Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_15-cv-00573/USCOURTS-casd-3_15-cv-00573-5/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983pr Prisoner Civil Rights

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15-CV-573-JLS(WVG)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KEITH WAYNE SEKERKE,

Plaintiff,

v.

JOHN DOE GONZALEZ, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No.: 15-CV-573-JLS(WVG)

REPORT AND 

RECOMMENDATION ON (1) 

DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR 

SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND (2) 

PLAINTIFF’S CROSS-MOTION 

FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

[Doc. Nos. 90, 101.]

Pending before the Court is Defendant Jose Gonzalez’s motion for summary

judgment and Plaintiff’s cross-motion for summary judgment. After reviewing the parties’

submissions and for the reasons stated below, the Court RECOMMENDS Defendant’s

motion be GRANTED and Plaintiff’s motion be DENIED.

I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Keith Wayne Sekerke (“Plaintiff”) filed the instant lawsuit pursuant to 42 U.S.C.

Section 1983, alleging excessive force in violation of the Eighth Amendment against San

Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy Jose Gonzalez (“Defendant”) along with due process and

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equal protection violations against San Diego Assistant District Attorney Lisa Stark.1

(FAC, ECF No. 42.) Defendant filed the pending motion for summary judgment on June

27, 2017. (Def’s Mot., ECF No. 90.) Plaintiff timely filed an opposition on September 5,

2017. (Pl’s Opp’n, ECF No. 99.) On September 7, 2017, Plaintiff untimely filed a crossmotion for summary judgment.2

(Pl’s Mot., ECF No. 101.)

II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

A. Plaintiff’s Version

On July 9, 2014, Plaintiff appeared in San Diego Superior Court regarding a parole

violation. Plaintiff was attempting to represent himself in the matter, over the objection of

Defendant. Plaintiff was in full waist and ankle restraints, with his arms crossed in front of

his body. While being escorted out of the courtroom, Defendant, for no reason, grabbed

Plaintiff’s jumpsuit and punched Plaintiff in the back. Plaintiff turned to address Defendant

when Defendant suddenly and without provocation began to choke Plaintiff. Plaintiff

collapsed to the ground and Defendant proceeded to drive his knee into Plaintiff’s head.

As a result of Defendant’s actions, Plaintiff suffered injuries.

B. Defendant’s Version

On July 9, 2014, Plaintiff appeared in San Diego Superior Court regarding a parole

violation. Plaintiff was in full waist and ankle restraints, with his arms crossed in front of

 

1 On December 1, 2016, the parties jointly moved to dismiss Stark. (See ECF No. 58.) The 

Honorable Janis L. Sammartino granted the motion and dismissed Stark without prejudice 

on December 7, 2016. (See ECF No. 59.) However, on May 30, 2017, Plaintiff moved to 

reinstate Stark as a defendant. (See ECF No. 88.) This Court has recommended Plaintiff’s 

motion to reinstate be denied. (See ECF No. 108.) As of the date of this Report and 

Recommendation, Stark remains dismissed and the allegations against her will not be 

discussed.

2 All dispositive motions were due on August 14, 2017. (See ECF No. 62 ¶ 8.) Plaintiff did 

not file his cross-motion for summary judgment until September 7, 2017, over three weeks 

late. Accordingly, the Court RECOMMENDS Plaintiff’s cross-motion be DENIED as 

untimely.

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his body. Defendant grabbed the back of Plaintiff’s jumpsuit in order to guide him out of

the courtroom. Plaintiff suddenly attempted to turn towards Defendant, thrashing his torso

in an attempt to break free from Defendant’s grasp. Defendant pinned Plaintiff against a

wall while two other deputies, deputies Townsend and Lewis, aided in attempting to control

Plaintiff. The three deputies guided Plaintiff to the ground. Once Plaintiff became calm,

the deputies escorted Plaintiff back to county jail without incident where he was examined

by medical personnel.

III. DISCUSSION

A. Evidentiary Objections

Before proceeding to the merits of the motion, the Court must first address an

evidentiary objection made by Plaintiff.

Plaintiff objects to the consideration of Defendant’s expert report. Plaintiff argues

that because the expert report is notsworn under penalty of perjury, the expert reportshould

not be considered pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure (“Rule) 56(e). (Pl’s Decl.,

ECF No. 99-1 at 15.) See, e.g., Am. Fedn. Of Musicians of the United States v. Paramount

Pictures Corp., 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 78740, at *14-15 (C.D. Cal. 2016) (sustaining

objection to expert report not submitted under penalty of perjury); Kelly v. Echols, 2008

U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79801, at *14-15 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 2, 2008) (“‘Unsworn expert reports . . .

do not qualify as affidavits or otherwise admissible evidence for [the] purpose of Rule 56,

and may be disregarded by the court when ruling on a motion for summary judgment.’”)

