California Cases March 09, 2023: Johnson v. Maldonado

Case Description

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ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Docket No. 31

EDWARD M. CHEN, DISTRIC JUDGE

I. INTRODUCTION

In this pro se prisoner's civil rights action, Jeremiah Johnson alleges an excessive force claim against three members of the correctional staff at Pelican Bay State Prison (“PBSP”). Defendants now move for summary judgment. For the reasons discussed below, Defendants' motion for summary judgment will be granted in part and denied in part: Mr. Johnson's claim is dismissed as to Defendant Powers, but triable issues of fact on Mr. Johnson's claim require denial of the motion as to Defendants Maylin and Maldonado. The Court will refer this case to the Pro Se Prisoner Mediation Program.

II. BACKGROUND

The following facts are undisputed unless otherwise stated:

The relevant events occurred on October 3, 2019, at Pelican Bay State Prison (“PBSP”). At the time, Mr. Johnson was a prisoner at PBSP. The three Defendants worked at PBSP: Defendant Powers worked as a Correctional Sergeant and Defendants Maldonado and Maylin worked as Correctional Officers. FAC at 2.

At 8:30 a.m., Mr. Johnson was walking out to the yard when he was subjected to a clothed

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body search. See id . at 3; see also MSJ at 3. A non-defendant officer told Mr. Johnson to remove his shoes, and Mr. Johnson refused because the ground was wet. See FAC at 3; MSJ at 3. Because Mr. Johnson refused to comply with the full clothed body search, he was escorted inside and subjected to an unclothed body search. See FAC at 3; MSJ at 3.

After the search was concluded, Mr. Johnson reclothed himself. See id . at 3; MSJ at 3. Here the parties' versions diverge.

A. Mr. Johnson's Version

As Mr. Johnson was almost finished putting his clothes back on, Defendant Powers ordered Defendant Maylin to “get him.” FAC at 3. Defendant Maylin struck Mr. Johnson while he was bent over. See id . Then Defendant Maldonado “slammed” Mr. Johnson while yelling “stop resisting,” although Mr. Johnson was not resisting. See id . Mr. Johnson was put on the ground where Defendant Maldonado put him in a headlock. See id . In his Opposition, for the first time, Mr. Johnson said he also was “cho[]ked, punched, beaten,” and his limbs were “twisted in[to] extremely painful positions.” Opp. at 3. Mr. Johnson was in pain and could not breath, but did not resist being handcuffed. See FAC at 3. Mr. Johnson alleges he “was injured and will need knee surgery.” Id . at 4. In his Opposition, for the first time, Mr. Johnson also stated he sustained injuries to his right lip and right shoulder. See Opp. at 6.

B. Defendants' Version

Once Mr. Johnson finished getting dressed, Defendant Powers ordered him to return to his cell, and directed correctional officers to take him there. See MSJ at 3. Mr. Johnson refused to comply with this order. See id . at 4. Defendant Maldonado placed his hand on Mr. Johnson's left arm to escort him to his cell. See id . Mr. Johnson pulled his arm away and threw it back toward Defendant Maldonado's face in an attempt to strike him. See id . Defendant Maldonado was able to duck out of the way of Mr. Johnson's arm. See id .

To protect themselves and to stop Mr. Johnson's assault, Defendants Maldonado and Maylin wrapped their arms around Mr. Johnson and used their body weight to take Mr. Johnson to the ground. See id . Mr. Johnson resisted Defendants' efforts to handcuff him. See id . Defendant Maldonado ordered Mr. Johnson to cease resisting, but Mr. Johnson persisted. See id . Three

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additional officers were required to subdue Mr. Johnson and to restrain him. See id . at 5.

Non-defendant officers then escorted Mr. Johnson to an evaluation by medical staff. See id . Defendants contend that photographs by medical staff show only a scratch to Mr. Johnson's elbow, with no other evidence of injury. See id . at 19.

III. VENUE AND JURISDICTION

Venue is proper in the Northern District of California because some of the events or omissions giving rise to the complaint occurred at a prison in Del Norte County, which is located within the Northern District. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 84(a), 1391(b). The Court has federal question jurisdiction over this action brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. See 28 U.S.C. § 1331.

IV. LEGAL STANDARD FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Summary judgment is proper where the pleadings, discovery and affidavits show that there is “no genuine dispute as to any material fact and [that] the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a). A court will grant summary judgment “against a party who fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial . . . since a complete failure of proof concerning an essential element of the nonmoving party's case necessarily renders all other facts immaterial.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett , 477 U.S. 317, 322-23 (1986). A fact is material if it might affect the outcome of the lawsuit under governing law, and a dispute about such a material fact is genuine “if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986).

