# Pettigrew v. Shelby County Correctional Center Warden

> District Court, W.D. Tennessee · March 30, 2023

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10452722

## Case

- **Court:** District Court, W.D. Tennessee
- **Decided:** March 30, 2023
- **Opinion:** 100trialcourt
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
WESTERN DIVISION

KELVIN PETTIGREW, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
vs. ) No. 22-1101-SHM-tmp
)
SHELBY COUNTY CORR. CTR. WARDEN, )
et al., )
)
Defendants. )

ORDER GRANTING IN PART & DENYING IN PART THE PENDING MOTION (ECF NO. 7);
VACATING THE ORDER DISMISSING CASE (ECF NO. 5) & THE JUDGMENT (ECF NO. 6);
REOPENING THE CASE;
DIRECTING PETTIGREW TO FILE A NON-PRISONER IN FORMA PAUPERIS AFFIDAVIT;
MODIFYING THE DOCKET;
DISMISSING THE COMPLAINT (ECF NO. 1) WITH PREJUDICE IN PART & WITHOUT
PREJUDICE IN PART;
AND GRANTING LEAVE TO AMEND THE CLAIMS DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE

On May 20, 2022, Kelvin Pettigrew filed a pro se complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983
(ECF No. 1) and a motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis (ECF No. 2 (the “IFP Motion”)).
When Pettigrew filed the complaint, he was confined at the Shelby County Correctional Center
(the “SCCC”) in Memphis, Tennessee. (ECF No. 1-2 at PageID 6.) Because the IFP Motion did
not include “a current copy of [Pettigrew’s] [inmate] trust account statement”, the Court entered
an Order on May 20, 2022, that directed Pettigrew to comply with 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(2) or pay
the $402 civil filing fee. (ECF No. 4 at PageID 11-12 (the “May 20 Order”).) The Clerk of Court
mailed the May 20 Order to Pettigrew at the SCCC. (Id.) On August 4, 2022, the Court entered
an Order (1) denying the motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis, (2) dismissing the case
without prejudice, and (3) assessing the $402 civil filing fee because Pettigrew had failed to
comply with the May 20 Order. (ECF No. 5 (the “Dismissal Order”).) On August 4, 2022, the
Court entered judgment. (ECF No. 6 (the “Judgment”).) On August 18, 2022, Pettigrew filed a
motion to vacate judgment, to re-instate the case, and to serve summons on all Defendants. (ECF
No. 7 (the “Motion”).)
The Motion is before the Court.
For the reasons explained below: (1) the Motion (ECF No. 7) is GRANTED to the extent

Pettigrew seeks to (a) vacate the Dismissal Order and the Judgment and (b) re-open the case; (2)
the Dismissal Order (ECF No. 5) and the Judgment (ECF No. 6) are VACATED; (3) the Clerk is
DIRECTED to re-open the case; (4) the Motion is DENIED to the extent Pettigrew seeks to serve
summons on all Defendants; (5) the complaint (ECF No. 1) is DISMISSED WITHOUT
PREJUDICE for failure to state a claim to relief; and (6) leave to amend is GRANTED.
I. THE MOTION
The Motion alleges that the SCCC “has had chaotic to non-existent mail delivery since …
May 2020” and that Pettigrew received the Judgment on August 11, 2022. (ECF No. 7 at PageID
17.) Pettigrew alleges that he had “sent in his inmate account statement on 05/2022.” (ECF No.

7 at PageID 17.) Pettigrew alleges that he “kept copies of his submission to the Court and is
resending it with this [Motion].” (Id.) The Motion attaches a three-page printout about “Inmate
Kelvin D. Pettigrew” covering “order[s]” and “deposit[s]” during the period November 6, 2021
through May 2, 2022. (ECF No. 7-1 (the “Statement”) at PageID 19-21 (showing an account
balance of -$2.49; and bearing the signature of “A. Taylor”, dated May 6, 2022, under a stamped
statement of “I hereby certify that this is a current inmate trust fund statement of account”).)
Pettigrew does not explain why he did not submit the Statement with the complaint (ECF No. 1)
or the IFP Motion (ECF No. 2), which were filed on May 20, 2022. Pettigrew does not identify
the particular date on which he allegedly mailed the Statement to the Court. (ECF No. 7 at PageID
17.)
The Motion seeks: (1) sanctions against the SCCC “for non-delivery of mail”; (2) service
of summons on all Defendants by the United States Marshal Service (the “USMS”); (3) an order
directing Pettigrew’s release “from punitive segregation”; and (4) leave to proceed in forma
pauperis. (Id.)
The accuracy of Pettigrew’s representations about the Statement is questionable. The

