Betancourth v. Knorr

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

CHRISTOPHER BETANCOURTH,

Plaintiff, CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:22-CV-00060

v.

(MEHALCHICK, M.J.)

PENNSYLVANIA CORRECTIONS

OFFICER KNORR, et al.,

Defendants.

MEMORANDUM

Before the Court is a motion for summary judgment filed by Defendant Pennsylvania

Corrections Officer Knorr (“Officer Knorr”).1 (Doc. 21). Prisoner-Plaintiff Christopher

Betancourth (“Betancourth”), while incarcerated at the State Correction Institution in Dallas,

Pennsylvania (“SCI-Dallas”), initiated this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights action by filing a

complaint on January 11, 2022. (Doc. 1). On March 17, 2023, Betancourth filed an amended

complaint asserting violations of his Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under 42

U.S.C. § 1983 by Officer Knorr and “John Doe Defendants at SCI-Dallas.” (Doc. 17).

Officer Knorr filed the motion for summary judgment, a statement of facts, and a brief

in support of the motion with accompanying exhibits on July 27, 2023. (Doc. 21; Doc. 22;

Doc. 22-1; Doc. 22-2; Doc. 22-3; Doc. 22-4; Doc. 22-5; Doc. 22-6; Doc. 23). On August 24,

2023, Betancourth filed an answer to Officer Knorr’s statement of facts and a brief in

1 While there are still unidentified defendants in this action, Officer Knorr has

indicated he does not oppose their dismissal from the action if the Court were to grant

summary judgment. (Doc. 17; Doc. 21, at 1 n.1).

opposition of the motion for summary judgment, with accompanying exhibits. (Doc. 27; Doc.

27-1; Doc. 27-2; Doc. 27-3; Doc. 27-4; Doc. 27-5; Doc. 27-6; Doc. 28). On October 20, 2022,

Officer Knorr filed a reply brief. (Doc. 34). The motion for summary judgment has been fully

briefed and is ripe for disposition. (Doc. 21; Doc. 22; Doc. 22; Doc. 22-1; Doc. 22-2; Doc. 22-

3; Doc. 22-4; Doc. 22-5; Doc. 22-6; Doc. 23; Doc. 27; Doc. 27-1; Doc. 27-2; Doc. 27-3; Doc.

27-4; Doc. 27-5; Doc. 27-6; Doc. 28; Doc. 34). For the following reasons, Officer Knorr’s

motion for summary judgment is DENIED. (Doc. 21).

I. STATEMENT OF FACTS

This factual background is taken from Officer Knorr’s statement of material facts and

accompanying exhibits. (Doc. 22). On April 17, 2020, Plaintiff Christopher Betancourth was

incarcerated in the Restricted Housing Unit (“RHU”) of SCI-Dallas. (Doc. 22, ¶ 1; Doc. 22-

2, at 2). On this day, Officer Knorr worked as a correctional officer in the RHU at SCI-Dallas.

(Doc. 22, ¶ 2; Doc. 22-2, at 8). During the lunch meal, Betancourth attempted to grab Officer

Knorr’s hand, grabbed the food pass, and then grabbed a cup of unknown liquid. (Doc. 22, ¶

3; Doc. 22-2, at 3, 6, 8). Officer Knorr ordered Betancourth to remove his hand and drop the

cup; Betancourth did not comply. (Doc. 22, ¶ 4; Doc. 22-2, at 8). Officer Knorr pressed the

wicket closed on Betancourth’s hand; Betancourth eventually removed his hand from the

wicket. (Doc. 22, ¶ 5; Doc. 22, at 6, 8; Doc. 27-1). Betancourth denies Knorr’s description of

the incident, and the record is inconsistent regarding the issue of whether the cup was filled

with liquid. (Doc. 22-2, at 6; Doc. 22-3, at 2; Doc. 27-2, ¶¶ 12-14). The Employee Incident

Report states, “Officer Knorr could not confirm the contents of the cup due to limited

lighting.” (Doc. 22-2, at 6). Betancourth provided a video of the incident and describing the

events as follows:

Betancourth takes the apple and Knorr’s hand dips down, Knorr pulls his hand

away from Betancourth without any sort of struggle, Betancourth’s arm is

partially out of the food aperture in a nonthreatening way, Knorr closes the

food aperture on Betancourth’s arm, after some time passes, Knorr opens the

food aperture, then Knorr escalates the situation by shutting the food aperture

device forcefully on Betancourth’s arm and applying significant pressure.

(Doc. 27, ¶ 3; Doc. 27-2, ¶¶ 3-11).

Betancourth also responds:

Knorr’s story also has shifted. During the prison’s investigation, Knorr

provided: (1) Betancourth had his hand outside of the food aperture when

Knorr arrived at Betancourth’s cell; (2) Knorr handed Betancourth an apple;

(3) Betancourth grabbed Knorr’s hand and held the side of the food aperture at

the same time; (4) Knorr then closed the food aperture on Betancourth’s hand;

(5) Knorr ordered Betancourth to place his hand back into his cell and

Betancourth refused; (6) Knorr then saw Betancourth grab a cup filled with an

unknown substance and Knorr put more pressure on the food aperture as a

result; and (7) after Betancourth dropped the cup, Knorr released his arm from

the food aperture. . . However, in the misconduct, Knorr provided: (1)

Betancourth had his hand outside of the food aperture when Knorr arrived at

his cell; (2) Knorr handed Betancourth an apple; (3) Betancourth threw the

apple inside of his cell and grabbed Knorr’s hand; (4) at the same time

Betancourth grabbed Knorr’s hand he picked up a cup full of an unknown

substance; (5) Knorr ordered Betancourth to put the cup down and move his

hand inside his cell; (6) Betancourth refused this order so Knorr shut the food

aperture on his hand; (7) Knorr placed more pressure on the food aperture

when Betancourth still did not drop the cup; and (8) when Betancourth dropped

the cup Knorr released his arm from the food aperture.