The moving party bears the initial burden of identifying those portions of the record which demonstrate the absence of a genuine dispute of material fact. The burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to “go beyond the pleadings, and by his own affidavits, or by the ‘depositions, answers to interrogatories, or admissions on file,' designate ‘specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'” Celotex , 477 U.S. at 324. Once the burden shifts to the non-moving party, that party must go beyond the pleadings and, by its own affidavits or discovery, “set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e). The non-moving party “must show more than the mere existence of a scintilla of evidence.” In re Oracle Corp. Sec. Litig., 627 F.3d 376, 387 (9th Cir. 2010)

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(citing Liberty Lobby , 477 U.S. at 252). “[T]he non-moving party must come forth with evidence from which a jury could reasonably render a verdict in the non-moving party's favor.” Id. (citing Liberty Lobby , 477 U.S. at 252). If the non-moving party fails to make this showing, “the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Celotex , 477 U.S. at 323.

A court's obligation to view evidence in the light most favorable to the non-movant does not require it to ignore undisputed evidence produced by the movant . See L.F. v. Lake Wash. Sch. Dist. , 947 F.3d 621, 625 (9th Cir. 2020). Even pro se litigants must identify or submit some competent evidence to support a claim. See Soto v. Sweetman , 882 F.3d 865, 873 (9th Cir. 2018) (plaintiff not entitled to equitable tolling where he failed to submit any competent evidence in his opposition). Nor is it the task of the district court to scour the record in search of a genuine issue of triable fact. Keenan v. Allan , 91 F.3d 1275, 1279 (9th Cir. 1996). A party opposing summary judgment must identify with reasonable particularity the evidence that precludes summary judgment. Id.; see also Carmen v. S.F. Unified Sch. Dist. , 237 F.3d 1026, 1028-29, 1031 (9th Cir. 2001) (even if there is evidence in the court file which creates a genuine issue of material fact, a court may grant summary judgment if the opposing papers do not include or conveniently refer to that evidence).

A verified complaint may be used as an opposing affidavit under Rule 56, as long as it is based on personal knowledge and sets forth specific facts admissible in evidence. See Schroeder v. McDonald , 55 F.3d 454, 460 & nn.10-11 (9th Cir. 1995) (treating plaintiff's verified complaint as opposing affidavit even though verification not in conformity with 28 U.S.C. § 1746, plaintiff stated under penalty of perjury that contents were true and correct, and allegations were not based purely on his belief but on his personal knowledge). Statements of fact in Mr. Johnson's FAC are considered as evidence in evaluating the motion for summary judgment because he verified the FAC. See FAC at 10.

A court's function on a summary judgment motion is not to make credibility determinations or weigh conflicting evidence with respect to a disputed material fact . See T.W. Elec. Serv. v. Pac. Elec. Contractors Ass'n , 809 F.2d 626, 630 (9th Cir. 1987). The evidence must

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be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, and inferences drawn from the facts must be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. See id . at 631.

V. DISCUSSION

At the initial review stage, the Court found cognizable Mr. Johnson's claim that correctional sergeant Powers and correctional officers Maldonado and Maylin used excessive force upon Mr. Johnson in violation of the Eighth Amendment. See Docket No. 15 at 1-2. Defendants Powers, Maldonado, and Maylin now move for summary judgment on the merits of Mr. Johnson's claim. See Docket No. 31 (“Summary Judgment Motion” or “MSJ”). Mr. Johnson opposes the summary judgment, see Docket No. 36 (“Opposition”), and Defendants have filed a reply, see Docket No. 37 (“Reply”).

For the reasons stated below, Defendant Powers is entitled to summary judgment in his favor. Defendants Maylin and Maldonado are not entitled to summary judgment because triable issues of fact exist as to Mr. Johnson's excessive force claim against these two Defendants.

A. Excessive Force

The unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain on a prisoner amounts to cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eight Amendment. Whitley v. Albers , 475 U.S. 312, 319 (1986). “[W]henever prison officials stand accused of using excessive physical force in violation of the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause, the core judicial inquiry is . . . whether force was applied in a good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline, or maliciously and sadistically to cause harm.” Hudson v. McMillian , 503 U.S. 1, 6-7 (1992).

In determining whether the use of force was for the purpose of maintaining or restoring discipline, or for the malicious and sadistic purpose of causing harm, a court may evaluate the need for application of force, the relationship between that need and the amount of force used, the extent of any injury inflicted, the threat reasonably perceived by the responsible officials, and any efforts made to temper the severity of a forceful response. See Hudson , 503 U.S. at 7; see also

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Spain v. Procunier , 600 F.2d 189, 195 (9th Cir. 1979) (guards may use force only in proportion to need in each situation).