(quoting Provident Life & Acc. Ins. Co. v. Goel, 274 F.3d 984, 1000 (5th Cir. 2001); Fowle

v. C & C Cola, 868 F.2d 59, 67 (3d Cir. 1989) (expert’s report attached to the declaration

of plaintiff’s counsel does not comply with Rule 56(e),since “[t]he substance of th[e] report

was not sworn to by the alleged expert”).

Plaintiff’s objection is SUSTAINED. Defendant’s expert report is not signed under

penalty of perjury and the Court declines to consider the report pursuant to Rule 56(e).

B. Argument

Defendant claims he is entitled to qualified immunity, and thus summary judgment,

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because Plaintiff cannot establish that Defendant violated Plaintiff’s constitutional right

and that Plaintiff cannot show that any such right was established at the time of Defendant’s

alleged misconduct.

C. Legal Standard for Summary Judgment

Summary judgment is properly granted when “there is no genuine issue as to any

material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P.

56(a). Entry of summary judgment is appropriate “against a party who fails to make a

showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party’s case,

and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett,

477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). The moving party bears the initial burden of establishing the

absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Id. at 323. Where the moving party does not

bear the burden of proof at trial, it may show that no genuine issue of material fact exists

by demonstrating that “there is an absence of evidence to support the non-moving party’s

case.” Id. at 325.

Once the moving party satisfies the requirements of Rule 56, the “burden then shifts

to the nonmoving party to establish, beyond the pleadings, that there is a genuine issue for

trial.” Id. at 324.

“A conclusory, self-serving affidavit, lacking any detailed facts and any supporting

evidence, is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact.” F.T.C. v. Publishing

Clearing House, Inc., 104 F.3d 1168, 1171 (9th Cir. 1997). However, “the district court

may not disregard a piece of evidence at the summary judgment stage solely based on its

self-serving nature.” Nigro v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 784 F.3d 495, 497-98 (9th Cir. 2015).

D. Legal Standard for Qualified Immunity

In considering whether an officer is entitled to qualified immunity, the Court

considers “(1) whether there has been a violation of a constitutional right; and (2) whether

that right was clearly established at the time of the officer’s alleged misconduct.” S.B. v.

County of San Diego, 864 F.3d 1010, 1013 (9th Cir. 2017). When considering qualified

immunity, the Court is “limited to considering what facts the officer could have known at

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the time of the incident.” Davis v. United States, 854 F.3d 594, 598 (9th Cir. 2017). A

district court may address these questions in the order most appropriate to “the

circumstances in the particular case at hand.” Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 236, 242

(2009). Thus, if a court determines that Plaintiff’s allegations do not support a statutory or

constitutional violation, “there is no necessity for further inquiries concerning qualified

immunity.” Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 201 (2001).

E. Violation of a Constitutional Right

1. Legal Standard

“In its prohibition of ‘cruel and unusual punishments,’ the Eighth Amendment places

restraints on prison officials, who may not . . . use excessive force against prisoners.”

Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 832 (1994) (internal citation omitted). “[W]henever

prison officials stand accused of using excessive physical force in violation of the [Eighth

Amendment], the core judicial inquiry is . . . whether force was applied in a good-faith

effort to maintain or restore discipline, or maliciously and sadistically to cause harm.”

Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1, 6-7 (1992).

When determining whether the force was excessive, the court looks to the “extent of

the injury suffered by an inmate . . . the need for application of force, the relationship

between that need and the amount of force used, the threat reasonably perceived by the

responsible officials, and any efforts made to temper the severity of a forceful response.”

Hudson, 503 U.S. at 7 (internal quotation omitted). While de minimis uses of physical force

generally do not implicate the Eighth Amendment, significant injury need not be evident

in the context of an excessive force claim, because “[w]hen prison officials maliciously

and sadistically use force to cause harm, contemporary standards of decency always are

violated.” Id. at 9.

The extent of injury suffered by the plaintiff may indicate the amount of force

applied. Wilkins v. Gaddy, 559 U.S. 34, 37 (2010). However, “not every malevolent touch

by a prison guard gives rise to a federal cause of action.” Id.

/ / /

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2. Analysis

i. Injury Suffered By Plaintiff

The nature and extent of Plaintiff’s injury must be considered in determining

whether the evidence supports a reasonable inference that Defendant’s use of force was

motivated by malicious or sadistic intent. “Injury and force, however, are only imperfectly

correlated, and it is the latter that ultimately counts. An inmate who is gratuitously beaten

by guards does not lose his ability to pursue an excessive force claim merely because he

has the good fortune to escape without serious injury.” Wilkins, 559 U.S. at 38.

