).

Accordingly, except for Mr. Chamblis’ claim that Ms. Bland provided constitutionally 

inadequate care between May 18, 2017, and August 29, 2017, the Court dismisses without

prejudice Mr. Chamblis’ constitutional claims against defendants Ms. Bland, Ms. Sackett, Mr. 

Drummond, Ms. Campbell, Dr. Stuckey, and Mr. Kelley. The Court dismisses without prejudice 

Mr. Chamblis’ claims against Mr. Griffin. The Court dismisses Mr. Kelley and Mr. Griffin as 

parties to this action. Mr. Chamblis is permitted to proceed on his claim against Ms. Bland alleging 

that she provided constitutionally inadequate care between May 18, 2017, and August 29, 2017, 

Case 5:17-cv-00254-KGB Document 83 Filed 03/26/19 Page 2 of 3
3

and his state medical malpractice and negligence claims against Ms. Sackett, Mr. Drummond, Ms. 

Campbell, Ms. Bland, and Dr. Stuckey.

It is so ordered this 26th day of March, 2019.

__________________________________ 

Kristine G. Baker

United States District Judge

Case 5:17-cv-00254-KGB Document 83 Filed 03/26/19 Page 3 of 3