(Doc. 22-3, at 2; Doc. 27, ¶ 3; Doc. 27-1; Doc. 27-3, at 5).

Betancourth received a misconduct from this incident. (Doc. 22, ¶ 6; Doc. 22-3, at 2-

3). Betancourth was convicted of this misconduct; this conviction stands.2 (Doc. 22, ¶ 7; Doc.

22-4, at 2). The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (“DOC”) has established a formal

policy and a procedures manual for inmates, which must be followed by inmates who file

2 Betancourth denies this assertion in part, stating, “It is admitted that the misconduct

history attached as Exhibit C, Doc. 22-4 shows that Plaintiff was convicted of refusing to obey

an order. It is denied that the misconduct history shows that Plaintiff was convicted of any of

the other erroneous allegations made by Knorr in the misconduct attached as Exhibit B, Doc.

22-3.” (Doc. 22-3; Doc. 22-4; Doc. 27, ¶ 7).

grievances while incarcerated at state correctional institutions operated by the Department.

(Doc. 22, ¶ 8; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 2). The purpose of a grievance is to allow an inmate to bring

concerns and complaints to the attention of prison officials. (Doc. 22, ¶ 8; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 2). The

grievance procedures are set forth in the Department’s Administrative Directive 804 (DC-

ADM 804), titled Inmate Grievance System. (Doc. 22, ¶ 9; Doc. 22-4, at 8-42). Betancourth

denies this assertion in part, contending that not only DC-ADM 804 is applicable in this case,

but also DC-ADM 001. (Doc. 27, ¶ 9; Doc. 22-4, at 2-14).

Pursuant to the DC-ADM 804, the DOC has a three-tiered grievance system which

serves as an inmate’s administrative remedy: (1) an initial review by a Grievance Officer; (2)

appeal to the Facility Manager or designee; and (3) appeal to the Secretary’s Office of Inmate

Grievance and Appeals for final review. (Doc. 22, ¶ 10; Doc. 22-4, ¶¶ 3-11). Pursuant to DC-

ADM 804, a grievance must be submitted in writing, using the grievance form available on

all housing units or blocks, within fifteen working days after the events noted in the grievance.

(Doc. 22, ¶ 11; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 3). A grievance must include the following: a statement of facts

relevant to the claim including the date and approximate time and location of the event(s)

giving rise to the grievance; the identity of any individuals who were directly involved in the

event(s); any claims the inmate wishes to make concerning violations of DOC directives,

regulations, court orders, or other law; and any compensation or legal relief desired. (Doc.

22, ¶ 12; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 5). Once the grievance is received, the Facility Grievance Coordinator

assigns it to a Grievance Officer to respond. (Doc. 22, ¶ 13; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 6). If dissatisfied with

the response, an inmate may appeal the decision pertaining to their grievance to the Facility

Manager. (Doc. 22, ¶ 14; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 7). The Facility Manager then provides a written

response to the grievance. (Doc. 22, ¶ 15; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 8). The Facility Manager may uphold

the response, uphold the inmate, dismiss the grievance (either as untimely or on the merits),

or uphold in part and deny in part. (Doc. 22, ¶ 15; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 8). The Facility Manager may

also remand the Initial Review Response for further investigation or consideration. (Doc. 22,

¶ 15; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 8). If an inmate is not satisfied with the decision of the Facility Manager,

then they may submit an appeal to the Secretary’s Office of Inmate Grievances and Appeals.

(Doc. 22, ¶ 16; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 9). Only issues raised in both the original grievance and the appeal

to the Facility Manager may be appealed to this level. (Doc. 22, ¶ 16; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 9). The

Secretary’s Office of Inmate Grievances and Appeals then may uphold the response, uphold

the inmate, dismiss, or uphold in part and deny in part. (Doc. 22, ¶ 17; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 11). An

inmate has not exhausted the grievance procedure unless a grievance is properly appealed to

the Secretary’s Office of Inmate Grievances and Appeals. (Doc. 22, ¶ 18; Doc. 22-4, ¶ 12).

Betancourth did not appeal any of his grievances related to the incident with Officer Knorr to

final review. (Doc. 22, ¶ 19; Doc. 22-4, ¶¶ 13-15). SCI-Dallas staff were able to confirm that

these grievances were only appealed to the facility manager, not to the final stage of review.

(Doc. 22, ¶ 20; Doc. 22-5, ¶¶ 3-7). In opposition, Betancourth provides that “under binding

Third Circuit precedent, administrative remedies can also be exhausted if the prison does not

follow its own grievance procedure and if the grievance process is unavailable to an inmate.”

(Doc. 27, ¶ 18; Doc. 28, at 8); see Robinson v. Superintendent Rockview SCI, 831 F.3d 148, 153

(3d Cir. 2016) (holding the administrative process was unavailable to an inmate when the

prison failed to meet its own deadlines to respond to the grievance submitted). Further,

Betancourth admits that he did not appeal the facility manager’s decision for his grievance,

but denies that he failed to exhaust his administrative remedies. (Doc. 27, ¶ 19; Doc. 22-4, ¶¶

13-15; Doc. 27-3, at 59). Betancourth contends that the DOC did not follow their own

grievance procedures and that the administrative process was unavailable to him as a “sham

process that would never provide relief to Betancourth.” (Doc. 27, ¶ 19). Betancourth attaches

a disciplinary notice issued to Officer Knorr as a result of the incident to demonstrate that

even though Officer Knorr was disciplined for failure to follow procedure, Betancourth’s

grievances were “summarily denied.” (Doc. 27, ¶ 27; Doc. 27-5, at 2-3). Additionally attached

is Betancourth’s appeal to his facility manager and the appeal’s denial. (Doc. 27, ¶ 19; Doc.

27-6, at 2-5). Therein, the facility manager provides no video footage of the incident exists.

(Doc. 27, ¶ 19; Doc. 27-6, at 2). Because video footage does exist and was attached to the

investigatory report that the grievance filed by Betancourth triggered,” Betancourth claims

the facility manager failed to “undertake any real review of this matter and instead acted solely

to protect SCI Dallas and Knorr.” (Doc. 27, ¶ 19; Doc. 27-1).

II. MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT STANDARD

Under Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, summary judgment should be

granted only if “there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled

to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). A fact is “material” only if it might

affect the outcome of the case. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). A

dispute of material fact is “genuine” if the evidence “is such that a reasonable jury could return

a verdict for the non-moving party.” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248. In deciding a summary

judgment motion, all inferences “should be drawn in the light most favorable to the non-

moving party, and where the non-moving party’s evidence contradicts the movant’s, then the

non-movant’s must be taken as true.” Pastore v. Bell Tel. Co. of Pa., 24 F.3d 508, 512 (3d Cir.

1994). A federal court should grant summary judgment “if the pleadings, depositions, answers

to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there

is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment

as a matter of law.” Farrell v. Planters Lifesavers Co., 206 F.3d 271, 278 (3d Cir. 2000). In

deciding a motion for summary judgment, the court’s function is not to make credibility

determinations, weigh evidence, or draw inferences from the facts. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249.

Rather, the court must simply “determine whether there is a genuine issue for trial.” Anderson,

477 U.S. at 249.

In deciding a summary judgment motion, all inferences “should be drawn in the light

most favorable to the non-moving party, and where the non-moving party’s evidence

contradicts the movant’s, then the non-movant’s must be taken as true.” Pastore, 24 F.3d at

512. "The party moving for summary judgment bears the initial burden of showing the basis

for its motion . . . [and i]f the movant meets that burden, the onus then ‘shifts to the non-

moving party to set forth specific facts showing the existence of [a genuine issue of material

fact] for trial.’” Triad Controls, Inc., 593 F. Supp. 2d 741, 749 (E.D. Pa. 2009) (citing Shields v.

Zuccarini, 254 F.3d 476, 481 (3d Cir. 2001)). “Although the party opposing summary

judgment is entitled to the ‘benefit of all factual inferences in the court's consideration of a

motion for summary judgment, the nonmoving party must point to some evidence in the

record that creates a genuine issue of material fact.’”3 Velentzas v. U.S., No. 4: CV-07-1255,

2010 WL 3896192, at *7 (M.D. Pa. August 31, 2010) (quoting Goode v. Nash, 241 F. App’x

868, 869 (3d Cir. 2007) (citation omitted). The opposing party “cannot rest solely on

assertions made in the pleadings, legal memorandum, or oral argument.” Goode, 241 F. App’x

3 See also Beenick v. LeFebvre, 684 F. App’x 200, 206 (3d Cir. 2017) (stating the purpose

of requiring parties to cite particular parts of the record in their briefs about a motion for

summary judgment is to “assist the court in locating materials buried in a voluminous

record”) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1)(A)).

at 869 (quoting Berckeley Inv. Grp., Ltd. V. Colkitt, 455 F.3d 195, 201 (3d Cir. 2006)). If the non-

moving party “fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element

essential to [the non-movant's] case, and on which [the non-movant] will bear the burden of

proof at trial,” Rule 56 mandates the entry of summary judgment because such a failure

“necessarily renders all other facts immaterial.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322–23

(1986); Jakimas v. Hoffmann–La Roche, Inc., 485 F.3d 770, 777 (3d Cir.2007). Further, "[t]he

mere existence of some evidence in support of the nonmovant is insufficient to deny a motion

for summary judgment; enough evidence must exist to enable a jury to reasonably find for the

nonmovant on the issue." Turco v. City of Englewood, N.J., 935 F.3d 155, 161 (3d Cir. 2019)

(citing Kelly v. Borough of Carlisle, 622 F.3d 248, 253 (3d Cir. 2010)).

III. DISCUSSION

Officer Knorr argues he is entitled to summary judgment because (1) Betancourth fails

to exhaust his administrative remedies, (2) this case is brought in violation of Heck v.

Humphrey, (3) Betancourth fails to establish an Eighth Amendment violation, and (4) that

Officer Knorr is entitled to qualified immunity. (Doc. 23, at 3); 512 U.S. 477 (1994). In

opposition, Betancourth contends he exhausted his administrative remedies when the DOC

did not comply with their own procedures, and that the grievance process at SCI-Dallas is, “a

sham that cleared Knorr of any wrongdoing while the DOC simultaneously disciplined Knorr

for his actions giving rise to this incident.” (Doc. 28, at 2). Additionally, Betancourth asserts

there is a factual dispute regarding whether Officer Knorr violated Betancourth’s Eighth

Amendment rights and that the Heck doctrine does not apply to this case. (Doc. 28, at 2).

Lastly, according to Betancourth, Officer Knorr is not entitled to qualified immunity. (Doc.

28, at 2).

A. EXHAUSTION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PLRA

Under the Prison Litigation Reform Act (“PLRA”), “[n]o action shall be brought with

respect to prison conditions under section 1983 of this title, or any other Federal law, by a

prisoner confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility until such administrative

remedies as are available are exhausted.” 42 U.S.C. § 1997e(a). This language is

mandatory. Ross v. Blake, 578 U.S. 632 (2016). Moreover, the “exhaustion requirement

applies to all inmate suits about prison life, whether they involve general circumstances or

particular episodes, and whether they allege excessive force or some other wrong.” Porter v.

Nussle, 534 U.S. 516, 532 (2002).

The PLRA also mandates that inmates “properly” exhaust administrative remedies

before filing suit in federal court. Woodford v. Ngo, 548 U.S. 81, 93 (2006). “Proper exhaustion

demands compliance with an agency's deadlines and other critical procedural rules because

no adjudicative system can function effectively without imposing some orderly structure on

the course of its proceedings.” Woodford, 548 U.S. at 90-91. Such requirements “eliminate

unwarranted federal-court interference with the administration of prisons, and thus seek[ ] to

‘affor[d] corrections officials time and opportunity to address complaints internally before

allowing the initiation of a federal case.’” Woodford, 548 U.S. at 93 (quoting Porter, 534 U.S.

at 525). Courts have concluded that inmates who fail to fully or timely complete the prison

grievance process are barred from subsequently litigating claims in federal

courts. See, e.g., Booth v. Churner, 206 F.3d 289 (3d Cir. 2000); Bolla v. Strickland, 304 F. App’x

22 (3d Cir. 2008); Jetter v. Beard, 183 F. App’x 178 (3d Cir. 2006).