Statement does not bear: (1) a postmark demonstrating that Pettigrew mailed it to the Court; or (2)
indicia showing that Pettigrew placed the Statement into the SCCC’s mail system in May 2022.
The Clerk of Court did not receive a copy of the Statement from Pettigrew in May 2022, when he
alleges he sent it. (See ECF No. 7 at PageID 17.)1
Nevertheless, because of (1) Pettigrew’s pro se status and (2) his allegation of delays in the
SCCC’s mail system, the Court GRANTS the Motion (ECF No. 7) to the extent Pettigrew seeks
to vacate the Dismissal Order and the Judgment. The Court VACATES the Dismissal Order (ECF
No. 5) and the Judgment (ECF No. 6). The Court directs the Clerk to RE-OPEN the case for the
limited purpose of allowing the Court to screen the complaint (ECF No. 1) pursuant to the Prison

Litigation Reform Act (the “PLRA”), 42 U.S.C. § 1997e.
Pettigrew submitted a properly completed in forma pauperis affidavit with the IFP Motion
(ECF No. 2), and the Motion attaches the Statement. (ECF No. 7.) See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(2).2
The Court GRANTS leave to proceed in forma pauperis in accordance with the terms of the PLRA.
Pettigrew is no longer confined at the SCCC. According to the Tennessee Department of

1 The Clerk of Court has never received a document seeking “to get status on [the] action”,
which Pettigrew alleges he submitted on an unspecified date. (See id. at PageID 18.)

2 “A prisoner seeking to bring a civil action or appeal a judgment in a civil action or
proceeding without prepayment of fees or security therefor, in addition to filing the affidavit filed
under paragraph (1), shall submit a certified copy of the trust fund account statement (or
institutional equivalent) for the prisoner for the 6-month period immediately preceding the filing
Correction’s Felony Offender Information website, Pettigrew is currently assigned to the
Lexington Probation and Parole Office. (See https://foil.app.tn.gov/foil/details.jsp (last accessed
Mar. 29, 2023).) When Pettigrew was released from confinement, the entire amount of his
obligation to pay the civil filing fee remained outstanding because no portion of the fee had been
paid from his inmate trust account at the SCCC. Under these circumstances, the Sixth Circuit has

held that “the obligation to pay the remainder of the fees is to be determined solely on the question
of whether the released individual qualifies for pauper status.” McGore v. Wrigglesworth, 114
F.3d 601, 613 (6th Cir. 1997), partially overruled on other grounds by LaFountain v. Harry, 716
F.3d 944, 951 (6th Cir. 2013). Pettigrew must seek non-prisoner pauper status or pay the four
hundred and two dollar ($402) civil filing fee. Pettigrew is ORDERED to submit, on or before
April 13, 2023, a properly completed and signed non-prisoner in forma pauperis affidavit or
$402.00.3 The Clerk SHALL MAIL Pettigrew a copy of the non-prisoner in forma pauperis
affidavit form along with this Order.
Failure to comply with this Order in a timely manner will result in the dismissal of this

action without further notice, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b), for failure to prosecute.
For the reasons explained below, the Motion (ECF No. 7) is DENIED to the extent
Pettigrew seeks sanctions on the SCCC, service of summons by the USMS, and release from
punitive segregation.

3 The civil filing fee is $350. 28 U.S.C. § 1914(a). Under § 1914(b) and the Schedule of
Fees set out following the statute, an administrative fee of $52 for filing any civil case also is
required. (See https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/fees/district-court-miscellaneous-fee-
schedule.) The $52 administrative fee does not apply if leave to proceed in forma pauperis is
granted. If Pettigrew does not seek non-prisoner pauper status, he will be responsible for the entire
II. THE COMPLAINT
Pettigrew alleges that he was diagnosed with “severe sleep apnea” on an unspecified date
while he was “in custody in Mason, TN.” (ECF No. 1 at PageID 1.) Pettigrew alleges that “[i]t
was determined [that he] needed” a sleep apnea breathing device (the “Equipment”). (Id. at
PageID 2.) Pettigrew alleges that (1) CCA / CoreLogic and (2) Shelby County Corrections have

