Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ca5-03-41448/USCOURTS-ca5-03-41448-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 540
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Mandamus and Other
Cause of Action: 

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* Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that

this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except

under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4.

United States Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit

FILED

March 16, 2004

Charles R. Fulbruge III

Clerk

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

 

No. 03-41448

Summary Calendar

 

CHARLES ROSS,

Petitioner-Appellant,

versus

STATE OF TEXAS,

Respondent-Appellee.

--------------------

Appeal from the United States District Court

for the Eastern District of Texas

(6:03-CV-312)

--------------------

Before JOLLY, WIENER, and PICKERING, Circuit Judges.

PER CURIAM:*

Following a jury trial, Petitioner-Appellant Charles Ross,

Texas prisoner number 768284, was convicted of aggravated sexual

assault of a child and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He

unsuccessfully sought permission from the trial court to proceed in

forma pauperis (IFP) on appeal, as well as other benefits

associated with IFP status. He challenged the propriety of the

trial court’s denial of his request for IFP status and concomitant

benefits in several proceedings in state and federal courts. His

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2

latest challenge was presented to the district court in an

application for mandamus relief. The district court denied this

application, and Ross appeals. 

On appeal Ross seeks authorization to file excess record

excerpts. His motion, which is best construed as one seeking to

supplement the record on appeal, is GRANTED. Ross also seeks leave

to file a supplemental brief. This motion is DENIED.

Ross argues that his constitutional rights were violated when

he was denied IFP status and concomitant benefits. He has not

shown that his circumstances are extraordinary. See In re American

Marine Holding Co., 14 F.3d 276, 277 (5th Cir. 1994). Neither has

he established that the relief he seeks flows from a nondiscretionary duty of the defendant. See Heckler v. Ringer, 466

U.S. 602, 616 (1984). Ross thus has not shown that the district

court abused its discretion in denying his request for mandamus

relief. See United States v. Denson, 603 F.2d 1143, 1146 (5th Cir.

1979) (en banc). His conclusional assertion of actual innocence

does not mandate a different result.

Ross also contends that his rights were violated when his case

was heard by a magistrate judge because he did not consent thereto

in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). Ross is factually mistaken:

His case was not adjudicated to a final judgment by a magistrate

judge. Rather, the magistrate judge issued a report and

recommendation concerning Ross’s mandamus application; it was the

district judge who entered the final judgment dismissing Ross’s

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application. Ross has not shown that his rights were violated by

the magistrate judge’s involvement in the district court

proceedings. As Ross has shown no error in the district court’s

judgment, it is AFFIRMED.

The instant proceeding is just the latest of Ross’s multiple

attempts to obtain review of an issue that has already been

rejected by several state and federal courts. As he has received

substantial review of this meritless issue and shows no signs of

ceasing his relentless pursuit, Ross is WARNED that he could, and

likely would, be sanctioned if he should file any additional

pleadings challenging the state trial court’s denial of his request

for IFP status and concomitant benefits. See Coughlan v. Starkey,

852 F.2d 806, 817 (5th Cir. 1988); Farguson v. MBank Houston, N.A.,

808 F.2d 358, 359 (5th Cir. 1986).

MOTION TO FILE EXCESS RECORD EXCERPTS GRANTED; MOTION TO FILE

SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF DENIED; JUDGMENT AFFIRMED; SANCTIONS WARNING

ISSUED.

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