The DOC has implemented an official Inmate Grievance System, which is governed

by DC-ADM 804. (Doc. 22-5, at 8-42); Pa. Dept. of Cor. Policy DC-ADM-804. An inmate

who has been personally affected by a DOC or facility action or policy is permitted to submit

a grievance or appeal pursuant to DC-ADM 804. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 3). To properly exhaust

administrative remedies, an inmate under the supervision of the DOC must follow the

procedures outlined in DC-ADM 804. Prater v. Dep't of Corr., 76 F.4th 184, 204 (3d Cir. 2023)

(“We conclude that ADM 804 is the exclusive means of exhaustion.”). In accordance with

DC-ADM 804, a grievance must be submitted in writing, using the grievance form available

on all housing units or blocks, within fifteen (15) working days after the events noted in the

grievance. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 3). A grievance must include the following: a statement of facts

relevant to the claim including the date and approximate time and location of the event(s)

giving rise to the grievance; the identity of any individuals who were directly involved in the

event(s); any claims the inmate wishes to make concerning violations of DOC directives,

regulations, court orders, or other laws; and any compensation or legal relief desired. (Doc.

22-5, ¶ 5). Upon receipt, the Facility Grievance Coordinator assigns each grievance (even a

rejected grievance) a tracking number and enters it into the Automated Inmate Grievance

Tracking System. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 6).

If an inmate is dissatisfied with the initial response, he or she may appeal that decision

to the Facility Manager. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 7). The Facility Manager then provides a written

response to the grievance. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 8). The Facility Manager may uphold the response,

uphold the inmate, dismiss the grievance (either as untimely or on the merits), or uphold in

part and deny in part. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 8). The Facility Manager may also remand the Initial

Review Response for further investigation or consideration. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 8). If an inmate is

not satisfied with the decision of the Facility Manager, he or she may submit an appeal to the

Secretary's Office of Inmate Grievances and Appeals. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 9). Only issues raised in

both the original grievance and the appeal to the Facility Manager may be appealed to this

level. ((Doc. 22-5, ¶ 9). The SOIGA then may uphold the response, dismiss, or uphold in part

and deny in part. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 11). An inmate has not exhausted the grievance procedure

unless a grievance is properly appealed to the SOIGA. (Doc. 22-5, ¶ 12).

DC-ADM 804 includes a section specific to grievances regarding allegations of abuse.

Pa. Dept. of Cor. Policy DC-ADM 804 Sec. 1.D. Such grievances “shall be handled in

accordance with the Department policy DC-ADM 001, ‘Inmate Abuse.’” Pa. Dept. of Cor.

Policy DC-ADM-804 Sec. 1.D.2.

A grievance dealing with allegations of abuse shall be handled in accordance

with this procedures manual. This may extend the time for responding to the

grievance but will not alter the inmate's ability to appeal upon his/her receipt

of the Initial Review Response. When a grievance is related to an allegation of

abuse, the Grievance Coordinator will issue an Extension Notice to the inmate

by checking the box “Notice of Investigation.” The Initial Review Response

will be completed by the assigned Grievance Officer when the results from BII

are received.

Pa. Dept. of Cor. Policy DC-ADM-001 Sec. 1.B.2.4

At issue in this case is grievance # 863893, submitted by Betancourth on April 17,

2020, alleging abuse by Officer Knorr.4 (Doc. 22-6, at 8). Betancourth also reported the alleged

abuse by calling a DOC abuse helpline on April 18, 2020. (Doc. 27-3, at 2, 3, 15, 58). The

Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence (“BII”) undertook an investigation of Betancourth’s

allegations detailed in grievance # 863893 pursuant to DC-ADM 001 on April 20, 2020. 5

4 Betancourth filed this grievance pursuant DC-ADM 804. (Doc. 22-6, at 8). According

to grievance # 863893, Betancourth told Officer Knorr he could not put his hand back inside

his because “it was pinned in the wicket.” (Doc. 22-6, at 8). When Betancourth did not move

his hand, Betancourth claims Officer Knorr “began jumping on [the wicket],” and

Betancourth “cried out in pain,” and “felt something pop” in his wrist. (Doc. 22-6, at 8).

5 The BII also investigated grievance #864480, which Betancourth filed on August 22,

2020 as a “re-write,” alleging the same claims asserted in grievance # 863893. (Doc. 27-3, at

17). Therein, Betancourth reiterates that, after calling Betancourth a “wet back,” Officer

(Doc. 27-3, at 15, 58). According to the procedures set forth in DC-ADM 804, Betancourth

was to receive a response from his assigned Grievance Officer under DC-ADM 804 after the

Office of Investigations and Intelligence (“OSII”) reviewed the BII’s report indicating the

results of their investigation pursuant DC-ADM 001.6 (Doc. 22-5, at 19; Doc. 27-4, at 7-8).

DC-ADM 001 dictates that after the BII’s report is submited, “the OSII shall complete its

review of the report within 15 business days of receipt.” 7 (Doc. 27-4, at 7). This timing is

important, as initial review of the grievance by a Grievance Officer pursuant to DC-ADM

804 only occurs after the results from the DC-ADM 001 investigation are received. (Doc. 22-

5, at 19); Prater v. Dep't of Corr., 76 F.4th 184, 204 (3d Cir. 2023) (“ADM 804's cross reference

to ADM 001 reveals that the two policies work in tandem. . . When an inmate brings an abuse

grievance, the normal ADM 804 review does not proceed until an investigation occurs in

accordance with ADM 001.”).

