Opinion
9:09-cv-1106 (GLS/DRH).
September 30, 2010
Keith Terrell Butler, Pro Se, 05-A-1392, Clinton Correctional Facility, Dannemora, NY, Attorney for the Plaintiff.
ROGER W. KINSEY, Assistant Attorney General, HON. ANDREW M. CUOMO, New York State Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY, Attorneys for the Defendants.
MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER
I. Introduction
Pro se plaintiff Keith Terrell Butler brings this action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that defendant L. LaBarge violated his First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. ( See Compl., Dkt. No. 1.) Specifically, Butler, an inmate formerly housed at Upstate Correctional Facility, alleged that during rounds, LaBarge, a corrections officer, stared at Butler's genitalia, licked his lips, and made a lewd comment referencing Butler's genitalia. ( See id. at 5.) In addition, Butler alleged that during a frisk, LaBarge felt his genitalia and aggressively rubbed his buttocks. ( See id.) On November 12, 2009, LaBarge moved to dismiss Butler's complaint. (Dkt. No. 11.) In a Report-Recommendation and Order (R R) filed May 21, 2010, Magistrate Judge David R. Homer recommended that LaBarge's motion be granted. (Dkt. No. 22.) Pending are Butler's objections to the R R. (Dkt. No. 23.) For the reasons that follow, the court adopts the R R and dismisses Butler's claims.
II. Standard of Review
Before entering final judgment, this court routinely reviews all report and recommendation orders in cases it has referred to a magistrate judge. If a party has objected to specific elements of the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations, this court reviews those findings and recommendations de novo. See Almonte v. N.Y. State Div. of Parole, No. 04-cv-484, 2006 WL 149049, at *6-7 (N.D.N.Y. Jan. 18, 2006). In cases in which no party has filed an objection, or only a vague or general objection has been filed, this court reviews the findings and recommendations of a magistrate judge for clear error. See id.
III. Discussion
A. Request for Counsel
In his objections, Butler claims that he should have been afforded counsel due to his mental illness. ( See Pl. Objections at ¶ 7, Dkt. No. 23.) Although Judge Homer did not address this issue in the R R, the court is satisfied that the denial of Butler's request for counsel provides no basis for rejecting the R R's recommended dismissal. In his denial of Butler's request, Judge Homer directed Butler to attempt to obtain counsel on his own or make another motion for appointment of counsel accompanied by the required documentation. ( See May 10, 2010 Order at 2, Dkt. No. 19.) Because Butler has failed to pursue either of these options, the court declines to reject the R R on these grounds.B. First Amendment Claim
Judge Homer recommended dismissal of Butler's First Amendment retaliation claim, reasoning that Butler failed to allege any facts demonstrating an adverse action taken in response to his engagement in a constitutionally protected act. ( See R R at 3 n. 3, Dkt. No. 22.) In his objections, Butler merely reiterates that LaBarge's conduct constituted retaliation. ( See Pl. Objections at ¶ 12, Dkt. No. 23.)To state an actionable retaliation claim, the plaintiff must show that "the conduct at issue was constitutionally protected and that the protected conduct was a substantial or motivating factor in the prison official's decision to discipline the plaintiff." Graham v. Henderson, 89 F.3d 75, 79 (2d Cir. 1996) (citation omitted). "[A] retaliation claim supported by specific and detailed factual allegations" will ordinarily withstand a motion to dismiss. Flaherty v. Coughlin, 713 F.2d 10, 13 (2d Cir. 1983). "However, a complaint which alleges retaliation in wholly conclusory terms may safely be dismissed on the pleadings alone." Id.
Here, Butler alleges that he has been "reminded of [his] most recent adjudication and targeted because [his] most recent crime was against an employee." ( See Pl. Resp. Mem. of Law at 2-3, Dkt. No. 13.) He also alleges that several types of abuse were "in somewhat retaliation." ( See id. at 3.) Such allegations, unsupported by any specific factual details, fail to establish that Butler's constitutionally protected conduct was a substantial factor in causing an adverse action by LaBarge. See Graham, 89 F.3d at 79. Therefore, the court finds no error with Judge Homer's recommended dismissal of Butler's retaliation claim.