not provided him with the Equipment. (Id.) Pettigrew filed a grievance about failure to receive
the Equipment. He received no response and was “threatened with punitive relocation or transfer
if he proceeded to file any grievance further.” (Id. at PageID 2.)
The complaint alleges claims of: (1) negligence; and (2) violation of the Americans With
Disabilities Act. (Id. at PageID 2-3.)
Pettigrew sues: (1) the “Director/Warden” of the SCCC (the “Warden”); (2) the United
States Bureau of Prisons (the “BOP”); (3) CCA / CoreLogic (“CCA”)4; (4) the United States
Marshals Service (the “USMS”); and (5) the United States of America (the “USA”). (Id. at PageID
1.)

Pettigrew seeks: (1) injunctive relief requiring provision of the Equipment; and (2) a three
million dollar ($3,000,000.00) “penalty for this flagrant violation of the Americans With
Disabilities Act.” (Id. at PageID 3.)
The Clerk SHALL MODIFY the docket to add Shelby County, Tennessee as a Defendant.
III. LEGAL STANDARD FOR SCREENING
The Court must screen prisoner complaints and dismiss any complaint, or any portion of
it, if the complaint —

4 The Court construes the term “CCA / CoreLogic” in the complaint (ECF No. 1 at PageID
1) to refer to Corrections Corporation of America, which is the former name of CoreCivic – i.e., a
private company that manages correctional facilities across the United States. (See
https://www.corecivic.com/news/corrections-corporation-of-america-rebrands-as-corecivic (last
(1) is frivolous, malicious, or fails to state a claim upon which relief may be
granted; or
(2) seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief.

28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b); see also 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).
In assessing whether the complaint states a claim on which relief may be granted, the Court
applies the standards under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6), as stated in Ashcroft v. Iqbal,
556 U.S. 662, 677–79 (2009), and in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555–57 (2007).
Hill v. Lappin, 630 F.3d 468, 470–71 (6th Cir. 2010). Under those standards, the Court accepts
the complaint’s “well-pleaded” factual allegations as true and then determines whether the
allegations “plausibly suggest an entitlement to relief.” Williams v. Curtin, 631 F.3d 380, 383 (6th
Cir. 2011) (quoting Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 681). The Court does not assume that conclusory allegations
are true, because they are not “factual,” and all legal conclusions in a complaint “must be supported
by factual allegations.” Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 679. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8 provides
guidance on this issue. Although Rule 8 requires a complaint to contain “a short and plain
statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief,” it also requires factual
allegations to make a “‘showing,’ rather than a blanket assertion, of entitlement to relief.”
Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555 n.3.
Courts screening cases accord more deference to pro se complaints than to those drafted
by lawyers. “Pro se complaints are to be held ‘to less stringent standards than formal pleadings
drafted by lawyers,’ and should therefore be liberally construed.” Williams, 631 F.3d at 383
(quoting Martin v. Overton, 391 F.3d 710, 712 (6th Cir. 2004)). Pro se litigants are not exempt
from the requirements of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Wells v. Brown, 891 F.2d 591, 594
(6th Cir. 1989); see also Brown v. Matauszak, 415 F. App’x 608, 612, 613 (6th Cir. 2011)
(affirming dismissal of pro se complaint for failure to comply with “unique pleading requirements”
and stating “a court cannot ‘create a claim which [a plaintiff] has not spelled out in his pleading’”
(quoting Clark v. Nat’l Travelers Life Ins. Co., 518 F.2d 1167, 1169 (6th Cir. 1975))).
IV. SCREENING ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT
A. CLAIMS AGAINST THE BOP, THE USMS, AND THE USA

Pettigrew sues under § 1983. (ECF No. 1 at PageID 1.) To state a claim under § 1983, a
plaintiff must allege two elements: (1) a deprivation of rights secured by the “Constitution and
laws” of the United States, and (2) that a defendant caused harm while acting under color of state
law. Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 150 (1970). Both prongs of this two-part test
must be satisfied to support a claim under § 1983. See Christy v. Randlett, 932 F.2d 502, 504 (6th
Cir. 1991).
The BOP, the USMS, and the USA (collectively, the “Federal Defendants”) are entities of
the United States government, not state actors. To state a viable claim against federal actors, a
plaintiff must allege and show that he was deprived of a right secured by the federal Constitution
or laws of the United States by a person acting under color of federal law. See Bivens v. Six

Unknown Fed. Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). “Analysis under Bivens is identical to that under §
1983, the only difference being that Bivens pertains to federal actors.” Richardson v. United States
Marshals Serv., No. 3:07-cv-0304, 2007 WL 1464582, at *1 (M.D. Tenn. May 15, 2007). Any
claims that Pettigrew has against the Federal Defendants arise under Bivens.
Bivens authorizes damage suits against individual federal officials, but Bivens does not
authorize such suits against the United States, its agencies, or its employees in their official
capacities. Corr. Servs. Corp. v. Malesko, 534 U.S. 61, 72 (2001) (a prisoner “may not bring a
Bivens claim against the officer’s employer, the United States, or the BOP”). A suit under Bivens
may be brought only against individual officers for certain constitutional violations. See Haines
v. Fed. Motor Carrier Safety Admin., 814 F.3d 417, 431 (6th Cir. 2016) (a Bivens action is based
upon alleged constitutional violations by federal officials in their individual capacities). “Bivens
has not been expanded to include actions against the United States itself, or against federal
agencies.” Milligan v. United States, No. 3:07-cv-1053, 2008 WL 19994823, at *12 (M.D. Tenn.
May 2, 2008) (citing Nuclear Transport & Storage, Inc. v. United States, 890 F.2d 1348, 1352 (6th
Cir. 1989) (“Since the United States has not waived its sovereign-immunity and consented

expressly to be sued in a Bivens-type action, such suits cannot be brought against the United
States”)). “Bivens provides no basis for raising constitutional claims against either the United
States or the U.S. Marshals Service.” Milligan, 2008 WL 19994823, at *12.
Pettigrew’s claims under Bivens against the Federal Defendants are DISMISSED WITH
PREJUDICE for failure to state a claim to relief as a matter of law.
B. OFFICIAL CAPACITY CLAIMS

Pettigrew does not state whether he sues the Warden in the Warden’s official or individual
capacity. The Sixth Circuit requires plaintiffs to “set forth clearly in their pleading that they are
suing the state defendants in their individual capacity for damages, not simply in their capacity as
state officials.” Wells, 891 F.2d at 592. “Absent a specification of capacity, it is presumed that a
state official is sued in his official capacity.” Northcott v. Plunkett, 42 F. App'x 795, 796 (6th Cir.
2002) (citing Wells, 891 F.2d at 593). The Court construes the complaint to allege that Pettigrew
sues the Warden in the Warden’s official capacity. Pettigrew’s official capacity claims against the
Warden are treated as claims against the Warden’s employer — Shelby County. See Jones v.
Union Cnty., Tennessee, 296 F.3d 417, 421 (6th Cir. 2002) (citing Matthews v. Jones, 35 F.3d
1046, 1049 (6th Cir. 1994)).
Shelby County may be held liable only if Pettigrew’s injuries were sustained pursuant to
an unconstitutional custom or policy of Shelby County. See Monell v. Dep’t. of Soc. Serv., 436
U.S. 658, 691-92 (1978). To demonstrate municipal liability, a plaintiff “must (1) identify the
municipal policy or custom, (2) connect the policy to the municipality, and (3) show that his
particular injury was incurred due to execution of that policy.” Alkire v. Irving, 330 F.3d 802, 815
(6th Cir. 2003) (citing Garner v. Memphis Police Dep't, 8 F.3d 358, 364 (6th Cir. 1993)). “[T]he
touchstone of ‘official policy’ is designed ‘to distinguish acts of the municipality from acts
of employees of the municipality, and thereby make clear that municipal liability is limited to

action for which the municipality is actually responsible.’” City of St. Louis v. Praprotnik, 485
U.S. 112, 138 (1988) (quoting Pembaur v. Cincinnati, 475 U.S. 469, 479-80 (1986) (emphasis in
original)).
Pettigrew does not allege that he has been deprived of a right because of a policy or custom
of Shelby County. Instead, he seeks relief based on failure to receive the Equipment. Pettigrew
does not allege that the Warden (1) was aware of Pettigrew’s purported need for the Equipment or
(2) refused to provide the Equipment pursuant to a Shelby County policy or custom. The
complaint’s allegations do not demonstrate an official policy or custom of Shelby County that
caused Pettigrew to suffer deprivation of his constitutional rights.