The BII submitted their investigative report to the OSII on May 6, 2020. (Doc. 27-3,

at 2). The OSII did not complete its review of Betancourth’s abuse allegations until October

9, 2020, over four and a half months from when it was submitted and well beyond the fifteen-

day deadline. 8 (Doc. 27-3, at 59; Doc. 27-4, at 7). On October 14, 2020, Betancourth was

Knorr “slammed the wicket door on [Betancourth’s] hand, demanding [Betancourth] put his

hand inside” his cell. (Doc. 22-6, at 8; Doc. 27-3, at 17).

6 DC-ADM 804 provides, “[t]he initial review response will be completed by the

assigned Grievance Officer after the results from the Office of Special Investigations and

Intelligence (OSII) are received.” (Doc. 22-5, at 19).

7 From the start of their investigation, the BII has thirty days to complete this report

and send it to the OSII. (Doc. 27-3, at 6-8). In this case, the report was completed by the BII

and submitted to the OSII for review on May 6, 2020, sixteen days after the investigation

commenced on April 20, 2020. (Doc. 27-3, at 2). Thus, the report was timely received by

OSII. (Doc. 27-3, at 6-8).

8 The report was sent to James C. Barnacle, Director at the Bureau of Investigations

and Intelligence at DOC by Security Lieutenant Corbett and dated May 6, 2020. (Doc. 27-3,

notified by his Grievance Officer that grievance # 863893 had been investigated by the BII

and his allegations “were deemed unsubstantiated,” and therefore under DC-ADM 804, his

grievance was denied. (Doc. 22-6, at 7). This delayed Betancourth’s appeal of the denial of

his grievance to his facility manager to October 21, 2020. (Doc. 22-6, at 6). The appeal of

grievance # 863893 to his facility manager was denied on November 9, 2020. (Doc. 22-6, at

5).

While DC-ADM 804 and DC-ADM 001 are interrelated, they are not interchangeable.

Prater, 76 F.4th at 204. DC-ADM 001 does not provide an alternative method of exhaustion

to DC-ADM 804. Prater, 76 F.4th at 203. However, a typical DC-ADM 804 review cannot

proceed until the completion of an investigation in accordance with DC-ADM 001.9 Prater,

76 F.4th at 203. “[A] prison’s failure to timely respond to an inmate’s properly filed grievance

renders its remedies ‘unavailable’ under the PLRA.” Robinson v. Superintendent Rockview SCI,

831 F.3d 148 (3d Cir. 2016); see also Powe v. Ennis, 177 F.3d 393, 394 (5th Cir. 1999) (“A

at 2). The review and decision were sent by James C. Barnacle to the Superintendent of SCI-

Dallas on October 9, 2020. (Doc. 27-3, at 59). Given the fifteen-day deadline, the review

should have been sent to the Superintendent on May 28, 2020. (Doc. 27-3, at 2; Doc. 27-4, at

7).

9 In Prater, the Third Circuit describes the interaction between DC-ADM 804 and DC-

ADM 001 as follows:

ADM 804's cross reference to ADM 001 reveals that the two policies work in

tandem, not in place of one another. When an inmate brings an abuse

grievance, the normal ADM 804 review does not proceed until an investigation occurs

in accordance with ADM 001. The Grievance Officer does not provide an initial response

to an abuse-related grievance until he receives and reviews the documentation from the

ADM 001 investigation. But that does not change the fact that ADM 804 is the

sole procedure for obtaining an adjudicatory decision subject to appeal. A

different conclusion would nullify the grievance review process outlined by

ADM 804. While ADM 001 produces investigative reports that may help the

ADM 804 process along, among other purposes, it does not replace ADM 804.

76 F.4th at 204 (emphasis added).

prisoner’s administrative remedies are deemed exhausted when a valid grievance has been

filed and the state’s time for responding thereto has expired.”). The Third Circuit is clear, “the

PLRA requires that prisoners comply with the procedural demands of a system created by

their jailors. No less must prisons comply with the demands of the system they created.”

Shifflett v. Korszniak, 934 F.3d 356 (3d Cir. 2019). Because a “DC-ADM 804 review cannot

proceed until the completion of an investigation in accordance with DC-ADM 001,”

administrative remedies became unavailable to Betancourth when the OSII “failed to timely

(by its own procedural rules) respond to his grievance” by delaying their review for four and

a half months, way beyond the fifteen day deadline. 10Prater, 76 F.4th at 203; Robinson, 831

F.3d at 154; see Shifflett, 934 F.3d at 359 (“[Plaintiff] exhausted administrative remedies and

acquired the right to come into federal court when the prison did not decide the initial appeal

of his grievances within the time limits specified by the grievance policy.”) Accordingly, the

Court will deny summary judgment on this ground. 11

B. APPLICATION OF THE HECK DOCTRINE

In Heck v. Humphrey, the Supreme Court held that:

10 Additionally, Betancourth’s “decision to accept [the belated OSII response] in good

faith and pursue his claim through the remainder of the belated administrative process does

not rectify the prisons errors.” Robinson, 831 F.3d at 154.

11 The Court acknowledges Betancourth’s argument that the administrative remedy

procedures at SCI-Dallas are a “sham.” (Doc. 28, at 12-14). However, as the Court has found

summary judgment is not appropriate on the exhaustion issue, the Court will not address this

argument on the merits. (Doc. 28, at 12-14). Additionally, the Court notes that while

Betancourth argues that Officer Knorr was disciplined for his handling of the April 17, 2020

incident, demonstrating that “that even when an investigation into a corrections officer finds

that he violated DOC policies, an inmate’s grievance will still be denied,” the disciplinary

record provides Officer Knorr was not found in violation of DOC policies or for closing the

wicket of Betancourth’s arm, but for “not securing the wicket immediately after placing the

Styrofoam container in the food aperture.” (Doc. 27-5, at 2; Doc. 28, at 13).

