Robison v. Salsmen ( 2020 )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI EASTERN DIVISION DWAYNE ROBISON, ) Plaintiff, V. No. 4:19-cv-02665-SNLJ KAREN SALSMEN, Defendant. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER This matter comes before the Court on the motion of plaintiff Dwayne Robison for leave to commence this civil action without prepayment of the required filing fee. (Docket No. 2). Having reviewed the motion and the financial information submitted in support, the Court has determined that plaintiff lacks sufficient funds to pay the entire filing fee, and will assess an initial partial filing fee of $3.07. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(1). Additionally, for the reasons discussed below, the Court will dismiss this action without prejudice for failure to state a claim. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(1) Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(1), a prisoner bringing a civil action in forma pauperis is required to pay the full amount of the filing fee. If the prisoner has insufficient funds in his or her prison account to pay the entire fee, the Court must assess and, when funds exist, collect an initial partial filing fee of 20 percent of the greater of (1) the average monthly deposits in the prisoner’s account, or (2) the average monthly balance in the prisoner’s account for the prior six-month period. After payment of the initial partial filing fee, the prisoner is required to make monthly payments of 20 percent of the preceding month’s income credited to the prisoner’s account. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b)(2). The agency having custody of the prisoner will forward these monthly payments to the Clerk of Court each time the amount in the prisoner’s account exceeds $10.00, until the filing fee is fully paid. Jd. In support of his motion to proceed in forma pauperis, plaintiff has submitted a certified inmate account statement. (Docket No. 3). The account statement shows an average monthly deposit of $15.36. The Court will therefore assess an initial partial filing fee of $3.07, which is 20 percent of plaintiff's average monthly deposit. Legal Standard on Initial Review Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2), the Court is required to dismiss a complaint filed in forma pauperis if it is frivolous, malicious, or fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. To state a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a plaintiff must demonstrate a plausible claim for relief, which is more than a “mere possibility of misconduct.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 679 (2009). “A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.” Jd. at 678. Determining whether a complaint states a plausible claim for relief is a context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw upon judicial experience and common sense. /d. at 679. The court must “accept as true the facts alleged, but not legal conclusions or threadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements.” Barton v. Taber, 820 F.3d 958, 964 (8" Cir. 2016). See also Brown v. Green Tree Servicing LLC, 820 F.3d 371, 372-73 (8" Cir. 2016) (stating that court must accept factual allegations in complaint as true, but is not required to “accept as true any legal conclusion couched as a factual allegation”). When reviewing a pro se complaint under § 1915(e)(2), the Court must give it the benefit of a liberal construction. Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). A “liberal construction” means that if the essence of an allegation is discernible, the district court should construe the plaintiffs complaint in a way that permits his or her claim to be considered within the proper legal framework. Solomon v. Petray, 795 F.3d 777, 787 (8" Cir. 2015). However, even pro se complaints are required to allege facts which, if true, state a claim for relief as a matter of law. Martin v. Aubuchon, 623 F.2d 1282, 1286 (8" Cir. 1980). See also Stone v. Harry, 364 F.3d 912, 914-15 (gh Cir. 2004) (stating that federal courts are not required to “assume facts that are not alleged, just because an additional factual allegation would have formed a stronger complaint”). In addition, affording a pro se complaint the benefit of a liberal construction does not mean that procedural rules in ordinary civil litigation must be interpreted so as to excuse mistakes by those who proceed without counsel. See McNeil v. United States, 508 U.S. 106, 113 (1993). The Complaint Plaintiff is a pro se litigant who is currently incarcerated at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri. He brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He