The medical records submitted by both parties indicate that within thirty minutes of

the use of force, Plaintiff had no difficulty breathing, no bruising, and no pain. (See Pl.’s

Opp’n. at 19; Gonzalez Decl. Ex. F.) Rather, the medical report indicated that Plaintiff only

had “mild redness” at the jaw line. Plaintiff has provided no evidence that demonstrates

any further injury. Accordingly, this factor weighs in favor of Defendant when viewing the

facts in the light most favorable to Plaintiff.

ii. Need for Application of Force

The Ninth Circuit has held that “the force that was applied must be balanced against

the need for that force: it is the need for force which is at the heart of the [excessive force

determination].” Alexander v. City and County of San Francisco, 29 F.3d 1355, 1367 (9th

Cir. 1994). Where there is no need for force, any force used is objectively unreasonable for

constitutional purposes. See P.B. v. Koch, 96 F.3d 1298, 1303-04 & n.4 (9th Cir. 1996).

Here, there was a need for force because even viewing facts and making inferences

in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the record shows that Defendant exerted force to

restrain Plaintiff, not to maliciously and sadistically inflict pain. It is undisputed that an

altercation occurred between Plaintiff and Defendant. Reports submitted by Plaintiff

consistently state that while being guided by Defendant, Plaintiff began to struggle with

Defendant. (See Pl’s Decl. at 48-52.) Moreover, Plaintiff does not dispute the following

facts, which are included in evidence he provided. Deputy Lewis stated that Plaintiff was

seen “thrashing his body around in an attempt to pull away” from Defendant’s grasp. (Id.

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at 52.) Deputy Townsend stated that while being escorted out of the courtroom, Plaintiff

“began to thrash and struggle” with Defendant, and that while “wearing restraints, he was

violently twisting his torso around.” (Id. at 53.) Thus, the evidence submitted by Plaintiff

shows that Defendant exerted force in order to restrain Plaintiff.

Plaintiff claims that he did not resist, was “not noncompliant,” and never “put any

person in any risk.” (Pl’s Opp’n at 15:20-23.) However, this self-serving declaration is

conclusory in nature, is not supported by any evidence, and even contradicts statements

later made by Plaintiff. In his Declaration, Plaintiff admits that while Defendant was

directing Plaintiff out of the courtroom, Plaintiff attempted to turn toward Defendant to

“cuss him out[.]” (Pl’s Decl. at 9:6-9.) This admission is consistent with the other evidence

provided by both Plaintiff and Defendant. The Court declines to find that Plaintiff’s selfserving declaration creates a genuine issue of material fact.

The Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of Defendant.

iii. Relationship Between Need For Force And Amount Of Force

Used

“Whether the disturbance is a riot or a lesser disruption, correction officers must 

balance the need to ‘maintain or restore discipline’ through force against the risk of injury 

to inmates.” Hudson, 503 U.S. at 6. In analyzing the relationship between the need for force 

and the force used, the Whitley Court has emphasized that simple overreaction by an officer 

is not enough to establish an Eighth Amendment violation. Wilkins v. Ramirez, 455 F.

Supp. 2d 1080, 1092-93 (S.D. Cal. 2006) (finding no evidence to demonstrate an issue of 

material fact as to the need for force where the only evidence provided by the plaintiff was 

a self-serving declaration, but the defendants submitted incident reports that all consistently 

stated that the plaintiff was resisting). “When prison officials maliciously and sadistically 

use force to cause harm, contemporary standards of decency always are violated.” Whitley 

v. Albers, 475 U.S. 312, 327 (1986).

Plaintiff asserts there is a triable issue of material fact because he was strangled by 

Defendant without provocation. However, Plaintiff has provided no evidence, outside of 

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his declaration, that demonstrates that such an incident occurred. Rather, the evidence 

provided by both parties consistently indicates force was used against Plaintiff due to his 

disruptive behavior. Moreover, the medical reports provided by both parties do not support 

a finding that Plaintiff was strangled.

“The allegation of excessive force by a staff member, without more, does not create 

a genuine issue of material fact for trial because objectively unreasonable force is not 

enough to establish an Eighth Amendment violation; rather, the force applied must have 

been malicious and sadistic.” Wilkins, 455 F. Supp. 2d at 1095. Plaintiff has provided no 

evidence, outside of his declaration, that Defendant applied force maliciously or 

sadistically.