In order to recover damages for allegedly unconstitutional conviction or

imprisonment, or for other harm caused by actions whose unlawfulness would

render a conviction or sentence invalid, a Section 1983 plaintiff must prove that

the conviction or sentence has been reversed on direct appeal, expunged by

executive order, declared invalid by a state tribunal authorized to make such

[a] determination, or called into question by a federal court's issuance of a writ

of habeas corpus, 28 U.S.C. § 2254. A claim for damages bearing that

relationship to a conviction or sentence that has not been so invalidated is not

cognizable under § 1983. Thus, when a state prisoner seeks damages in a § 1983

suit, the district court must consider whether a judgment in favor of the plaintiff

would necessarily imply the invalidity of his conviction or sentence; if it would,

the complaint must be dismissed unless the plaintiff can demonstrate that the

conviction or sentence has already been invalidated.

Heck, 512 U.S. at 486-87 (footnote omitted).

This “favorable-termination requirement is rooted in pragmatic concerns with

avoiding parallel criminal and civil litigation over the same subject matter and the related

possibility of conflicting civil and criminal judgments.” McDonough v. Smith, 139 S. Ct. 2149,

2152 (2019). “The requirement likewise avoids allowing collateral attacks on criminal

judgments through civil litigation.” McDonough, 139 S. Ct. at 2152. However, in the context

of an excessive force claim, the Heck doctrine does not create a per se bar on claims of excessive

force even where plaintiff has been convicted of the underlying arrest, crime, or misconduct

arising from the incident where force was used. Garrison v. Porch, 376 F. App'x 274, 277-78

(3d Cir. 2010) (excessive force claim not barred by Heck despite simple assault conviction);

Lora-Pena v. FBI, 529 F.3d 503, 506 (3d Cir. 2008) (resisting arrest and assault conviction did

not bar excessive force claim); Nelson v. Jashurek, 109 F.3d 142, 145-46 (3d Cir. 1997) (resisting

arrest conviction did not bar excessive force claim).

Officer Knorr argues that Heck is applicable in this case because accepting

Betancourth’s version of events would invalidate his conviction. (Doc. 23, at 8). Betancourth

argues that the Heck doctrine does not bar claims of excessive force per se, and that, because

a jury could find Officer Knorr used excessive force was used despite the conviction, the Heck

doctrine does not apply. (Doc. 28, at 23).

The Court agrees with Betancourth. Summary judgment would be inappropriate

because a reasonable juror could find Betancourth’s conviction stands even if he successfully

argues Officer Knorr used excessive force. (Doc. 22-4, at 2; Doc. 23, at 7-11; Doc. 27-2, ¶ 6,

Doc. 28, at 22-24); see Flood v. Schaefer, 367 F. App'x 315, 319 (3d Cir. 2010) (finding when it

is “analytically possible” that an alleged constitutional violation would not negate a

conviction, plaintiff is not barred by the Heck doctrine); see also Garrison, 376 F. App'x at 279

(explaining an excessive force claim was not barred by Heck because “[a] reasonable jury could

find that, even considering [Plaintiff’s] initial behavior which constituted a simple assault,

[Defendant] used an unreasonable amount of force in arresting him, and in doing so violated

his constitutional rights.”). Betancourth was convicted of Refusing to Obey An Order. (Doc.

22-4, at 2). Based on the misconduct report, Officer Knorr ordered Betancourth to drop a cup

he was holding12 and to return his hand inside his cell.13 (Doc. 22-3, at 2). A reasonable juror

could find both that Betancourth was properly convicted of refusing Officer Knorr’s order to

drop the cup and/or remove his hand, and that Officer Knorr used excessive force by pressing

Betancourth’s hand in the food aperture with increasing strength to the point where

Betancourt declares he was “screaming in pain.” (Doc. 22-4 at 2; Doc. 27-1; Doc. 27-2, ¶ 8).

Accordingly, the Court will deny summary judgment on the basis of Heck. (Doc. 21); see

12 There is an issue of material fact regarding whether Betancourth as holding a cup at

the time of the incident. (Doc. 22-2, at 6; Doc. 22-3, at 2; Doc. 27-2, ¶¶ 12-14).

13 Betancourth admits that he did not obey Officer Knorr’s order to “put my arm back

in my cell because it was trapped in the plastic.” (Doc. 22-4, at 2; Doc. 22-6, at 8; Doc. 27-2,

¶ 6).

Bingham v. Knorr, No. 3:21-CV-1697, 2023 WL 5153548, at *5 (M.D. Pa. Aug. 10, 2023)

(determining that because a reasonable juror could find excessive force was used by

correctional officers despite an inmate’s conviction for the underlying misconduct, Heck

doctrine was inapplicable and summary judgment was inappropriate).

C. EIGHTH AMENDMENT VIOLATIONS

When prison officials are accused of using excessive force in violation of the Eighth

Amendment, the 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, 7 (1992). Not “every malevolent touch by a prison guard” violates the Eighth

Amendment. Hudson, 503 U.S. at 9. The Third Circuit has provided;

In determining whether a correctional officer has used excessive force in

violation of the Eighth Amendment, courts look to several factors including:

(1) “the need for the application of force”; (2) “the relationship between the

need and the amount of force that was used”; (3) “the extent of injury inflicted”;

(4) “the extent of the threat to the safety of staff and inmates, as reasonably

perceived by responsible officials on the basis of the facts known to them”; and

(5) “any efforts made to temper the severity of a forceful response.”

Brooks v. Kyler, 204 F.3d 102, 106 (3d Cir. 2000) (quoting Whitley v. Albers, 475

U.S. 312, 321(1986)).