1. Defendant Powers

The sole allegation against Defendant Powers is that he ordered other correctional officers to “get” Mr. Johnson. FAC at 3. However, Mr. Johnson admitted in a deposition that he neither heard Defendant Powers say, “get him,” as Mr. Johnson had averred in the FAC, nor did Mr. Johnson read Defendant Powers's lips as Defendant Powers made such a statement. See Docket No. 31-3 (“Deposition”) at 36-37. Specifically, Mr. Johnson admitted that he “can't hear real well, so if I can't see [someone], I can't hear [that person],” and that he “wasn't looking at” Defendant Powers when Defendant Powers spoke. Id . at 36:25-37:2. He speculated that Defendant Powers said, “get him” “because Maylin acted at that point,” id . at 38:20-21, but admitted that Defendant Powers could have said “any two syllables,” id . at 17:13-14.

Mr. Johnson's allegation that Defendant Powers told the other Defendants to “get him” does not raise a triable issue of material fact. Mr. Johnson has admitted he has no personal knowledge that Defendant Powers ever made such a statement, see Depo. at 17:13-14, 36:25-38:21, and submits no evidence beyond his own speculation that Defendant Powers did so. Although Mr. Johnson's FAC is verified, and a verified complaint may be used as a declaration to oppose summary judgment, see Schroeder , 55 F.3d at 460, the allegations therein still must “be made on personal knowledge, set forth facts that would be admissible in evidence, and show that the affiant or declarant is competent to testify on the matters stated.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c)(4). Because Mr. Johnson did not actually hear or see Defendant Powers instruct the other Defendants to “get him,” that personal knowledge is lacking here. Cf. Schroeder , 55 F.3d at 460 & n.12 (prisoner-plaintiff's complaint sufficed as an opposing declaration made on personal knowledge because he stated that prison officials made allegedly retaliatory statements to him ). In short, Mr. Johnson's unsubstantiated allegation is the sort of “speculation, conjecture, or fantasy” that will not preclude summary judgment. Moody v. St. Charles County , 23 F.3d 1410, 1412 (8th Cir.1994) (quoting Gregory v. Rogers , 974 F.2d 1006, 1010 (8th Cir.1992)). See also Parks v. McEvoy , No. C-12-5094 EMC (PR), 2015 WL 435463, at *4-5 (N.D. Cal. Feb. 2, 2015) (applying Moody to

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reject speculative allegations and grant summary judgment motion), aff'd , 621 Fed.Appx. 390 (9th Cir. 2015); Johnson v. Bay Area Rapid Transit Dist. , No. C-09-0901 EMC, 2013 WL 6155266, at *9 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 22, 2013) (“[C]onclusory, speculative testimony in affidavits and moving papers is insufficient to raise triable issues of fact and defeat summary judgment.”) (citation omitted).

Mr. Johnson fails to show a triable issue of fact that Defendant Powers actually told the other Defendants to “get him.” When the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to Mr. Johnson, and inferences therefrom drawn in his favor, no reasonable jury could return a verdict for him and against Defendant Powers. Defendant Powers therefore is entitled to judgment as a matter of law on the Eighth Amendment claim.

2. Defendants Maylin and Maldonado

It is undisputed that Mr. Johnson was strip-searched and that a use of force followed the strip search. However, as noted supra II, there is a dispute as to whether the force was needed and how much force was used. See Hudson , 503 U.S. at 7 (stating a court may consider these factors, among others, to determine whether the force was necessary to restore discipline or was malicious and sadistic).

Defendants argue that officers needed to use force on Mr. Johnson because Mr. Johnson attempted to assault Defendant Maldonado. See MSJ at 15-16. Defendants provide multiple declarations stating that, as Defendant Maldonado placed his hand on Mr. Johnson's arm to escort him back to his cell, Mr. Johnson attempted to strike Defendant Maldonado in the face. See Docket No. 31-1 (“Maylin Declaration”) at ¶ 11; Docket No. 31-8 (“Clifton Declaration”) at ¶ 6; Docket No. 31-10 (“Maldonado Declaration”) at ¶ 11; Docket No. 31-11 (“Powers Declaration”) at ¶ 11; Docket No. 31-13 (“Harris Declaration”) at ¶ 6. Mr. Johnson, by contrast, avers that he “never attempted to strike an officer,” FAC at 4, and has maintained this position throughout this action, see generally , Deposition. It also is disputed whether Mr. Johnson resisted being handcuffed, necessitating the further exertion of force to subdue him. Compare FAC at 3 (“I never resisted.”) with Maldonado Decl. ¶¶ 14-15 (describing efforts by Mr. Johnson to resist being handcuffed); Maylin Decl. ¶¶ 14-15 (same); Harris Decl. ¶¶ 9-11; Love Decl. ¶ 7 (same); Clifton Decl. ¶ 10 (same).

