Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00529/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00529-29/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

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ETUATE SEKONA,

Plaintiff,

v.

M. FRANCIS,

Defendant.

Case No. 1:19-cv-00529-ADA-HBK (PC)

ORDER DISCHARGING SUBPOENA ON 

WITNESS BY THE UNITED STATES 

MARSHALL

(Doc. Nos. 85, 93)

ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF 

SUBPOENA ON WITNESS BY UNITED 

STATES MARSHAL WITHOUT 

PREPAYMENT OF COSTS

SERVICE WITHIN 10 DAYS

Plaintiff Etuate Sekona (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma 

pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. This action proceeds on 

Plaintiff’s claim against Defendant Francis for deliberate indifference to serious medical needs in 

violation of the Eight Amendment. 

On June 22, 2023, the Court directed the United States Marshal to serve a subpoena along 

with the witness fees upon LVN Melinda Cook to command her appearance at Plaintiff’s trial 

scheduled for August 8, 2023. (Doc. No. 85). Service of the subpoena was effectuated. (Doc. 

No. 93). At the July 13, 2023 hearing, the District Court reset the trial date to October 31, 

2023. (Doc. No. 98). Consequently, LVN Melinda Cook is not required to appear to testify on 

August 8, 2023. 

Case 1:19-cv-00529-KES-HBK Document 105 Filed 07/28/23 Page 1 of 3
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Based on the foregoing, the Court discharges the subpoena commanding LVN Melinda 

Cook’s appearance for Plaintiff’s August 8, 2023 trial. (Doc. No. 85). LVN Melinda Cook has 

already been served with the witness fees by money order #22017649371 in the amount of 

$137.00. Because Plaintiff is proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis, the Court will direct the 

Clerk of Court to reissue a subpoena to command LVN Melinda Cook’s appearance for Plaintiff’s 

October 31, 2023 rescheduled trial, and direct the United States Marshal to serve this Order, a 

completed USM-285 form, and the new subpoena on LVN Melinda Cook. The United States 

Marshal shall also contact LVN Melinda Cook to inform Cook that the August 8, 2023 trial was 

continued to October 31, 2023 and she is not required to appear to testify on August 8, 2023. 

Accordingly, it is ORDERED:

1. The Clerk of Court is directed to prepare and reissue a subpoena to command LVN 

Melinda Cook to appear for Plaintiff’s October 31, 2023 rescheduled trial.

2. The June 22, 2023 subpoena directing LVN Melinda Cook (Doc. Nos. 85, 93) to 

appear for Plaintiff’s August 8, 2023 trial is discharged; 

3. The Clerk of the Court is directed to forward the following documents to the United 

States Marshal:

a. One completed and reissued subpoena to be served on:

LVN Melinda Cook

Kern Valley State Prison

P.O. Box 3130, Delano, CA 93216-6000

b. One completed USM-285 form;

c. Two (2) copies of this order, one to accompany the subpoena, plus an extra 

copy for the Marshal.

4. Within ten (10) days from the date of service of this order, the United States Marshal 

is directed to serve the subpoena and money order in accordance with the provisions 

of Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

5. The United States Marshal shall effect personal service and a copy of this order upon 

the named individual in the subpoena pursuant to Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil 

Procedure and 28 U.S.C. § 566(c).

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6. Within ten (10) days after personal service is completed, the United States Marshal 

shall file the return of service, along with the costs subsequently incurred in effective 

service. Said costs shall be enumerated on the USM-285 form.

Dated: July 28, 2023 

HELENA M. BARCH-KUCHTA

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:19-cv-00529-KES-HBK Document 105 Filed 07/28/23 Page 3 of 3