C. Eighth Amendment Claim
Judge Homer recommended dismissal of the Eighth Amendment claim based on Butler's failure to allege an "objectively, sufficiently serious" harm for federal constitutional purposes. ( See R R at 5-7, Dkt. No. 6 (quoting Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994)).) Butler argues that his Eighth Amendment rights were violated by LaBarge's alleged illegal search and by the prison supervisor's failure to respond to Butler's reports of sexual misconduct. ( See Pl. Objections at ¶ 10, Dkt. No. 23.) Butler also seems to implicate LaBarge's supervisors for their hiring decisions.
Regarding the alleged illegal search, the Second Circuit has held that severe or repetitive sexual abuse may constitute an Eighth Amendment violation. See Boddie v. Schneider, 105 F.3d 857, 861 (2d Cir. 1997). However, isolated instances of verbal harassment or touching are not "objectively, sufficiently serious" to constitute a constitutional violation. See id.; see also Rhodes v. Chapman, 452 U.S. 337, 348-49 (1981) (acknowledging that not every deviation from an "aspiration toward an ideal environment for long-term confinement" amounts to a constitutional violation). Moreover, although some circuits have recognized that crossgender, clothed-body searches of prisoners by prison officials may violate the Fourth and Eighth Amendments, these violations have been limited to searches of female prisoners by male officials. See Jordan v. Gardner, 986 F.2d 1521, 1524 (9th Cir. 1993). Therefore, the physical intrusion that Butler alleges does not rise to the level of a constitutional violation.
As to the supervisor's failure to respond to Butler's reports of sexual harassment, Butler has not listed LaBarge's supervisor as a defendant in this matter. Furthermore, the Second Circuit has established that personal involvement "is a prerequisite to an award of damages under § 1983." Wright v. Smith, 21 F.3d 496, 501 (2d Cir. 1994) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). A supervisor may be liable under § 1983 for gross negligence or deliberate indifference to a violation of a prisoner's constitutional rights. See id. This, however, requires that a constitutional violation has actually occurred. In the present case, Butler has failed to establish an Eighth Amendment violation. Accordingly, the court adopts the R R's recommendation to dismiss Butler's Eighth Amendment claim.
D. Fourteenth Amendment Claim
Judge Homer recommended dismissal of Butler's Fourteenth Amendment claims for failing to "show that 'he was treated differently than others similarly situated as the result of intentional or purposeful discrimination.'" ( See R R at 2, Dkt. 22 (quoting Phillips v. Girdich, 408 F.3d 124, 129 (2d Cir. 2005)).) In his objections, Butler merely states that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or mental illness violates the Fourteenth Amendment. ( See Pl. Objections at ¶ 10, Dkt. No. 23.)
Although Butler asserts that he suffers from a mental illness, he fails to allege how he has been discriminated against on that basis. As to the sexual orientation claim, it is unclear whether Butler is claiming that the alleged sexual harassment was a result of his sexual orientation. Therefore, the court accepts Judge Homer's recommendation to dismiss Butler's Fourteenth Amendment claims.
E. Eleventh Amendment Immunity
Judge Homer recommended that LaBarge's motion to dismiss be granted based on Eleventh Amendment immunity. ( See R R at 9, Dkt. No 22.) Liberally construing the pleadings, Butler asserts claims against LaBarge in both his official and individual capacity, and seeks $60,000 in monetary relief. ( See Compl. at 6, Dkt. No. 1.)
Butler asserts his claims against LaBarge "in an official capacity." ( See Pl. Reply Mem. of Law.) Butler also asserts that sexual harassment does not pertain to LaBarge's employment, LaBarge is the sole defendant, and he is liable for his own actions. ( See Pl. Objections at ¶¶ 9, 11, Dkt. No 23.)
