Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ared-3_18-cv-00238/USCOURTS-ared-3_18-cv-00238-0/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Greene County Jail
Defendant
Benjamin John Rodden
Plaintiff

Document Text:

1 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

 EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS 

 JONESBORO DIVISION 

BENJAMIN JOHN RODDEN PLAINTIFF 

v. 3:18CV00238-KGB-JTK 

GREENE COUNTY JAIL DEFENDANT 

ORDER 

Plaintiff Benjamin Rodden is an inmate who filed a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis 

in order to commence a pro se federal civil rights action without prepayment of the $400.00 filing 

fees and costs (Doc. No. 1).1 However, his Motion will be denied because he has not included 

the necessary financial information in support. 

According to the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), a prisoner who is allowed to file 

a civil action in forma pauperis still must pay the full amount of the $350 filing fee. See 28 

U.S.C. § 1915(b)(1). Furthermore, before docketing the complaint or, as soon thereafter as 

practicable, the Court must review the complaint to identify cognizable claims or dismiss the 

complaint if it: (1) is frivolous or malicious; (2) fails to state a claim upon which relief may be 

granted; or (3) seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief. See 

28 U.S.C. § 1915A. If the case is dismissed for any of these reasons, there is no provision in 

the Act for a refund of any portion of the filing fee to the prisoner. 

Under the Act, in order for the Court to determine how the $350 filing fee will be paid, 

the prisoner is required to submit a calculation sheet prepared and signed by an authorized 

 1

Effective May 1, 2013, the civil filing fee increased to $400, due to the implementation of a $50 

administrative fee. This $50 fee does not, however, apply to plaintiffs who are granted in forma pauperis 

status. 

Case 3:18-cv-00238-KGB Document 3 Filed 12/11/18 Page 1 of 3
2 

official of the incarcerating facility. This calculation sheet reflects the deposits and monthly 

balances in the inmate=s trust account at the facility during the six-month period immediately 

preceding the filing of the complaint. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(2). However, the Act also 

provides that in no event shall a prisoner be prohibited from bringing a civil action because he Ahas 

no assets and no means by which to pay the initial partial filing fee.@ 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(4). 

Plaintiff indicates in his Motion that officials at the Jail will not assist him in completing 

the calculation sheet as required by statute. The Court reminds the Jail officials that the 

PLRA requires their compliance by completing and signing the appropriate financial forms 

submitted by inmates who file § 1983 lawsuits. 

IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED that: 

1. Plaintiff’s Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Doc. No. 1) is DENIED without 

prejudice. 

2. Plaintiff shall submit either the $400 statutory filing fee or a completed in forma 

pauperis application, with the required calculation sheet signed by an authorized official of the 

prison, within thirty (30) days of the entry date of this Order.2

3. The Clerk shall send to Plaintiff an in forma pauperis application and calculation 

sheet. 

4. The Clerk also shall forward a copy of this Order to the Administrator of the Greene 

County Detention Facility, 1809 North Rocking Chair Road, Paragould, Arkansas 72450. 

 2

 Plaintiff is hereby notified of his responsibility to comply with the Local Rules of the Court, 

including Rule 5.5(c)(2), which states: “. . . If any communication from the Court to a pro se plaintiff is 

not responded to within thirty (30) days, the case may be dismissed without prejudice. Any party 

proceeding pro se shall be expected to be familiar with and follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.” 

Case 3:18-cv-00238-KGB Document 3 Filed 12/11/18 Page 2 of 3
3 

5. Service is not appropriate at this time. 

IT IS SO ORDERED this 11th day of December, 2018. 

____________________________________ 

JEROME T. KEARNEY 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 

 

Case 3:18-cv-00238-KGB Document 3 Filed 12/11/18 Page 3 of 3