Hamilton v. Duffel

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS NORTHERN DIVISION HOUSTON L. HAMILTON #37847 PLAINTIFF V. NO. 3:21-cv-00184-BRW-ERE SUSAN COX, et al. DEFENDANTS ORDER Plaintiff Houston L. Hamilton, who is being held at the Poinsett County Detention Center (Detention Center), filed this lawsuit without the help of a lawyer under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Doc. 2. In his complaint, Mr. Hamilton alleges that the nurse at the Detention Center, Defendant Susan Cox,1 failed to ensure Mr. Hamilton received his medications from November 22, 2020, until he filed this lawsuit on August 31, 2021. Doc. 2.

For screening purposes, Mr. Hamilton has stated a deliberate-indifference claim against Defendant Cox.2 Accordingly, service of that claim is now proper.

1 Mr. Hamilton refers to Defendant Susan Cox in the body of his complaint as Susan Duffel.

Doc. 2.

2 The Prison Litigation Reform Act requires federal courts to screen prisoner complaints seeking relief against a governmental entity, officer, or employee. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a). The Court must dismiss a complaint or a portion thereof if the prisoner has raised claims that: (a) are legally frivolous or malicious; (b) fail to state a claim upon which relief may be granted; or (c) seek monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b).

When making this determination, the Court must accept the truth of the factual allegations contained in the complaint, and it may consider the documents attached to the complaint. Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009); Reynolds v. Dormire, 636 F.3d 976, 979 (8th Cir. 2011).

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT: l. The Clerk of Court is directed to prepare a summons for Defendant Susan Cox.

2. The United States Marshal is directed to serve Defendant Cox with a summons and a copy of the complaint (Doc.2), without requiring prepayment of fees and costs or security. Service for Defendant Cox should be attempted through the Poinsett County Detention Center, 1500 Justice Drive, Harrisburg, Arkansas 72432.

DATED this 7th day of September, 2021.

_ Nea UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE