Opinion
2:17-cv-1764 KJM DB P
07-28-2021
G. DANIEL WALKER, Plaintiff, v. SCOTT KERNAN, et al., Defendants.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
DEBORAH BARNES, UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiff claims defendants conspired to retaliate against him because he named them as defendants in lawsuits. Presently before the court is plaintiff's notice of voluntary dismissal. (ECF No. 71.)
“Rule 41(a)(2) provides that after a defendant has filed an answer, a plaintiff may voluntarily dismiss a claim only upon an order of the court.” U.S. ex rel Stone v. Rockwell Intern. Corp., 282 F.3d 787, 810 (10th Cir. 2002) (citing Ohlander v. Larson, 114 F.3d 1531, 1536-37 (10th Cir. 1997)). The rule further provides that “[u]nless otherwise specified in the order, a dismissal under this paragraph is without prejudice.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 41(a)(2). The court should ordinarily grant a motion for voluntary dismissal under Rule 41(a)(2), unless it will prejudice a defendant. Ohlander, 114 F.3d at 1537. Defendants Green, Kumar, Martello, and Muniz have indicated that they do not oppose dismissal. (ECF No. 72.) Thus, the court will recommend that this action be dismissed.
The undersigned recommended that the remaining defendants be dismissed on screening the second amended complaint. (ECF No. 28.) Those findings and recommendations remain pending before the district court.
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that:
1. Plaintiff's rule 41 motion for voluntary dismissal (ECF No. 71) be granted;
2. This action is dismissed without prejudice.
These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Within twenty days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned “Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations.” Any response to the objections shall be filed and served within fourteen days after service of the objections. The parties are advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).