The opinion
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
NORTHERN DIVISION
MICHAEL TODD BROWN PLAINTIFF
ADC #173799
V. No. 3:20CV0035-BSM-JTR
BRENT COX, Jail Administrator,
Greene County Detention Center, et al. DEFENDANTS
ORDER
Plaintiff Michael Todd Brown (“Brown”) has filed a pro se § 1983 Complaint
alleging that Defendants Jail Administrator Brent Cox (“Cox”), Sergeant Bailey
Harris (“Harris”), and Detention Officer Moon (“Moon”) violated his constitutional
rights during his incarceration at the Greene County Detention Center (“GCDC”).
Doc. 2. Before Brown may proceed with this case, the Court must screen his claims.1
Brown alleges that, while he was a convicted prisoner at the GCDC awaiting
transfer to the Arkansas Division of Correction, Defendants: (1) held him in
disciplinary segregation for sixty days for an alleged infraction without affording
1The 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. Id. § 1915A(b). When
making this determination, a court must accept the truth of the factual allegations contained in the
complaint, and it may consider 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).
him due process, and where he was subjected to inhumane conditions of
confinement; (2) refused to allow him, for over 100 days, to launder his socks,
underwear and t-shirts; (3) “constantly interfered” with his efforts to utilize the legal
system; (4) served him “grossly insufficient” amounts of food, which caused him to
become weak and lose weight; and (5) denied all outdoor exercise.
Brown must provide the Court with additional information so it can complete
the screening required by § 1915A. Thus, Brown must file an Amended Complaint
explaining: (1) how his ability to access the courts was actually harmed or injured
by the alleged “interference” with his legal activities; (2) how much time he was
allowed out of his cell for visitation, meals, etc.; (3) the size of his cell, and whether
he was able to exercise in that cell; and (4) why he has sued Defendants in their
“official capacity” and his legal basis for doing so.
Finally, Brown has filed a notice of change of address which states that he is
currently residing at what appears to be a private address in Little Rock. Doc. 4. In
light of his release from custody, it is unclear whether he is still entitled to proceed
in forma pauperis.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. The Clerk is directed to mail Brown: (a) a § 1983 complaint form that
is labeled “Amended Complaint”; and (b) a free-world Application to Proceed In
Forma Pauperis.
2. Brown must file, within thirty days of the date of this Order: (a) an
Amended Complaint that complies with the instructions in this Order; and (b) a
completed free-world Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
3. If Brown does not timely and properly comply with this Order, this case
will be dismissed, without prejudice, pursuant to Local Rule 5.5(c)(2).
DATED this 10th day of February, 2020.
UNITED AW reese