Pettigrew’s claims against Shelby County and against the Warden in the Warden’s official
capacity are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE for failure to allege sufficient facts
demonstrating a claim to relief.
C. CLAIMS AGAINST CCA / CORELOGIC

Pettigrew alleges that the SCCC received Pettigrew’s “complete medical file” from
Pettigrew’s prior correctional facility in Mason, Tennessee, but that CCA has not provided the
Equipment to him. (ECF No. 1 at PageID 2.)
“A private corporation that performs the traditional state function of operating a prison acts
under color of state law for purposes of § 1983.” Thomas v. Coble, 55 F. App’x 748, 748 (6th Cir.
2003) (citing Street v. Corr. Corp. of Am., 102 F.3d 810, 814 (6th Cir. 1996)). The Sixth Circuit
has applied the standards for assessing municipal liability to claims against private corporations
that operate prisons or provide medical care to prisoners. Thomas, 55 F. App’x at 748-49; Street,
102 F.3d at 817-18. CCA “cannot be held liable under a theory of respondeat superior.” Braswell
v. Corr. Corp. of Am., 419 F. App’x 622, 627 (6th Cir. 2011). To prevail on a § 1983 claim against
CCA, Pettigrew “must show that a policy or well-settled custom of the company was the ‘moving

force’ behind the alleged deprivation” of Pettigrew’s rights. See id.
The complaint does not describe a policy or custom of CCA and does not allege that
Pettigrew was denied the Equipment pursuant to a policy or custom of CCA. Pettigrew does not
allege facts demonstrating that a CCA policy was “the moving force” behind a violation of
Pettigrew’s constitutional rights. (See ECF No. 1 at PageID 1-3.)
For these reasons, Pettigrew’s claims against the CCA are DISMISSED WITHOUT
PREJUDICE for failure to allege sufficient facts stating a claim to relief.
D. CLAIMS AGAINST “ET. AL.”

Pettigrew sues “et. al.” as a Defendant. (ECF No. 1 at PageID 1.)

Pettigrew’s use of “et. al.” fails to state a claim against anyone. See Marcilis v. Twp. of
Redford, 693 F.3d 589, 596–97 (6th Cir. 2012); Frazier v. Michigan, 41 F. App’x 762, 764 (6th
Cir. 2002). Pettigrew may not make claims against a universe of unspecified persons who have
no notice of claims against them. Pettigrew’s claims against “et. al.” are DISMISSED WITH
PREJUDICE for failure to state a claim to relief.
E. CLAIM OF NEGLIGENCE

Pettigrew alleges that he “is suffering from intentional negligence” and that “he has no
choice [but] … to bring this action against the Defendants … due to deliberate negligence.” (ECF
No. 1 at Page 2.) Pettigrew’s claim of negligence is not well taken.
Negligent conduct is not actionable under § 1983 because it does not rise to the level of a
constitutional deprivation. See Lewellen v. Metropolitan Gov’t of Nashville & Davidson Co.,
Tenn., 34 F.3d 345 (6th Cir. 1994) (“[I]t is now firmly settled that injury caused by negligence
does not constitute a ‘deprivation’ of any constitutionally protected interest”).
Pettigrew’s claim of negligence is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE for failure to state a
claim to relief under § 1983 as a matter of law.

F. CLAIM OF VIOLATION OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Pettigrew alleges that “all Defendants” are liable for “violation of the Americans With
Disabilities Act.” (ECF No. 1 at PageID 3.) Pettigrew does not allege facts supporting his legal
conclusion.
The Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12131, et seq. (the “ADA”), is
applicable to state and local government entities, including prisons and county jail
facilities. Doker v. Montgomery Cnty. Jail, No. 3:17-cv-0947, 2017 WL 3172745, at *1 (M.D.
Tenn. July 26, 2017). To establish a prima facie case under the ADA, a plaintiff must show that:
(1) he has a disability; (2) he is otherwise qualified; and (3) he is being excluded from participating