"Absent a waiver on the part of the state, or a valid congressional override, the [E]leventh [A]mendment prohibits federal courts from entertaining suits by private parties against the states." See Farid v. Smith, 850 F.2d 917, 920-21 (2d Cir. 1988) (citation omitted). This bar extends to "suits against state officials and state agencies if the state is the real party in interest, regardless of whether the state is named as a party to the action." See id. at 921 (citation and emphasis omitted). Moreover, a suit for money damages against a state official in his official capacity amounts to a suit against the state itself. See id. Therefore, the Eleventh Amendment prohibits Butler's claims against LaBarge in his official capacity, and the court adopts the portion of the R R recommending dismissal of these claims.
F. State Law Claims
As to any remaining claim against LaBarge in his individual capacity, the court agrees with Judge Homer that Butler cannot bring an action against LaBarge based on state law. First, the state law upon which Butler bases this action pertains to sexual offenses involving the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). See N.Y. CIV. RIGHTS LAW § 50-b. Seeing as Butler alleges nothing in relation to HIV, the present action cannot be maintained upon that law.
Second, Butler has failed to allege a § 1983 violation. In the absence of original federal jurisdiction, the decision of whether to exercise jurisdiction over pendent state law claims is within the court's discretion. See Kolari v. New York-Presbyterian Hosp., 455 F.3d 118, 121-22 (2d Cir. 2006). The Second Circuit has held that when all federal claims have been eliminated before trial, the balance of factors in deciding whether to exercise jurisdiction over remaining state law claims leans toward dismissal. See id at 122. A court may, however, choose to exercise jurisdiction if a state law claim raises an important question of federal policy. See id. at 122-23. Here, Butler has failed to establish a federal claim or an important issue of federal policy, and the court accepts Judge Homer's recommendation to decline jurisdiction over any state law claims.
In sum, the court is satisfied that the remainder of the R R contains no clear error and accepts the R R in its entirety.
IV. Conclusion
WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, it is hereby
ORDERED that Magistrate Judge David R. Homer's May 21, 2010 Report-Recommendation and Order (Dkt. No. 22) is ADOPTED in its entirety; and it is further
ORDERED that LaBarge's motion to dismiss (Dkt. No. 11) is GRANTED; and it is further
ORDERED that the Clerk close this case; and it is further
ORDERED that the Clerk provide copies of this Memorandum-Decision and Order to the parties.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
September 30, 2010
Albany, New York
REPORT-RECOMMENDATION AND ORDER
This matter was referred to the undersigned for report and recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and N.D.N.Y.L.R. 72.3(c).
Plaintiff pro se Keith Terrell Butler ("Butler"), an inmate in the custody of the New York State Department of Correctional Services ("DOCS"), brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 alleging that defendant, a DOCS employee, violated his constitutional rights under the Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Compl. (Dkt. No. 1). Presently pending is defendant's motion to dismiss pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b). Dkt. No. 11. Butler opposes the motion. Dkt. No. 13. For the following reasons, it is recommended that defendant's motion be granted and that the complaint be dismissed.
The basis for Butler's Fourteenth Amendment claim is unclear. Liberally construing the complaint, however, such contentions are meritless. Essential to that protection is the guarantee that similarly situated persons be treated equally. City of Cleburne, Tex. v. Cleburne Living Ctr., 473 U.S. 432, 439 (1985). In order to establish an equal protection violation, the plaintiff must show that "he was treated differently than others similarly situated as the result of intentional or purposeful discrimination." Phillips v. Girdich, 408 F.3d 124, 129 (2d Cir. 2005). Butler has failed to demonstrate, or even allege facts which establish, that he was treated differently than anyone else, or that he was treated differently based upon intentional and purposeful discrimination. Accordingly, defendants should be granted judgment on all claims asserted under the Fourteenth Amendment.
I. Background
The facts are related herein in the light most favorable to Butler as the non-moving party. See subsection II(A) infra.