names Karen Salsmen as the sole defendant. (Docket No. 1 at 2). Salsmen is sued in her official capacity only. In his complaint, plaintiff alleges that his constitutional rights were violated because defendant Salsmen would not take him off single-man cell status and place him in a two-man cell. Plaintiff states that defendant Salsmen is a qualified mental health practitioner at Farmington Correctional Center. He alleges that he has asked Salsmen “numerous times to be taken off single man” cell status because he has never “had any problems with any offenders in Administrative Segregation.” (Docket No. 1 at 3). According to plaintiff, Salsmen told him that she would talk to staff, but there has been no result. Plaintiff states that he has done everything that staff has asked of him, yet Salsmen advised him that the decision to keep him in a single-man cell came “from the boss at Jefferson City.” (Docket No. 1 at 4). At a different point in the complaint, plaintiff claims that Salsmen told him she cannot put him in a two-man cell “due to [him] being a transgender.” Plaintiff states that Salsmen kept him in a single-man cell for seven-and-a-half months. (Docket No. | at 3-4). He further claims that he was kept on single-man cell status because he is transgendered. However, he elsewhere admits that he was placed in a single-man cell due to his past behavior at other institutions. (Docket No. 1 at 3). Plaintiff also notes that he is allowed to “go to the yard” even though he is supposed “to be on a single hold.” (Docket No. 1 at 4). According to plaintiff, this shows that he is not actually a “safety and security” risk.” Plaintiff asserts that Salsmen has personally failed to follow Department of Corrections rules and policies. He does not explain this assertion, except to state that Salsmen is using his “past” to break the rules. Plaintiff also concludes that Salsmen has violated the Eighth Amendment by placing him in “isolated confinement.” (Docket No. 1 at 3). In particular, he states that Salsmen has denied him “the right to be around [his] fellow transgenders and other peer[s].” (Docket No. 1 at 4). He further states that he is being kept in confinement even though he has done nothing to merit punishment. Finally, plaintiff alleges that Salsmen has caused his mental instability, depression, and numerous suicide attempts, because he thinks that “everyone” is out to get him because he is “transgender.” (Docket No. | at 3). Attached to plaintiff’s complaint is an informal resolution request (IRR), an IRR response, a grievance response, an offender grievance appeal, and an offender grievance appeal response.! In his IRR and offender grievance appeal, plaintiff complains about being “isolated” and “segregated” in a single-man cell. (Docket No. 1-3 at 4-5). According to the grievance response, plaintiff has been placed on single-man cell status because of his “history of mental health issues, | The Court will treat these attachments as part of the pleadings. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 10(c) (“A copy of a written instrument that is an exhibit to a pleading is part of the pleading for all purposes”). suicide attempts, [and] self reported sexual activities.” (Docket No. 1-3 at 3). The grievance response also notes that plaintiff has self-reported feeling “vulnerable and weak” and having difficulties with cellmates once plaintiff reveals his sexual orientation and that he is transgender. As a result of being confined in a single-man cell, plaintiff states that he has suffered emotional distress and chest pain. (Docket No. 1 at 4). Plaintiff is seeking $498 in damages. (Docket No. 1 at 5). However, he notes that he is willing to settle for $130. Discussion Plaintiff brings this pro se civil action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that defendant Salsmen violated his constitutional rights by keeping him in a single-man cell. For the reasons discussed below, this action must be dismissed for failure to state a claim. A. Official Capacity Claim Against Defendant Salsmen Plaintiff has sued defendant Salsmen in her official capacity only. In an official capacity claim against an individual, the claim is actually “against the governmental entity itself.” See White v. Jackson, 865 F.3d 1064, 1075 (8" Cir. 2017). Thus, a “suit against a public employee in his or her official capacity is merely a suit against the public employer.” Johnson v. Outboard Marine Corp., 172 F.3d 531, 535 (8 Cir. 1999). See also Brewington v. Keener, 902 F.3d 796, 800 □□□ Cir. 2018) (explaining that official capacity suit against sheriff and his deputy “must be treated as a suit against