in, being denied the benefits of, or being subjected to discrimination under the program solely
because of his disability. Anderson v. City of Blue Ash, 798 F.3d 338, 357 (6th Cir. 2015). To
succeed on a claim under the ADA, Pettigrew must first demonstrate that he is a member of a
protected class because he has a disability within the meaning of the ADA. Under the ADA, a
“disability” is a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major
life activities.” 42 U.S.C. § 12102(2)(A). Major life activities include breathing, hearing, seeing,
walking and working. See 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(i).
Pettigrew alleges that he “frequently stops breathing in his sleep.” (ECF No. 1 at PageID
1.) Pettigrew does not allege facts demonstrating a substantial limitation on his ability to breathe
because he alleges that sleep apnea affects his breathing only during sleep. Pettigrew does not
allege that sleep apnea prevents him from engaging in activities other than sleep. The Sixth Circuit
has concluded, in similar sleep apnea contexts:
[Plaintiff]’s bare assertions of sleep apnea, without any supporting medical
evidence, cannot establish a ‘physical or mental impairment’ within the meaning of
the ADA … Our circuit precedent has consistently held that sleeping problems like
[Plaintiff]’s – ‘getting only 2 to 3 hours of restful sleep per night, ... snoring, and
extreme difficulty breathing while sleeping’ – fail to constitute a substantial
limitation on a major life activity … While sleep apnea may well constitute a
disability for some individuals, [the plaintiff’s] descriptions of the effects of his
condition are insufficient to establish the level of severity required to qualify as a
‘substantial limitation’ on major life activities.

Neely v. Benchmark Family Serv., 640 F. App’x 429, 433-34 (6th Cir. 2016) (internal citations and
quotations omitted); accord Rossi v. Alcoa, 129 F. App’x 154, 158 (6th Cir. 2005).5
Pettigrew fails to allege facts demonstrating a substantial limitation on (1) the major life
activity of breathing or (2) major life activities other than breathing. Because the complaint fails
to allege sufficient facts demonstrating that Pettigrew has a disability under the ADA, the Court
need not address the qualification and discrimination prongs of an ADA claim. Pettigrew’s claim
under the ADA is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE for failure to allege facts demonstrating
a claim to relief.
Pettigrew’s allegations about the Equipment would not state a claim to relief even if the
Court were to construe the allegations as a claim of deprivation of medical care under the Eighth
Amendment.

5 See also Cockrell v. United Parcel Serv., No. 3:08-cv-0128, 2009 WL 2448571, at *1
(N.D. Tex. Aug. 10, 2009) (“Plaintiff’s medical records show he has been diagnosed with possible
sleep apnea, but do not reference any problems he has had in caring for himself. Additionally,
sleep apnea is not disabling without evidence that it substantially limits a major life activity.
Plaintiff has not shown he is disabled within the meaning of the ADA. Thus, Plaintiff cannot make
a prima facie case of discrimination under the ADA”); Brown v. Triboro Coach Corp., 153 F.
Supp. 2d 172, 182 (E.D.N.Y. 2001) (“Brown has failed to show a substantial limitation on his
ability to breathe because his sleep apnea affected his breathing only during sleep”).
The Court reviews claims by prisoners6 about the denial of medical care under the Eighth
Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments. See generally Wilson v. Seiter, 501
U.S. 294, 297 (1991). Under Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104 (1976), “deliberate indifference
to serious medical needs of prisoners constitutes the ‘unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain’
... proscribed by the Eighth Amendment.” To state a cognizable Eighth Amendment claim for

deprivation of medical care, “a prisoner must allege acts or omissions sufficiently harmful to
evidence deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.” Id. at 106.
Eighth Amendment claims have both objective and subjective components. Farmer v.
Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994); Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1, 8 (1992); Wilson, 501 U.S.
at 298. The objective component of a medical care claim requires that a prisoner have a serious
medical need. Blackmore v. Kalamazoo Cnty., 390 F.3d 890, 895 (6th Cir. 2004). “[A] medical
need is objectively serious if it is ‘one that has been diagnosed by a physician as mandating
treatment or one that is so obvious that even a lay person would readily recognize the necessity for
a doctor’s attention.’” Blackmore, 390 F.3d at 897; see also Johnson v. Karnes, 398 F.3d 868, 874

(6th Cir. 2005). The subjective component requires that jail officials acted with the requisite intent
– i.e., had a “sufficiently culpable state of mind.” Farmer, 511 U.S. at 834; see also Wilson, 501
U.S. at 302-03 (plaintiffs must show prison officials’ “deliberate indifference” to a substantial risk
of serious harm); Dominguez v. Corr. Med. Servs., 555 F.3d 543, 550 (6th Cir. 2009).
“[D]eliberate indifference describes a state of mind more blameworthy than negligence.” Farmer,
511 U.S. at 835. A prison official cannot be found liable under the Eighth Amendment unless he