On April 7, 2008, Butler was using the bathroom in his cell at Upstate Correctional Facility when LaBarge, a corrections officer, approached his cell on rounds. Compl. (5)(A); Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 3. LaBarge stopped, stared at Butler's genitalia, licked his lips, and made a lewd comment referencing Butler's genitalia. Compl. (5)(A); Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 3. LaBarge left, then returned fifteen minutes later when Butler was taken out of his cell and searched. Compl. (5)(A); Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 3. LaBarge frisked Butler, felt his genitalia, and rubbed his buttocks aggressively. Compl. (5)(A); Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 3. This action followed.
II. Discussion
Butler claims that his Eighth Amendment rights were violated when he was sexually harassed by LaBarge. Liberally construing the complaint, Butler also makes a First Amendment claim against LaBarge for retaliation. LaBarge moves to dismiss because (1) Butler has failed to state a claim, (2) the Eleventh Amendment and New York Correction Law bars suit, and (3) Butler's claims for emotional damages are not cognizable.A. Legal Standard
Rule 12(b)(6) authorizes dismissal of a complaint that states no actionable claim. When considering a motion to dismiss, "a court must accept the allegations contained in the complaint as true, and draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the non-movant." Sheppard v. Beerman, 18 F.3d 147, 150 (2d Cir. 1994). However, this "tenet . . . is inapplicable to legal conclusions[; thus, t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice." Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 129 S. Ct. 1937, 1949 (2009) (citingBell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 554, 555 (2007) (holding that "entitlement to relief requires more than labels and conclusions, and a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action . . . [as] courts are not bound to accept as true a legal conclusion couched as a factual allegation.")).
Accordingly, to defeat a motion to dismiss, a claim must include "facial plausibility . . . that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged." Iqbal, 129 S. Ct. at 1949 (citing Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556 (explaining that the plausibility test "does not impose a probability requirement . . . it simply calls for enough fact to raise a reasonable expectation that discovery will reveal evidence of illegal [conduct].")); see also Arar v. Ashcroft, 585 F.3d 559, 569 (2d Cir. 2009) (holding that, "[o]n a motion to dismiss, courts require enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible. . . .") (citations omitted). Determining whether plausibility exists is "a content specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense." Iqbal, 129 S. Ct. at 1950-51.
When, as here, a party seeks summary judgment against a pro se litigant, a court must afford the non-movant special solicitude.Triestman v. Fed. Bureau of Prisons, 470 F.3d 471, 477 (2d Cir. 2006); see also Sealed Plaintiff v. Sealed Defendant # 1, 537 F.3d 185, 191-92 (2d Cir. 2008) ("On occasions too numerous to count, we have reminded district courts that 'when [a] plaintiff proceeds pro se, . . . a court is obliged to construe his pleadings liberally.'" (citations omitted)).
B. Eighth Amendment
The Eighth Amendment explicitly prohibits the infliction of "cruel and unusual punishment." U.S. Const. amend. VIII. It is well settled that the "unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain on a prisoner constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment." Boddie, 105 F.3d 857, 861 (2d Cir. 1997) (citing Whitley v. Albers, 475 U.S. 312, 319 (1986)). In order to prove a violation of the Eighth Amendment, a plaintiff must satisfy both an objective and a subjective inquiry. See Trammell v. Keane, 388 F.3d 155, 161 (2d Cir. 2003). A prison official violates the standards of the Eighth Amendment when (1) the alleged punishment is "objectively, sufficiently serious" and (2) he or she acted with a "sufficiently culpable state of mind." Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994). Because sexual abuse by a prison official with a culpable state of mind may constitute a violation of contemporary standards of decency and cause severe harm to the prisoner, such allegations may be cognizable under the Eighth Amendment. Boddie, 105 F.3d at 861 ("[S]evere or repetitive sexual abuse of an inmate . . . can be 'objectively, sufficiently serious.' . . ."; see also Farmer, 511 U.S. at 834-35 ("[The] rape of one prisoner . . . serves no legitimate penological objective, any more than it squares with evolving standards of decency.") (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
On the other hand, sexual harassment violates the Eighth Amendment only if the harm is "objectively, sufficiently serious." Boddie, 105 F.3d at 861. The Second Circuit has held that a small number of isolated incidents of alleged sexual abuse, including verbal harassment, may not suffice to meet the objective prong of the test or involve a harm of a federal constitutional level. Id. Further, a plaintiff must demonstrate that an incident or series of incidents were sufficiently egregious to be "objectively, sufficiently serious" to the point where such actions resulted in the denial of "the minimal civilized measure of life's necessities" and posed a substantial risk of serious harm. Id.;Trammel, 388 F.3d at 161. The Supreme Court has also held that a plaintiff must prove that a defendant used force "maliciously and sadistically to cause harm." Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1 (1992).
