Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00782/USCOURTS-caed-1_06-cv-00782-18/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 320
Nature of Suit: Assault, Libel, and Slander
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Libel,Assualt,Slander

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KIRELL FRANCIS BETTIS, )

)

)

)

Plaintiff, )

)

v. )

)

JOHN WALSH, AMERICA’S MOST )

WANTED, )

)

)

)

Defendants. )

 )

1:06cv0782 LJO DLB

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST

TO ISSUE WARRANT OF ARREST

(Document 51)

Plaintiff Kirell Francis Bettis (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in

forma pauperis in this diversity action. 

On February 28, 2008, Plaintiff filed a document requesting that this Court issue a

warrant of arrest for John Walsh and seize his assets. Plaintiff’s request comes after the United

States Marshal returned the summonses unexecuted on February 21, 2008.

The Court understands Plaintiff’s frustration relating to the attempts to serve the

Defendants. However, given the way the Defendants are named in the amended complaint, it

does not appear that anything further can be done by the Court. On February 26, 2008, the Court

explained this to Plaintiff and instructed him to attempt to complete service within 120 days. 

Alternatively, the Court suggested that Plaintiff file an amended complaint to name

Defendant America’s Most Wanted in a different manner. Specifically, Plaintiff may file an

amended complaint to name the corporate entity that owns or produces the television show. 

Case 1:06-cv-00782-LJO-DLB Document 52 Filed 03/04/08 Page 1 of 2
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Defendant John Walsh has been, and can continue to be, named as an individual Defendant. 

If Plaintiff amends his complaint, he should furnish the Marshal with accurate and

sufficient information to effect service of the summons and amended complaint. Walker v.

Sumner, 14 F.3d 1415, 1422 (9th Cir. 1994). Plaintiff has the information for the corporate

parent of American’s Most Wanted in his possession, but may need to provide information

relating to John Walsh. 

Accordingly, given that the Court has exhausted its options based on the amended

complaint now pending but has afforded Plaintiff the options described above, Plaintiff’s request

that this Court issue a warrant for arrest based on evasion of service is DENIED. While the

Court has certain powers in situations where a defendant is attempting to evade service, such

discretion does not lie where the defendant is not properly named in the complaint. See eg.,

Fed.R.Civ.Proc. 4(m). Nor do any of the statutes cited by Plaintiff apply under these

circumstances. 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: March 3, 2008 /s/ Dennis L. Beck 

3b142a UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:06-cv-00782-LJO-DLB Document 52 Filed 03/04/08 Page 2 of 2