Viewing the evidence and making all inferences in favor of Plaintiff, no rational trier 

of fact could find for Plaintiff based on a conclusory statement in the face of multiple, 

consistent reports that Defendant used force to stop Plaintiff from resisting. Accordingly,

this factor weighs in favor of Defendant.

iv. Threat Perceived

The need for force must also be determined by the “the extent of the threat to the 

safety of staff and inmates, as reasonably perceived by the responsible officers on the basis 

of the facts known to them.” Whitley, 475 U.S. at 321. The Whitley Court noted that Courts 

should remain mindful that “in making and carrying out decisions involving the use of 

force to restore order in the face of a prison disturbance, prison officials undoubtedly must 

take into account the very real threats the unrest presents to inmates and prison officials 

alike, in addition to the possible harms to inmates against whom force might be used.”

Whitley, 475 U.S. at 320.

Defendant claims that Plaintiff was a high risk inmate based on Plaintiff’s history of

aggression against officers. (Def’s Mot. at 2:13-14.) Plaintiff was dressed in a green

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jumpsuit during his court appearance, indicating his status as a high risk inmate.

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(Id.; see

also Pl’s Opp’n at 5:13-14.) Plaintiff admits he attempted to turn and curse at Defendant

when being escorted from the courtroom. (Pl’s Decl. at 9:6-9.) Plaintiff’s own undisputed

evidence shows he was then “thrashing” while continuing to yell at Deputy Gonzalez and

curse at him. (Pl’s Decl. at 53.) Thus, even when viewing the facts and making all

inferences in Plaintiff’s favor, the information available to the officers at the time of the

incident was sufficient to cause Defendant to believe that Plaintiff’s behavior constituted a

threat to the officers and other inmates, requiring him to use force to control Plaintiff.

Accordingly, this factor weighs in favor of Defendant.

v. Efforts to Temper Force

The deputies increased the amount of force they used in response to Plaintiff’s

movements during the course of the incident and ceased using force when Plaintiff calmed.

Defendant grabbed Plaintiff’s shirt “to help guide him safely around a door that was

directly in front of him” because Plaintiff was cross-chained in restraints. (Pl’s Decl. at 49.)

Plaintiff then “appeared bothered” that Defendant was holding his shirt “and pulled his

right shoulder hard, attempting to break away from [Defendant’s] grasp.” (Id.) The

evidence provided indicates that Plaintiff was moved to the ground after continuing to

attempt to break free. (Id.) The deputies applied body weight to Plaintiff’s torso and held

his legs and feet down. (Id.) The undisputed evidence shows that as soon as Plaintiff

calmed, he was raised to his feet and removed from the courtroom. (Id.) Under these

circumstances, and making all inferences in Plaintiff’s favor, Defendant made an effort to

temper the amount of force they used in response to Plaintiff’s resistance and stopped

 

3 Plaintiff argues that his risk level and the fact that he was wearing a green jumpsuit is 

immaterial. (Pl. Opp’n at 5:14-18.) The Court disagrees with both assertions. The threat 

level of an inmate, especially one with a history of assaults on an officer, is especially 

material when reviewing the threat perceived by an officer. Moreover, where the threat 

level of an inmate is indicated by the jumpsuit color, an officer may use this information 

when determining the threat perceived, making the color of the jumpsuit worn by Plaintiff 

material.

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exerting force when Plaintiff stopped struggling. Thus, this factor weighs in Defendant’s

favor.

3. Conclusion

In conclusion, all five of the Hudson factors weigh in Defendant’sfavor. Thus, based

on the evidence submitted and all inferences made in the light most favorable to Plaintiff,

the Court finds that Defendant did not act maliciously and sadistically. Plaintiff has failed

to show any genuine issue of material fact which would allow a trier of fact to conclude

that Defendant used excessive force in violation of his rights under the Eighth Amendment.

Accordingly, the Court findsthat Plaintiff hasfailed to demonstrate that Defendant violated

a specific constitutional right.

F. Clearly Established Right

Because the Court has determined that Plaintiff’s allegations do not support a

statutory or constitutional violation, “there is no necessity for further inquiries concerning

qualified immunity.” Saucier, 533 U.S. at 201.

G. Conclusion

The Court finds the facts alleged do not show Defendant violated a constitutional

right. Given this, Defendant is shielded by qualified immunity. Thus, the Court

RECOMMENDS Defendant’s motion be GRANTED.

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IV. CONCLUSION

For the reasons set forth above, the Court RECOMMENDS Defendant’s motion be

GRANTED. The Court further RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff’s cross-motion be

DENIED as untimely. This Report and Recommendation will be submitted to the United

States District Judge assigned to this case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. §

636(b)(1) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(b).

IT IS ORDERED that no later than February 28, 2018, any party to this action

may file written objections with the Court and serve a copy on all parties. The document

shall be captioned “Objections to Report and Recommendation.” No replies will be

accepted.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 14, 2018

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