Here, Butler alleges at most a single, verbal, isolated statement and a single touching during a pat frisk. Compl. (5)(A); Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 3. If true, such a statement and touching would, of course, be indefensible. However, there is no plausible evidence of force. See Compl. While the isolated incidents of a lewd statement and touching during a pat frisk are "despicable and, if true, . . . may potentially be the basis of state tort actions," it is not "objectively, sufficiently serious" to establish a substantial risk of harm for federal constitutional purposes. Boddie, 105 F.3d at 861. Additionally, the Second Circuit has held that allegations of verbal harassment or profanity, without physical injury or damage, do not state a claim under § 1983. Purcell v. Coughlin, 790 F.2d 263, 265 (2d Cir. 1986) ("The claim that a prison guard called Purcell names also did not allege any appreciable injury and was properly dismissed."); Shabazz v. Pico, 994 F. Supp. 460, 474 (S.D.N.Y. 1998) ("[V]erbal harassment or profanity alone, unaccompanied by any injury no matter how inappropriate, unprofessional, or reprehensible it might seem does not constitute the violation of any federally protected right and therefore is not actionable under . . . § 1983."). As a matter of law, even viewing the complaint in the light most favorable to Butler, his claim does not rise to the level of a constitutional violation.Boddie, 105 F.3d at 861.
Accordingly, defendant's motion should be granted as to this claim.
C. State Law Claims
Defendant's counsel relies on N.Y. Correct. Law § 24 for the proposition that state courts have no jurisdiction over any alleged tort claims for sexual abuse and, therefore, supplemental jurisdiction is inappropriate. The Supreme Court recently decided that such contentions are without merit, and the New York State law was unconstitutional as it violated the Supremacy Clause, "only with respect to claims brought under § 1983." May v. Donneli, No. 06-CV-437 (GLS/RFT), 2009 WL 3049613, at *5 (N.D.N.Y. Sept. 18, 2009); see also Haywood v. Drown, 129 S.Ct. 2108, 2118 (2009). Thus, "[a] claim brought pursuant to state law does not implicate the Supremacy Clause, and therefore, theHaywood decision does not affect the question of whether this court has proper jurisdiction to hear th[e] pendent state law claim." May, 2009 WL 3049613, at *5.
Butler initially claimed that his action was pursuant to § 1983 and N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 50-b, but such state law claims appear unfounded as the civil rights law section to which he has cited applies to the right of privacy for sexual offenses involving the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Compl. (5)(A); N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 50-b. As such, Butler has failed to allege a claim for sexual abuse, relying solely upon § 1983 for his jurisdictional basis. This conclusion is also supported by Butler's most recent assertions in his motion papers. See also Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 1 (seeking damages "pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. . . ."). Accordingly, Correction Law § 24 cannot act as a jurisdictional bar for the present case as, pursuant to Haywood, Butler has only alleged actionable conduct pursuant to § 1983. To the extent that these claims are subsumed by other state law provisions, consistent with the holding in May, such claims cannot be litigated in federal court as the court has no jurisdiction over such claims pursuant to Correction Law § 24.