6 The plausible inference from the record is that Pettigrew was a prisoner at the time of the
events alleged in the complaint. (See https://foil.app.tn.gov/foil/details.jsp (last accessed Mar. 29,
2023) (Pettigrew’s eight (8) year sentence for cocaine offenses was imposed on March 31, 2003,
subjectively knows of an excessive risk of harm to an inmate’s health or safety and disregards
it. Id. at 837.
Interrupted rest from sleep apnea can constitute a serious medical need for purposes of an
Eighth Amendment claim of deprivation of medical care. However, a diagnosis of sleep apnea
can include a wide range of conditions. An order for a CPAP machine does not necessarily suggest

that Pettigrew’s sleep apnea is serious or life threatening. Pettigrew fails to allege his medical
diagnosis with specificity, relying instead on conclusory allegations about potential risks. (See
ECF No. 1 at PageID 1 (alleging “a severe form of sleep apnea”).)
Pettigrew also fails to support his generalized allegation of “stop[ping] breathing in [his]
sleep.” (Id.) For example, he does not allege the frequency or duration of nocturnal breathing
cessation or whether it causes symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, or daytime
hypersomnia. Pettigrew fails to allege the Eighth Amendment’s objective component.
Pettigrew alleges that the SCCC “received his complete medical file from CCA Mason”
(ECF No. 1 at PageID 2), but he does not allege facts demonstrating (1) what, if anything, the

“medical file” showed about his sleep apnea or (2) that the Warden, an SCCC employee, or a CCA
employee personally examined Pettigrew or otherwise subjectively knew about his “severe form
of sleep apnea.” See Farmer, 511 U.S. at 837. Pettigrew fails to allege the Eighth Amendment’s
subjective prong.
For these reasons, even if the Court were to construe the complaint to allege an Eighth
Amendment claim of inadequate medical care, Pettigrew would fail to state a claim to relief.
G. CLAIM OF PUNITIVE SEGREGATION AND CLAIM FOR SANCTIONS
AGAINST THE SCCC

The Motion (1) alleges that the Defendants have placed Pettigrew in punitive segregation
and (2) seeks sanctions against the SCCC “for non-delivery of mail.” (ECF No. 7 at PageID 18.)
claims, the Court screens the claims infra to expedite screening under the PLRA. See Section I.,
supra.
1. Punitive Segregation: The Motion alleges vaguely that Pettigrew is in “punitive
segregation.” (ECF No. 7 at PageID 18.) Pettigrew’s release from the SCCC mooted his claims
under § 1983 for injunctive relief. See Brasher v. White, No. 9-1279, 2022 WL 599222, at *7

(W.D. Tenn. Feb. 28, 2022) (internal citations omitted).7
2. Undelivered Mail: The plausible inference from the Motion is that Pettigrew seeks
sanctions for “non-delivery” of one or more of the May 20 Order, the Dismissal Order, or the
Judgment, which resulted in the dismissal of the case. (ECF No. 17 at PageID 18.) This Order,
vacates that dismissal. It is not within the province of the Court to supervise the operations of state
correctional facilities, such as by enforcement of mail delivery policies at jails. See Lewellen, 34
F.3d at 347 (§ 1983 does not provide a remedy for violating state laws or regulations).
To the extent Pettigrew alleges a claim of punitive segregation and a claim for sanctions
about undelivered mail, those claims are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.

V. AMENDMENT UNDER THE PLRA
The Sixth Circuit has held that a district court may allow a prisoner to amend his complaint
to avoid a sua sponte dismissal under the PLRA. Lucas v. Chalk, 785 F. App’x 288, 291 (6th Cir.
2019) (citing LaFountain, 716 F.3d at 951) (“[W]e hold, like every other circuit to have reached
the issue, that under Rule 15(a) a district court can allow a plaintiff to amend his complaint even

