Leslie Vanaman v. Christopher Marlow
Leslie Vanaman v. Christopher Marlow
Opinion
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FILED FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT JUL 14 2022 MOLLY C. DWYER, CLERK U.S. COURT OF APPEALS LESLIE GREY VANAMAN, No. 21-15645
Plaintiff-Appellant, D.C. No. 4:16-cv-00781-JCH
v. MEMORANDUM* CHRISTOPHER MARLOW, Special Investigative Services Lieutenant at USP Tucson; R. L. RHODES, Warden; THERESA TALPELCIDO, Compound Attorney at USP Tucson; MITCHELL, Unknown; legal assistant to Ms. Talpelcido at USP Tucson; HAYDEN, Unknown; Dr. Hayden, SOMP Psychologist at USP Tucson; SILVA, Unknown; Lieutenant who directs officers at USP Tucson; LAWSON, Unknown; Lieutenant who directs officers at USP Tucson; VELASQUEZ, Unknown; Unit Officer at USP Tucson; FLORES, Unknown; F-Unit Counselor at USP Tucson; SAYERS, Unknown; SIA (Special Investigative agent) in his official and individual capacity at USP Tucson; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS; UNKNOWN PARTIES, Unknown BOP Staff, in their official capacities at USP
* This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3. Tucson,
Defendants-Appellees.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Arizona John Charles Hinderaker, District Judge, Presiding
Submitted July 13, 2022 **
Before: WALLACE, FERNANDEZ, and SILVERMAN, Circuit Judges
Leslie Vanaman, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Tucson, appeals
from the district court’s order granting summary judgment in favor of the
defendants in his action arising out of the prison’s seizure of a packet of materials
containing a previously seized magazine and other pictures determined to be risk-
relevant to Vanaman in light of his conviction and contraband that could be traded,
shared with, or sold to other offenders. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291
2012), and affirm.
Vanaman’s facial challenges to Complex Supplement TCX 5324.10B are
moot because the policy is no longer in effect. See Doe No. 1 v. Reed, 697 F.3d
** The panel unanimously concludes this case is suitable for decision without oral argument. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2). 2 1235, 1238 (9th Cir. 2012) (a case becomes moot when “no effective relief remains
available”).
Summary judgment was proper for the defendants on the remaining claims
because the defendants made an individualized assessment that the seized materials
were risk-relevant to Vanaman’s conviction and could hinder his rehabilitation. In
addition, those materials could be traded or sold, interfering with the rehabilitation
of other inmates and causing security risks. See Thornburgh v. Abbott, 490 U.S. 401, 413 (1989) (holding that seizure of incoming publications is valid under the
First Amendment if the seizure is “reasonably related to legitimate penological
interests”); Pell v. Procunier, 417 U.S. 817, 823 (1974) (explaining that legitimate
penological interests include rehabilitation and internal security); Rhodes v.
Robinson, 408 F.3d 559, 567-68 (9th Cir. 2005) (requiring that a plaintiff claiming
First Amendment retaliation establish that “the action did not reasonably advance a
legitimate correctional goal”); Webber v. Crabtree, 158 F.3d 460, 461 (9th Cir.
1998) (setting forth the equal protection standard).
Vanaman has not established that he was prejudiced by the denial of his
request for additional discovery. Laub v. U.S. Dep’t of Interior, 342 F.3d 1080, 1093 (9th Cir. 2003) (requiring that the party make “the clearest showing” that
3 “there is a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different had
discovery been allowed”).
Finally, the district court did not abuse its discretion by denying Vanaman’s
request for a permanent injunction allowing him access to the seized materials.
Edmo v. Corizon, Inc., 935 F.3d 757, 784 n.13 (9th Cir. 2019) (holding that a party
must succeed on the merits of his claims to obtain a permanent injunction).
Appellant’s motion to supplement (Dkt. Entry No. 12) is DENIED.
Appellant’s “Judicial Notice and Motion to Amend Opening Brief” (Dkt. Entry
No. 25) is GRANTED. The Clerk shall strike the amended opening brief (Dkt.
Entry No. 16) and file the second amended opening brief (Dkt. Entry No. 26).
AFFIRMED.
4
Reference
- Status
- Unpublished