the County”); Kelly v. City of Omaha, Neb., 813 F.3d 1070, 1075 (8" Cir. 2016) (stating that a “plaintiff who sues public employees in their official, rather than individual, capacities sues only the public employer”); and Elder-Keep v. Aksamit, 460 F.3d 979, 986 (8" Cir. 2006) (stating that a “suit against a public official in his official capacity is actually a suit against the entity for which the official is an agent”). As such, in order to prevail on this claim, plaintiff must establish the governmental entity’s liability for the alleged conduct. See Kelly, 813 F.3d at 1075. Plaintiff has not specifically identified the employer of defendant Salsmen. In the space provided to name Salsmen’s employer, plaintiff has written “Mental Health Counselor.” (Docket No. 1 at 2). The address he provides is for the Farmington Correctional Center. Based on this information, it is unclear whether Salsmen is employed by the Missouri Department of Corrections or by a private entity, such as Corizon, that is contracted to provide health services to the prison. In either event, plaintiff has failed to state a claim. If Salsmen is an employee of the Missouri Department of Corrections, plaintiff's claim fails because the State of Missouri is not a “person” for purposes of 42 U.S.C. § 1983. “Section 1983 provides for an action against a ‘person’ for a violation, under color of law, of another’s civil rights.” McLean v. Gordon, 548 F.3d 613, 618 (8" Cir. 2008). See also Deretich v. Office of Admin. Hearings, 798 F.2d 1147, 1154 (8" Cir. 1986) (stating that “[§] 1983 provides a cause of action against persons only”). However, “neither a State nor its officials acting in their official capacity are ‘persons’ under § 1983.” Will v. Michigan Dep’t of State Police, 491 U.S. 58, 71 (1989). See also Calzone v. Hawley, 866 F.3d 866, 872 (8" Cir. 2017) (stating that a “State is not a person under § 1983”); and Kruger v. Nebraska, 820 F.3d 295, 301 (8" Cir. 2016) (stating that “‘a state is not a person for purposes of a claim for money damages under § 1983”). If Salsmen is an employee of a private entity, plaintiff's claim fails because he asserts no allegations against that entity. “A corporation acting under color of state law cannot be liable on a respondeat superior theory.” Smith v. Insley’s Inc., 499 F.3d 875, 880 (8" Cir. 2007). Rather, to support a claim against such a corporation, the plaintiff “must show that there was a policy, custom, or official action that inflicted an actionable injury.” Johnson v. Hamilton, 452 F.3d 967, 973 (8" Cir. 2006). See also Sanders v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 984 F.2d 972, 975 (8" Cir. 1993) (stating that a corporation acting under color of state law will only be held liable where “there is a policy, custom or action by those who represent official policy that inflicts injury actionable under § 1983”). Here, there is no indication that Salsmen’s employer inflicted an actionable injury, whether by policy, custom, or official action. Whether Salsmen is an employee of the Missouri Department of Corrections, or a private healthcare provider contracted by the Missouri Department of Corrections, plaintiff has failed to state an official capacity claim. Therefore, such claim must be dismissed. B. Individual Capacity Claim Against Defendant Salsmen Plaintiff has clearly signaled his intention to sue defendant Salsmen in her official capacity only. As discussed above, his official capacity claim is insufficient to state a claim. However, even if the Court were to treat plaintiff's complaint as asserting an individual capacity claim, this action would still be subject to dismissal. Plaintiff alleges that Salsmen has violated the Eighth Amendment and subjected him to cruel and unusual punishment by keeping him in “isolated confinement.” Confinement in an isolation cell is a form of punishment subject to scrutiny under the Eighth Amendment. Hutto v. Finney, 437 U.S. 678, 685 (1978). To establish a conditions of confinement claim under the Eighth Amendment, a prisoner must demonstrate (1) that the alleged deprivation was “objectively, sufficiently serious” to result in the “denial of the minimal civilized measure of life’s necessities,” and (2) that the defendant whose act or omission caused the alleged constitutional deprivation behaved with “deliberate indifference to inmate health or safety.” Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994). With respect to the “civilized measure of life’s necessities,” prison officials are required to ensure that inmates receive adequate clothing, food, shelter, and medical care. Simmons v. Cook, 154 F.3d 805, 807 (8" Cir. 1998). Plaintiff's claim that he was kept in a single man cell for seven-and-a-half months does not, without more, amount to a violation of the Eighth Amendment, because there are no allegations that placement on single-man cell status stripped him of the “civilized measure of life’s necessities.” That is, there are no allegations that plaintiff's single-man cell status resulted in inadequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. There is also no indication that plaintiff lost any privileges, such as exercise time or visitation, or that his access to mail or phone calls was restricted. Furthermore, plaintiff has not shown that the time period spent in a single-man cell was excessive. See Orr v. Larkins, 610 F.3d 1032, 1033-34 (8 Cir. 2010) (stating that nine months in administrative segregation did not constitute an atypical and significant hardship). Plaintiff does allege having mental health issues, and placement of a mentally ill inmate into prolonged administrative segregation may have Eighth Amendment implications. See Hamner v. Burls, 937 F.3d 1171, 1178-79 (8" Cir. 2019). However, the Court notes that plaintiff has not presented any facts demonstrating that his mental health needs were not being met, or that his condition worsened solely because he was in a single-man cell. Indeed, plaintiff’s own allegations, as well as the grievance appeal response he has attached to the complaint, show that he was placed in a single-man cell due to his past behavior and to keep him safe from other inmates. The Court also notes that plaintiff does not allege that his “isolated confinement” has kept him from all contact with other inmates. To the contrary, plaintiff states that even though he is on a “single hold,” he is allowed to go to the yard. For these reasons, plaintiff has not stated a claim of cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Likewise, plaintiff has not stated a claim under the Fourteenth Amendment. The determination of whether prison officials denied an inmate due process involves a two-step inquiry. Williams v. Hobbs, 662 F.3d 994, 1000 (8" Cir. 2011). First, a plaintiff must demonstrate that he or she was deprived of life, liberty, or property by government action. Phillips v. Norris, 320 F.3d 844, 846 (8" Cir. 2003). See also Beaulieu v. Ludeman, 690 F.3d 1017, 1047 (8" Cir. 2012) (stating that a court “need reach the question of what process is due only if the inmates establish a constitutionally protected liberty interest”); and Singleton v. Cecil, 155 F.3d 983, 987 Cir. 1998) (explaining that to claim a due process violation, plaintiff has to be deprived of either life, liberty, or property, otherwise “it does not matter whether one has received due process or not”). Once it has been established that a liberty interest exists, the process necessary to protect that interest must be determined. Williams, 662 F.3d at 1000. Because life or property is not at issue in this case, plaintiff must identify a liberty interest to sustain a due process claim. See Phillips, 320 F.3d at 847. To that end, the United States Supreme Court has determined that prisoners have a protected liberty interest in avoiding conditions of confinement that impose an “atypical and significant hardship on the inmate in relation to the ordinary incidents of prison life.” Sandin v. Conner, 515 U.S. 472, 484 (1995). Plaintiff has not demonstrated that his placement into a single-man cell is an “atypical and significant hardship.” As explained above, there are no allegations that plaintiff's confinement in a single-man cell had any ramifications for him beyond not having a cellmate. There are no allegations that his single-man cell status led to him receiving inadequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. There are also no allegations that he lost any privileges or good time credit due to his status. Plaintiff also does not allege that his placement in a single-man cell amounted to solitary confinement. That is, he acknowledges being allowed to go to the yard, and does not assert that he is prohibited from interacting with other inmates. Since plaintiff has not demonstrated that being in a single-man cell is an atypical and significant hardship relative to ordinary prison life, he has not stated a claim under the Fourteenth Amendment. To the extent that plaintiff has raised a claim of deliberate indifference to his mental health needs, that claim would also be subject to dismissal. Under the Eighth Amendment, the government has an obligation to provide medical care to those whom it is punishing by incarceration. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 103 (1976). This principle extends to an inmate’s mental health needs. Smith v. Jenkins, 919 F.2d 90, 92-93 (8" Cir. 1990). To demonstrate constitutionally inadequate medical care, the inmate must show that a prison official’s conduct amounted to deliberate indifference. Dulany v. Carnahan, 132 F.3d 1234, 1237-38 (8" Cir. 1997). In order to establish deliberate indifference, a plaintiff must prove that he suffered from an objectively serious medical need, and that prison officials actually knew of and disregarded that need. Roberts v. Kopel, 917 F.3d 1039, 1042 (8" Cir. 2019). See also Hamner, 937 F.3d at 1177. “A serious medical need is one that has been diagnosed by a physician as requiring treatment, or one that is so obvious that even a layperson would easily recognize the necessity for a doctor’s attention.” Coleman v. Rahija, 114 F.3d 778, 784 (8" Cir. 1997). Deliberate indifference can include the intentional denial or delay of access to medical care, or the intentional interference with treatment or prescribed medication. Vaughn v. Lacey, 49 F.3d 1344, 1346 (8" Cir. 1995). To prevail under this standard, an inmate must demonstrate that a prison health care provider’s actions were “so inappropriate as to evidence intentional maltreatment or a refusal to provide essential care.” Jackson v. Buckman, 756 F.3d 1060, 1066 (8 Cir. 2014). As such, “deliberate indifference requires a highly culpable state of mind approaching actual intent.” Ku/kay 10 v. Roy, 847 F.3d 637, 643 (8 Cir. 2017). Thus, a showing of deliberate indifference requires more than a mere disagreement with treatment decisions and is greater than gross negligence. Gibson v. Weber, 433 F.3d 642, 646 (8" Cir. 2006). In his complaint, plaintiff vaguely contends that Salsmen caused him mental instability and depression, apparently in reference to her decision not to remove him from single-man cell status. This is not sufficient to state a claim of deliberate indifference against defendant Salsmen. Nothing in the complaint indicates that Salsmen knew of and disregarded a serious mental health need, or that she delayed or denied care, or that she interfered with plaintiff's treatment or medication. Rather, plaintiff argues that Salsmen is liable for keeping him in a single-man cell. There are no facts, however, to support the proposition that any decision by Salsmen to keep plaintiff in a single- man cell was an action “so inappropriate as to evidence intentional maltreatment or a refusal to provide essential care.” To the contrary, plaintiff's own exhibits demonstrate that plaintiff was placed in a single-man cell because of his mental health circumstances, in order to keep him safe. Therefore, plaintiff has failed to state a claim of deliberate indifference to his mental health needs. C. Order of Dismissal Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B), the Court is required to dismiss a case filed in forma pauperis if the Court determines that the complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The Court has reviewed plaintiff's case pursuant to § 1915. As explained above, plaintiff has brought only an official capacity claim against defendant Salsmen. An official capacity claim against an individual is actually a claim against that individual’s employer. However, plaintiff has not asserted any allegations against either of Salsmen’s potential employers. Furthermore, even if the Court treats plaintiff's complaint as suing Salsmen in her individual capacity, plaintiff has 11 failed to allege facts showing that Salsmen violated either his Eighth or Fourteenth Amendment rights. Therefore, this action must be dismissed. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that plaintiffs motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis (Docket No. 2) is GRANTED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that plaintiff must pay an initial partial filing fee of $3.07 within twenty-one days of the date of this order. Plaintiff is instructed to make his remittance payable to “Clerk, United States District Court,” and to include upon it: (1) his name; (2) his prison registration number; (3) the case number; and (4) the statement that the remittance is for an original proceeding. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this action is DISMISSED without prejudice for failure to state a claim. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). A separate order of dismissal will be entered herewith. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that an appeal from this dismissal would not be taken in good faith. Dated this 98* day of Januari _ 2020. ke 4, x bell J. . STEPHEN N. LIMBAUGH, JR. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE 12