“The Eighth Amendment's prohibition of ‘cruel and unusual’ punishments necessarily

excludes from constitutional recognition de minimis uses of physical force, provided that the

use of force is not of a sort ‘repugnant to the conscience of mankind.’” Hudson, 503 U.S. at 9

(quoting Whitley, 475 U.S. at 327 (1986)). Thus, “[a]n inmate who complains of a ‘push or

shove’ that causes no discernible injury almost certainly fails to state a valid excessive force

claim.” Wilkins v. Gaddy, 559 U.S. 34, 38 (2010). However, to establish an Eighth Amendment

excessive force claim, an inmate does not need to show that he suffered a significant, or even

a more than de minimis, injury. Wilkins, 559 U.S. at 37. Rather, the central issue is whether

the force used by the officer was appropriate given the circumstances, not the injury caused

by the officer. Flood v. Schaefer, 439 F. Appx. 179, 182 (3d Cir. 2011); see also Sosa v. Grillo, No.

12-1724, 2014 WL 359673, at *12 (M.D. Pa. Feb. 3, 2014).

Officer Knorr argues he used force because Betancourth ignored his orders to stop

“interfering with the wicket and reaching for a cup of unknown liquid.” (Doc. 23, at 11).

Officer Knorr states that as a reaction to Betancourth’s refusal to obey orders, he “closed the

wicket on [Betancourth’s] hand until compliance was gained.” (Doc. 23, at 11). Betancourth

submits there are still issues of material fact surrounding whether excessive force was used

given the particular facts of this case. (Doc. 28, at 14-18).

Summary judgment is inappropriate at this juncture because there are issues of

material fact surrounding the necessity of the force used by Officer Knorr. See Giles v. Kearney,

571 F.3d 318, 326-27 (3d Cir. 2009) (reversing a grant of summary judgment where there were

issues of material fact surrounding the necessity of the force). There are three versions of

events under review of this Court: Betancourth’s version, as documented in his grievances,

BII interview, and declaration; Officer Knorr’s version, as documented in his misconduct

reports and BII interview; and the surveillance footage version of the event that does not

include sound.14 (Doc. 22-2, at 6; Doc. 22-3, at 2; Doc. 27-1; Doc. 27-2, ¶¶ 5-9); Ricks, 891

F.3d at 480.

14 Courts are permitted to review video evidence when deciding whether any genuine

disputes of material fact exist for the purposes of a motion for summary judgment, including

for cases involving use of excessive force. See Bomar v. Braunlich, No. CV 17-1035, 2022 WL

17828858, at *1 (W.D. Pa. Dec. 21, 2022); see, e.g., McDowell v. Sheerer, 374 F. App'x 288, 291-

92 (3d. Cir. 2010) (quoting Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 380 (2007) (holding that a Court must

view facts in the light depicted by video evidence where there are no allegations that the

footage has been doctored or altered in any way). Accordingly, in considering whether the

record supports unequivocally that Defendants did or did not use excessive force, the Court

All parties agree and the video footage confirms that the incident took place as Officer

Knorr was handing Betancourth an apple. (Doc. 22-3, at 2; Doc. 22-6, at 8; Doc. 27-1; Doc.

27-2, ¶ 15). Betancourth claims Officer Knorr “slammed the wicket door on [his] hand” while

demanding Betancourth put his hand back inside his cell. (Doc. 22-6, at 8). Betancourth

alleges he told Officer Knorr he was unable to comply because his hand was pinned in the

wicket. (Doc. 22-6, at 8). As way of a response, Officer Knorr “began jumping on” the wicket,

causing Betancourth to cry out in pain. (Doc. 22-6, at 8). Betancourth states he required

medical care as a result of the incident. (Doc. 22-6, at 8; Doc. 27-2, ¶¶ 18-19). Video footage

of the event corroborates Betancourth’s assertion that Officer Knorr escalated in the amount

of force he used on the wicket, however Officer Knorr does not appear to be jumping.15 (Doc.

22-6, at 8). The video depicts Officer Knorr closing the wicket on Betancourth’s hand and

wrist and applying pressure. (Doc. 27-1, at 0:25-0:45). After several seconds, Officer Knorr

uses both hands to press down with full force on Betancourth’s wrist. (Doc. 27-1, at 0:35).

Because there is no sound, it is unclear whether Betancourth cried out or what orders Officer

Knorr was giving at the time of the incident. (Doc. 27-1). From start to finish, Betancourth’s

arm is closed ion the wicket for about twenty seconds. (Doc. 27-1, at 0:25-0:45).

According to Officer Knorr, Betancourth grabbed Officer Knorr’s hand while he was

passing out lunch. (Doc. 22-3, at 2). In the video, it does appear Betancourth is grabbing for

something, though he does not make significant contact with Officer Knorr’s arm. (Doc. 27-

considers the video footage of the incident attached by Betancourth as an exhibit to his answer

to Defendants’ statement of material facts. (Doc. 27-1).

15 An inmate-witness testified to the BII that he heard Betancourth tell Officer Knorr,

“Your gonna break my arm,” and that Officer Knorr subsequently threatened the inmate-

witness saying, “Ya f[***] with me what happened to Betancourth will happen to you.” (Doc.

27-3, at 5, 6).

1, at 0:23). Officer Knorr alleges Betancourth grabbed a cup “full of an unknown substance”

inside his cell. (Doc. 22-3, at 2). This is not visible from the video, which provides no view of

what happened in Betancourth’s cell. (Doc. 27-1). After Betancourth refused orders to put the

cup down and remove his hand from the wicket, Officer Knorr admits he closed the wicket

door on Betancourth’s hand. (Doc. 22-6, at 2). Once Betancourth dropped the cup, Officer

Knorr claims he opened the wicket door. (Doc. 22-6, at 2). He does not mention the escalating

force he used on the wicket door.16 (Doc. 22-6).

Taking the facts in the light most favorable to Betancourth, a reasonable jury could

conclude that Officer Knorr used excessive force in violation of the Eighth Amendment. See

Bingham v. Knorr, No. 3:21-CV-1697, 2023 WL 5153548, at *6 (M.D. Pa. Aug. 10, 2023)

(denying summary judgment where a reasonable jury could find an inmate’s story alleging

excessive force in violation of the Eight Amendment credible). Accordingly, summary

judgment on Betancourth’s Eighth Amendment claim is denied. See Zimmerman v. Schaeffer,

654 F. Supp. 2d 226, 252 (M.D. Pa. 2009) (Finding, “[i]n sum, genuine issues of material fact

preclude Defendants' motions for summary judgment in all respects apart from [Plaintiff’s]

Eighth Amendment claim for excessive force”); see also Bingham, 2023 WL 5153548, at *6

(“At this point, taking the facts in the light most favorable to the non-movant, a reasonable

jury could find [Plaintiff’s] version of events credible and conclude that Defendants used

excessive force in violation of the Eighth Amendment”).