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There thus is a dispute as to whether force needed to be applied to Mr. Johnson in the first instance, and whether Mr. Johnson's resistance required the continuing application of force.

It is undisputed that officers took Mr. Johnson to the ground. See FAC at 3, MSJ at 16. However, it is disputed whether Mr. Johnson was “struck by [Defendant] Maylin” and “slammed” by Defendant Maldonado in the process of taking him down. Compare FAC at 3 (making these allegations) with Maldonado Decl. ¶ 18 (“I never struck Mr. Johnson ....”); Maylin Decl. ¶ 18 (“I did not strike Mr. Johnson during this incident.”); Powers Decl. ¶ 19 (“I did not see any officer strike Mr. Johnson . . . and would have seen if this occurred.”); Harris Decl. ¶ 13 (“I did not see Officer Maylin or any officer strike Mr. Johnson ....”). There thus is a dispute as to the amount of force that was applied to Mr. Johnson.

As noted above, the United States Supreme Court has held that “the core judicial inquiry is . . . whether force was applied in a good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline, or maliciously and sadistically to cause harm.” Hudson , 503 U.S. at 6-7. Here the parties dispute whether discipline needed to be restored, and whether the force used was minimal and appropriate or excessive and sadistic. If believed, Mr. Johnson's evidence would support a finding that force was unnecessary in the first instance, and that excessive force was used; if believed, Defendants' evidence would support a finding that there was no excessive force. It is hard to imagine questions which could be more material to an excessive force claim. For this reason, Defendants Maylin and Maldonado are not entitled to summary judgment on Mr. Johnson's excessive force claim.

B. Qualified Immunity

The defense of qualified immunity protects “government officials . . . from liability for civil damages insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.” Harlow v. Fitzgerald , 457 U.S. 800, 818 (1982). The doctrine of qualified immunity attempts to balance two important and sometimes competing interests: “the need to hold public officials accountable when they exercise power irresponsibly and the need to shield officials from harassment, distraction, and liability

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when they perform their duties reasonably.” Pearson v. Callahan , 555 U.S. 223, 231 (2009). To determine whether a government official is entitled to qualified immunity, courts must consider (1) whether the official's conduct violated a constitutional right, and (2) whether that right was “clearly established” at the time of the alleged misconduct. Pearson , 555 U.S. at 232.

Defendants contend they are entitled to qualified immunity because “[r]easonable officials . . . could not have known that taking down an inmate to stop the inmate's assaultive behavior was unlawful.” MSJ at 20. However, this presupposes that Defendants' evidence is true and Mr. Johnson's evidence is false. As noted above, it is disputed whether Mr. Johnson engaged in assaultive behavior, and whether Defendants' use of force was confined to a take-down.

The same triable issues of fact that preclude summary judgment on the merits of Mr. Johnson's claim preclude summary judgment on the defense of qualified immunity. That is, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Mr. Johnson, a reasonable jury could find that Defendants took part in the use of excessive force. If such is proven, Defendants would not be entitled to summary judgment on the basis of qualified immunity.

C. Referral to Pro Se Prisoner Mediation Program

This case appears a good candidate for the court's mediation program. Good cause appearing therefor, this case is now referred to Magistrate Judge Illman for mediation or settlement proceedings pursuant to the Pro Se Prisoner Mediation Program. The proceedings will take place within 120 days of the date this order is filed. Magistrate Judge Illman will coordinate a time and date for mediation or settlement proceedings with all interested parties and/or their representatives and, within five days after the conclusion of the proceedings, file with the Court a report on those proceedings.

Plaintiff must attend and participate in the mediation or settlement conference proceedings. The conference may be set up so that he will appear in person, by videoconference, or by telephone; Plaintiff must attend whatever format Magistrate Judge Illman chooses. Plaintiff is cautioned that he may be sanctioned for failure to comply with an order to participate in a mediation or settlement conference, and such sanctions may include dismissal of part or all of the action. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 16(a), (f), and 41(b).

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VI. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, Defendants' motion for summary judgment is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART . Docket No. 31. The motion is granted as to Defendant Powers, who is entitled to judgment as a matter of law on Mr. Johnson's excessive force claim because Mr. Johnson produced only speculative allegations against Defendant Powers. The motion is denied as to Defendants Maylin and Maldonado because there are triable issues of material fact on Mr. Johnson's excessive force claim against them.

This action is now referred to Magistrate Judge Illman for mediation or settlement proceedings pursuant to the Pro Se Prisoner Mediation Program. The Clerk shall send a copy of this order to Magistrate Judge Illman.

This order disposes of Docket No. 31.

IT IS SO ORDERED.