Opinion
Case No. 2:13-cr-00085-MMD-PAL
05-10-2013
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. ALBERT LAFARGA-CRUZ, Defendant(s).
ORDER
(Mot Compel Transport - Dkt. #26)
Before the court is Lafarga-Cruz's Motion to Compel United States Marshal to Transport Detainee to a Dentist (Dkt. #26). No opposition to the motion has been filed, and the time for filing a response has run.
LaFarga-Cruz seeks an order requiring the U.S. Marshal Service to transport him to a dentist to examine him and re-attach crowns/caps which came out during his arrest. He indicates that his crown/caps were placed in his personal property at the Nevada Southern Detention Center. He represents that he has sent numerous complaints to medical staff explaining that he is in pain and suffering, but has been told to talk to his lawyer about it.
The court contacted the U.S. Marshal's Service and requested a response. The USMS investigated and determined that Lafarga-Cruz has been seen by a dentist at the Nevada Southern Detention Center. The dentist has examined Lafarga-Cruz and determined that the teeth underlying the crowns/caps he had are decayed. In the opinion of the dentist, it would be malpractice to replace the crowns/caps over decayed teeth. The dentist has offered to pull the decayed teeth causing the Defendant problems. However, Mr. Lafarga-Cruz has refused. Rather, Lafarga-Cruz wanted the crowns/caps put back over the decayed teeth. Counsel's alternative request that Mr. Lafarga-Cruz be evaluated for partial dentures is a cosmetic procedure not covered by the U.S. Marshal Service Medical Policies and Procedures.
Having reviewed and considered the matter,
IT IS ORDERED that the Motion to Compel the United States Marshal to Transport Detainee to a Dentist (Dkt. #26) is DENIED.
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Peggy A. Leen
United States Magistrate Judge