Opinion ID: 521046
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: John Watkins

Text: 55 Another unresolved material fact concerns the status of John Watkins. The exact nature of Watkins' official capacity must be resolved to determine whether he was acting under color of state law. The need for a resolution of this issue is paramount since state action is a requisite for an individual to be liable in a Sec. 1983 claim. It is not as simple as whether or not Watkins was indeed the sheriff or even the acting sheriff at the time of the incident. A private party jointly engaged with a state official in a challenged action can be considered as acting under color of state law for Sec. 1983 purposes. Darr v. Wolfe, 767 F.2d 79 (3d Cir.1985). Accordingly, the facts concerning Watkins' status at the jail during March 12 through March 15 must be further explored to determine if he was properly named as a defendant. 56 It is undisputed that at the time of the alleged incident Watkins had not yet been sworn in as Sheriff of Somerset County. This event occurred on March 27, 1986. However, it is likewise unrebutted that Watkins was at the jail during the relevant time period, spoke to Todaro and allegedly informed him of the reasons why he was in the holding cell. 57 Before this matter is ripe for summary judgment, this material fact must be uncontested. If not, then it is a question to be resolved by the factfinder.