7 Inmates’ cell assignments do not rise to the level of a constitutional violation. An inmate
does not have a constitutionally protected right to be assigned to a particular prison, security
classification, or housing assignment. Olim v. Wakinekona, 461 U.S. 238 (1983); see also Sandin
v. Conner, 515 U.S. 472, 484-87 (1995); Williams v. Bezy, 97 F. App’x 573, 574 (6th Cir. 2004);
Nunez v. FCI Elkton, 32 F. App’x 724, 725 (6th Cir. 2002). Confinement to disciplinary
segregation and restrictions on unrestrained inmate movements generally do not qualify as atypical
and significant hardship in the context of prison life. See McMillan v. Fielding, 136 F. App’x 818,
when the complaint is subject to dismissal under the PLRA”)); see also Brown v. R.I., 511 F. App’x
4, 5 (1st Cir. 2013) (per curiam) (“Ordinarily, before dismissal for failure to state a claim is
ordered, some form of notice and an opportunity to cure the deficiencies in the complaint must be
afforded”). Leave to amend is not required where a deficiency cannot be cured. Gonzalez-
Gonzalez v. United States, 257 F.3d 31, 37 (1st Cir. 2001) (“This does not mean, of course, that

every sua sponte dismissal entered without prior notice to the plaintiff automatically must be
reversed. If it is crystal clear that ... amending the complaint would be futile, then a sua sponte
dismissal may stand.”); Curley v. Perry, 246 F.3d 1278, 1284 (10th Cir. 2001) (“We agree with
the majority view that sua sponte dismissal of a meritless complaint that cannot be salvaged by
amendment comports with due process and does not infringe the right of access to the courts”).
The Court grants leave to amend those portions of the complaint dismissed without
prejudice under the conditions set forth below.
VI. CONCLUSION
For the reasons explained above:

A. The Motion (ECF No. 7) is GRANTED to the extent Pettigrew seeks to (1) vacate
the Dismissal Order and the Judgment and (2) re-open the case.
B. The Dismissal Order (ECF No. 5) and the Judgment (ECF No. 6) are VACATED.
C. The Clerk is DIRECTED to re-open the case.
D. The Motion (ECF No. 7) is DENIED to the extent Pettigrew seeks to serve
summons on all Defendants.
E. The complaint’s (ECF No. 1) claims under Bivens against the Federal Defendants,
the complaint’s claims against “et. al.”, the claim of negligence, the Motion’s (ECF No. 7) claim
of punitive segregation, and the claim for sanctions are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE for
failure to state a claim to relief as a matter of law. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1915(e)(2)(B) and 1915A(b).
F. The complaint’s (1) claims against Shelby County and against the Warden in the
Warden’s official capacity, (2) claims against the CCA, (3) claim under the ADA, and (4) claim
under the Eighth Amendment for deprivation of medical care (collectively, the “Claims Dismissed
Without Prejudice”) are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE for failure to state a claim to relief.
See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1915(e)(2)(B) and 1915A(b). Leave to amend the Claims Dismissed Without

Prejudice is GRANTED. Amended claims must be filed within twenty-one (21) days after the
date of this Order. An amended pleading must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
including but not limited to Rule 8’s requirement of a short and plain statement of Pettigrew’s
claims. An amended complaint supersedes the complaint and must be complete in itself without
reference to the prior pleadings. Pettigrew must sign the amended complaint, and the text of the
amended complaint must allege sufficient facts to support each claim without reference to any
extraneous document. Any exhibits must be identified by number in the text of the amended
complaint and must be attached to the complaint. All claims alleged in an amended complaint
must arise from the facts alleged in the complaint. Each claim for relief must be stated in a separate

count and must identify each Defendant sued on that count. If Pettigrew fails to file an amended
complaint within the time specified, the Court will dismiss the complaint with prejudice in its
entirety and enter judgment. The Court recommends that any such dismissal should be treated as
a strike pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g). See Simons v. Washington, 996 F.3d 350, 353 (6th Cir.
2021).
G. Pettigrew is ORDERED to submit, on or before April 13, 2023, either a properly
completed and signed non-prisoner in forma pauperis affidavit or $402.00. The Clerk SHALL
MAIL a copy of the non-prisoner in forma pauperis affidavit form to Pettigrew along with this
Order. Pettigrew’s failure to comply with this Order in a timely manner will result in the dismissal
of this action without further notice, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b), for failure to prosecute.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 30th day of March, 2023.

/s/ Samuel H. Mays, Jr.
SAMUEL H. MAYS, JR.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10452722. Public record. Not legal advice.