Even to the extent that such claims survive pursuant toHaywood, they should still be dismissed. Federal courts have supplemental jurisdiction over such pendent state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367. It is recommended herein, however, that defendant be granted judgment on Butler's federal claims on which rests federal jurisdiction over the pendent state law claims. Butler asserts no other basis for the Court's jurisdiction over these claims and, therefore, the Court should decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over Butler's state law claims if the recommendations herein are accepted. See 28 U.S.C. § 1367(c)(3). Accordingly, such causes of action should be dismissed without prejudice.
D. Eleventh Amendment
Butler asserts his claims against LaBarge in both his individual and official capacities. See Dkt. No. 13 ¶ 2. (In Butler's response to the present motion, he asserts that he "is sueing [sic] Defendant in an official capacity."). The Eleventh Amendment provides that "[t]he Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State." U.S. Const. amend. XI. "[D]espite the limited terms of the Eleventh Amendment, a federal court [cannot] entertain a suit brought by a citizen against his [or her] own State." Pennhurst State Sch. Hosp. v. Halderman, 465 U.S. 89, 98 (1984) (citing Hans v. Louisiana, 134 U.S. 1, 21 (1890)). Regardless of the nature of the relief sought, in the absence of the State's consent or waiver of immunity, a suit against the State or one of its agencies or departments is proscribed by the Eleventh Amendment. Halderman, 465 U.S. at 100. Section 1983 claims do not abrogate the Eleventh Amendment immunity of the states. See Quern v. Jordan, 440 U.S. 332, 340-41 (1979).
A suit against a state official in his or her official capacity is a suit against the entity that employs the official. Farid v. Smith, 850 F.2d 917, 921 (2d Cir. 1988) (citing Edelman v. Jordan, 415 U.S. 651, 663 (1974)). "Thus, while an award of damages against an official in his personal capacity can be executed only against the official's personal assets, a plaintiff seeking to recover on a damages judgment in an official-capacity suit must look to the government entity itself," rendering the latter suit for money damages barred even though asserted against the individual officer. Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 166 (1985). Here, Butler seeks monetary damages against LaBarge in his official capacity for acts occurring within the scope of his duties with DOCS. Thus, the Eleventh Amendment bar applies and serves to prohibit Butler's claim for monetary damages against LaBarge in his official capacity.
Accordingly, it is recommended that defendant's motion be granted on this ground.
E. Damages for Emotional Distress
Pursuant to the Prisoner Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PLRA"), "[n]o Federal civil action may be brought by a prisoner confined in jail, prison, or other correctional facility, for mental or emotional injury suffered while in custody without a prior showing of physical injury." 42 U.S.C. § 1997e(e). Because Butler has failed to allege that he has suffered any concomitant physical injury, he is precluded from recovering any type of compensatory damages related to emotional distress. Jenkins v. Haubert, 179 F.3d 19, 28-29 (2d Cir. 1999) ("[I]n the case of suits seeking damages for mental or emotional injuries . . . a defendant in a prisoner § 1983 suit may also assert as an affirmative defense the plaintiff's failure to comply with the PLRA's requirements [and make a prior showing of a physical injury].").
Therefore, defendant's motion on this ground should be granted. An inmate "may still be entitled to injunctive or declaratory relief for a violation of his constitutional rights." May, 2009 WL 3049613, at *4. However, as discussed supra, Butler has failed to allege a violation of his constitutional rights and, thus, he is not entitled to injunctive or declaratory relief either.
III. Conclusion
For the reasons stated above, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that defendant's motion to dismiss (Dkt. No. 11) be GRANTED in all respects and the complaint be dismissed in its entirety.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), the parties may lodge written objections to the foregoing report. Such objections shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court "within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy of the . . . recommendation." N.Y.N.D.L.R. 72.1(c) (citing 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B)-(C)). FAILURE TO OBJECT TO THIS REPORT WITHIN TEN DAYS WILL PRECLUDE APPELLATE REVIEW. Roldan v. Racette, 984 F.2d 85, 89 (2d Cir. 1993); Small v. Sec'y of HHS, 892 F.2d 15 (2d Cir. 1989); 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1); Fed.R.Civ.P. 72, 6(a), 6(e).
Dated: May 21, 2010
Albany, New York