Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ared-4_18-cv-00877/USCOURTS-ared-4_18-cv-00877-0/pdf.json

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

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 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

 EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS 

 WESTERN DIVISION 

HAROLD SHAWGNESSY SIMS PLAINTIFF 

v. 4:18CV00877-KGB-JTK 

M. BALLARD DEFENDANT 

 PROPOSED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

INSTRUCTIONS

The following recommended disposition has been sent to United States District Judge 

Kristine G. Baker. Any party may serve and file written objections to this recommendation. 

Objections should be specific and should include the factual or legal basis for the objection. If 

the objection is to a factual finding, specifically identify that finding and the evidence that supports 

your objection. An original and one copy of your objections must be received in the office of the 

United States District Court Clerk no later than fourteen (14) days from the date of the findings 

and recommendations. The copy will be furnished to the opposing party. Failure to file timely 

objections may result in a waiver of the right to appeal questions of fact. 

If you are objecting to the recommendation and desire to submit new, different, or 

additional evidence, and to have a hearing for this purpose before the District Judge, you must, at 

the same time that you file your written objections, include the following: 

1. Why the record made before the Magistrate Judge is inadequate. 

2. Why the evidence proffered at the hearing (if such a hearing is granted) was 

not offered at the hearing before the Magistrate Judge. 

3. The detail of any testimony desired to be introduced at the new hearing in 

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the form of an offer of proof, and a copy, or the original, of any documentary or other 

non-testimonial evidence desired to be introduced at the new hearing. 

From this submission, the District Judge will determine the necessity for an additional 

evidentiary hearing. 

Mail your objections and AStatement of Necessity@ to: 

Clerk, United States District Court 

Eastern District of Arkansas 

600 West Capitol Avenue, Suite A149 

Little Rock, AR 72201-3325 

 DISPOSITION

I. INTRODUCTION 

Plaintiff Harold Sims, an inmate proceeding pro se, filed this civil rights action pursuant to 

42 U.S.C. ' 1983, together with a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. '

1915 (Doc. No. 1). Although Plaintiff submitted a declaration that makes the showing required by 

' 1915(a), his Motion should be denied. 28 U.S.C. ' 1915(a). 

II. SCREENING 

 The Court is required to screen complaints seeking relief against a governmental entity or 

officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C. '1915(a). Additionally, the Prison 

Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), 28 U.S.C. ' 1915(g), provides that: 

[i]n no event shall a prisoner bring a civil action or appeal a judgment in a civil 

action or proceeding under this section if the prisoner has, on three (3) or more prior 

occasions, while incarcerated or detained in any facility, brought an action or appeal 

in a court of the United States that was dismissed on the grounds that it is frivolous, 

malicious, or fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, unless the 

prisoner is under imminent danger of serious physical injury. 

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Plaintiff has had three complaints dismissed for failure to state a claim,1 and is considered 

a Athree-striker@ within the meaning of the PLRA. Plaintiff may, however, be permitted to 

proceed in forma pauperis if he falls under the Aimminent danger@ exception to the three strikes 

rule set forth above. 28 U.S.C. '1915(g). This exception does not apply to allegations of past 

danger, and the alleged harm must be Areal and proximate@ and occurring at the time the complaint 

is filed. Lewis v. Sullivan, 279 F.3d 526, 531 (7th Cir. 2002). 

In this case, Plaintiff complains that Defendant improperly opens his legal mail, but he 

does not allege that he is in imminent danger of serious injury. Therefore, he should be required to 

pay the filing fee to prosecute this action. 

III. CONCLUSION

IT IS, THEREFORE, RECOMMENDED that: 

1. Plaintiff Sims’ Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Doc. No. 1) be 

DENIED. 

2. Should Plaintiff wish to continue this case, he be required to submit the 

Statutory filing fee of $400.00 to the Clerk, noting the above case style and number within ten (10) 

days of the date of this Order, together with a motion to reopen the case. Upon receipt of the 

motion and full payment, the case will be reopened. 

3. Plaintiff=s Complaint be DISMISSED without prejudice. 

 

 1 See 4:18cv00638-SWW; 4:18cv00652-SWW; 4:18cv00656-SWW.

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IT IS SO RECOMMENDED this 29th day of November, 2018. 

_________________________________ 

JEROME T. KEARNEY 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 

 

 

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