D. QUALIFIED IMMUNITY

16 A staff witness testified to the BII that he heard Officer Knorr give Betancourth

verbal orders to “drop the cup” that Betancourth did not comply with. (Doc. 27-3, at 6). In

response, Officer Knorr applied “additional pressure.” (Doc. 27-3, at 6). Another staff witness

testified that Betancourth “grabbed at officer Knorr’s hand and then placed his hand outside

of the wicket in an effort to take it hostage.” (Doc. 27-3, at 8).

Qualified immunity provides not merely a “defense to liability,” but rather “immunity

from suit.” Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 227 (1991). Specifically, “[q]ualified immunity

shields federal and state officials from money damages unless a plaintiff pleads facts showing

(1) that the official violated a statutory or constitutional right, and (2) that the right was

‘clearly established’ at the time of the challenged conduct.” Ashcroft v. al-Kidd, 563 U.S. 731,

735 (2011). An official who reasonably believes his conduct to be lawful is thus protected, as

qualified immunity provides “ample room for mistaken judgments by protecting all but the

plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law.” Kelly v. Borough of Carlisle, 622

F.3d 248, 254 (3d Cir. 2010). At the time of the violation, there must be a clear legal principle

that “prohibit[s] the officer's conduct in the particular circumstances before him. The rule's

contours must be so well defined that it is clear to a reasonable officer that his conduct was

unlawful in the situation he confronted.” District of Columbia v. Wesby, 583 U.S. 48, 63 (2018)

(internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The Supreme Court “repeatedly ha[s]

stressed the importance of resolving immunity questions at the earliest possible stage in

litigation.” Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 232 (2009).

Here, because the parties challenge whether Officer Knorr violated a clearly

established right, the Court will consider the second prong of the qualified immunity analysis

first. (Doc. 23, at 11-13; Doc. 28, at 19). “A right is ‘clearly established’ if a reasonable actor

under the circumstances would have known that his or her conduct impinged upon

constitutional mandates.” Broadwater v. Fow, 945 F. Supp. 2d 574, 585 (M.D. Pa. 2013). A

right may be clearly established without “a case directly on point, but existing precedent must

have placed the statutory or constitutional question beyond debate.” al-Kidd, 563 U.S. at 741.

“In determining whether a right has been clearly established, the court must define the right

allegedly violated at the appropriate level of specificity.” Sharp v. Johnson, 669 F.3d 144, 159

(3d Cir. 2012); see also al–Kidd, 131 563 U.S. at 742 (“We have repeatedly told courts ... not

to define clearly established law at a high level of generality. The general proposition, for

example, that an unreasonable search or seizure violates the Fourth Amendment is of little

help in determining whether the violative nature of particular conduct is clearly established.”)

(citations omitted). Because the line between acceptable force and excessive force can be

difficult to discern, an officer is entitled to qualified immunity absent existing precedent which

“‘squarely governs’ the specific facts at issue” and adequately notifies the officer that a specific

use of force is unlawful. Kisela v. Hughes, 138 S. Ct. 1148, 1153 (2018) (quoting Mullenix v.

Luna, 577 U.S. 7, 15 (2015)). The caselaw does not have to be “directly on point,” but existing

precedent must have placed the question of unlawfulness “beyond debate.” Jacobs v.

Cumberland Cnty., 8 F.4th 187, 196 (3d Cir. 2021) (quoting al-Kidd, 563 U.S. at 741.).

Here, Officer Knorr challenges whether the conduct Betancourth complains of

violated a clearly established right. (Doc. 23, at 13). Pointing to Taylor v. Reinard, where this

Court granted summary judgment in favor of an officer “who forcibly removed a plaintiff’s

hand from a wicket,” Officer Knorr asserts he is entitled to summary judgment. No. 3:CV-12-

0891, 2013 WL 4647421 (M.D. Pa. Aug. 28, 2013). Betancourth distinguishes Taylor from

the facts at bar, stating that the correctional officer “in Taylor, instead of forcefully pushing

on the aperture as Knorr did, backed away from the cell door when he realized the inmate

could not harm him.” (Doc. 28, at 20); 2013 WL 4647421, at *2 (providing that after the

correctional officer attempted to close the wicket and Inmate-Plaintiff ignored orders to

remove his hands, the correctional officer retreated because he “could see both of [Inmate-

Plaintiff’s] hands, and quickly observed that [Inmate-Plaintiff] did not appear to have a

weapon,” thus was not a threat). This Court agrees with Betancourth’s characterization of

Taylor and finds that, in this case, factual disputes exist that may result in a jury finding that

Officer Knorr violated Betancourth’s Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and

unusual punishment. See supra. Thus, because there are still questions of material fact

surrounding whether Officer Knorr violated a clearly established right, Officer Knorr is not

entitled to qualified immunity at this time. See Giles, 571 F.3d at 327-28 (finding correctional

officers were not entitled to qualified immunity where “a dispute of material fact” existed

regarding the alleged excessive force because “the critical event was controverted”); see also

Younger v. Gross, No. 20-878, 2023 WL 2433363, at *8 (W.D. Pa. Mar. 9, 2023) (denying

summary judgment because there were questions of material fact surrounding the alleged use

of force that prevented a finding of qualified immunity).

IV. CONCLUSION

For the reasons stated herein, the Officer Knorr’s motion for summary judgment is

DENIED.

An appropriate Order follows.

BY THE COURT:

Dated: March 29, 2024 s/ Karoline Mehalchick

KAROLINE MEHALCHICK

United States District Judge