Opinion ID: 480237
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Denial of the 60(b) Motion

Text: 5 The district court properly dismissed Young's 60(b) motion. Rule 60(b) is not available as a substitute for appeal. Hoffman v. Celebrezze, 405 F.2d 833, 836 (8th Cir.1969). It provides for extraordinary relief which may be granted only upon an adequate showing of exceptional circumstances. Farmers Co-Operative Elevator Association Non-Stock of Big Springs v. Strand, 382 F.2d 224, 232 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 389 U.S. 1014, 88 S.Ct. 589, 19 L.Ed.2d 659 (1967). The decision to grant this relief lies with the district court and may be reviewed only for abuse of discretion. Design Classics v. Westphal, 788 F.2d 1384, 1386 (8th Cir.1986). Under the facts of this case, the district court did not abuse its discretion. 6 In his motion, Young argued that (1) the actions of the FmHA amounted to fraud; (2) Young did not discover this sham until several months after trial (3) the district court lacked jurisdiction over the eviction proceedings; and (4) the United States Treasury advanced money in Young's name to the FmHA, which then used those funds to obtain title to the foreclosed property. Claims one through three lack merit. They are conclusory and were expressly rejected by the district court in the earlier eviction proceeding. 7 Young's claim that the FmHA used funds issued in his name to purchase the property after foreclosure is the only allegation that is factually specific. In his affidavit, Young stated that he received a copy of a U.S. Treasury check issued in his name in the amount of $112,900. Shortly thereafter, Young claimed he discovered the FmHA purchased the foreclosed property for the exact amount of the check issued to him. Young never negotiated the check, and the district court made no finding as to the ultimate disposition of it. 8 The district court properly denied Young's motion. The United States, in response to a request by this Court for further information concerning the disputed check, claims that, in fact, no treasury check was ever issued in that amount to Mr. Young. The government contends that Young forged the check attached to his pleadings. 3 Even if Young did not forge the check, he did not have any entitlement to it because his property had been foreclosed and sold at a proper sheriff's sale.