Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in support of motion for summary judg

• 1. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 1 of 21IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FORTHE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDACASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONTRAIAN BUJDUVEANU, Plaintiff,vs.DISMAS CHARITIES, INC., ANA GISPERT,DEREK THOMAS and ADAMS LESHOTADefendants._________________________________________/DEFENDANTS MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, INCORPORATED MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Pursuant to this Courts Scheduling Order, Defendants Dismas Charities, Inc., AnaGispert, Derek Thomas and Lashanda Adams, incorrectly identified as Adams Leshota,(collectively Defendants) by and through their undersigned counsel, pursuant to Federal Ruleof Civil Procedure 56 and Local Rule 7.5, file their Motion for Summary Judgment, IncorporatedMemorandum of Law in Support of their Motion for Summary Judgment against TraianBujduveanu (Plaintiff) as follows: INTRODUCTION Plaintiff, a former Federal Inmate, filed a lawsuit against his residential reentry center,Dismas, and three of its employees, Gispert, Thomas, and Adams. The Complaint contains 50paragraphs of unsupported allegations, four alleged federal theories of recovery, and six allegedstate law theories of recoveryall arising from his violation of a Bureau of Prisons condition tonot drive an automobile or posses a cell phone, which caused him to be transferred from Dismasback to a federal prison.

2. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 2 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT Plaintiff was transferred to Dismas Dania facility as a transition point from federalprison system back to into the community. Dismas, as a residential reentry center, assistsinmates in employment, counseling, and other matters to allow them to become productive,contributing individuals in their families and communities upon release. Due to health issues,Plaintiff, after approval from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, was transferred from Dismas Daniafacility to home confinement subject to the terms and conditions of his initial entry into thefacility as mandated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. These conditions included the Plaintiffs agreement not to drive without the permission orconsent of Dismas and not to possess contraband, including cell phones. When the Plaintiffdrove to Dismas and was found to be in possession of a cell phone in the car, Dismas reportedPlaintiffs violations to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons then hadthe United States Marshalls Service return the Plaintiff to the Federal Detention Center-Miami,where he subsequently served out the last 68 days of his federal prison sentence after the Bureauof Prisons independently found Plaintiff guilty of the violations. As an inmate still under sentence, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not the Defendants,made all decisions concerning his custodial placement. After his violations of rules while atDismas facility, the BOP decided to remove him from the program and he was returned by theBOP (via the U.S. Marshall service) to a federal prison to serve out the remainder of hissentence. Plaintiff, therefore, fails to state a cause of action and all Defendants must be awardedsummary judgment. 2 3. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 3 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON STATEMENT OF UNDISPUTED FACTS Defendants filed a separate Statement of Undisputed Facts and Affidavit of Ana Gispert,which is incorporated as though fully set forth herein.ARGUMENT AND CITATION TO AUTHORITY 1. The Plaintiff cannot maintain any cause of action against any Defendant. As a condition of his halfway house release, the Plaintiff agreed to comply with certainterms and conditions. The Plaintiff agreed he would not operate a car without the permission ofDismas or the BOP. The Plaintiff violated the terms and conditions of his halfway house releasewhen he drove to Dismas on October 13, 2010, without permission. Dismas was required toreport this violation of the Plaintiffs release to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, not the Defendants, made the decision to return thePlaintiff to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Accordingly, the Defendants arenot liable for any alleged damages sustained by the Plaintiff. As halfway house is a privilege ofconfinement, not a right, the Plaintiff, who was still serving his felony sentence, cannot maintaina cause of action for loss of this privilege. Since the Plaintiff was still serving his prisonsentence, he cannot maintain a cause of action for false imprisonment as he was properlyimprisoned as part of his prison sentence which had not expired. Accordingly, the Defendantsmust be awarded summary judgment. The Plaintiff cannot maintain any Federal or State law wrong or violation committedGispert, Adams, or Leshota. Gispert is the Director of Dismas-Dania Beach. Gisperts onlyalleged wrongdoing was failing to provide a BP-9 form. However, this contradicts the3 4. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 4 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONattachments to the Complaint.The attachments to the Complaint, specifically, Exhibit E,demonstrate that the requests for BP-9 forms were made to Case Manager Price and UnitCounselor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not Gispert or Dismas. The Plaintiff has not allegedand cannot allege or prove any factual allegations against Gispert to support a cause of action forany alleged violations of the Plaintiffs First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth or Fourteenth Amendmentrights or any false arrest/imprisonment, assault and battery, malicious prosecution, abuse ofprocess or negligence. Accordingly, Gispert must be awarded summary judgment. Adams allegedly claimed she knew nothing about the search of the vehicle, is accused ofnot liking white people and of failing to provide a BP-9 form. The fact that Adams did not knowabout the search of a vehicle or the location of a cell phone does not constitute tortious acts.With regard to her alleged hatred of white people, the Plaintiff does not allege discriminatoryconduct against Plaintiff by any Defendant. Even if Lashanda Adams hates white people, whichis denied, her own beliefs do not constitute a tortious act. The attachments to the Complaint,specifically, Exhibit E, demonstrate that the requests for BP-9 forms were made to Case ManagerPrice and Unit Counselor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not Adams. The Plaintiff cannotallege or prove any facts to support a cause of action for any alleged violations of the PlaintiffsFirst, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth or Fourteenth Amendment rights or any false arrest/imprisonment,assault and battery, malicious prosecution, abuse of process or negligence. Accordingly, Adamsis entitled to summary judgment. The Plaintiff alleges that Thomas filled out a report documenting the Plaintiffs violationsof his conditional release from prison. In other words, Thomas was simply performing his jobresponsibilities which does not constitute a tort. With regard to Thomass alleged hatred of white 4 5. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 5 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONpeople, the Plaintiff does not allege discriminatory conduct by Thomas against the Plaintiff.Even if Thomas hates white people, which is denied, his own beliefs do not constitute a tortiousact. The attachments to the Complaint, specifically, Exhibit E, demonstrate that the requests forBP-9 forms were made to Case Manager Price and Unit Counselor of the Federal Bureau ofPrisons, not Thomas. The Plaintiff has no evidence to support his allegations against Thomas tosupport a cause of action for any alleged violations of the Plaintiffs First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighthor Fourteenth Amendment rights or any false arrest/imprisonment, assault and battery, maliciousprosecution, abuse of process or negligence. Accordingly, Thomas must be awarded summaryjudgment. 2. The Plaintiff cannot maintain any cause of action for any tortious conduct underFlorida Common Law against the Defendants. a. False Arrest and Imprisonment The tort of false imprisonment or false arrest is defined as the unlawful restraint of personagainst his will, the gist of which action is the unlawful detention of the plaintiff and thedeprivation of his liberty. A plaintiff must show that the detention was unreasonable andunwarranted under the circumstances. In a false arrest action, the plaintiff must allegeimprisonment contrary to his will and the unlawfulness of the detention. A privilege exists as amatter of law to engage in reckless or even outrageous conduct if there is sufficient evidence thatshows the defendant did not more than assert legal rights in a permissible way. Rivers v.Dillards Department Store, 698 So. 2d 1328, 1331 (Fla. 1st DCA 1997); Willingham v. the Cityof Orlando, 929 So. 2d 43, 47 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006). In the case at hand, the Plaintiff cannotsupport all of the necessary allegations for either false imprisonment or false arrest.5 6. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 6 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON First, the Plaintiff was not arrested. Second, and more importantly, the Plaintiff could notbe arrested or imprisoned as he was already a prisoner serving his prison sentence at the time ofthe incidents described in the Complaint. Certainly, someone already imprisoned and serving aprison sentence, as in this case, whether it be at a prison or halfway house, cannot be falselyimprisoned. Any alleged restraint or detention of the Plaintiff therefore, was not unlawful, as hewas already under the custody and supervision of the Federal Prison System at the time of theevents described in the Complaint. As all actions described in the Complaint were under color oflaw by Dismas, the U.S. Marshall and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, no unlawful activityoccurred. Third, the Defendants did not arrest or imprison the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff cannot makethese allegations because none of the Defendants had the authority to arrest and/or imprison him.As the Complaint alleges in paragraph 38, the Plaintiff was arrested by the U.S. Marshall Serviceand imprisoned by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 33) In otherwords, the Plaintiff was not, and could not, be arrested or imprisoned by any Defendant becausethe Defendants do not have the authority or power to arrest or imprison the Plaintiff. Even if any of the Defendants could arrest or imprison the Plaintiff, which is denied, aprivilege exists as a matter of law to engage in reckless or even outrageous conduct if there issufficient evidence that shows that the Defendant did no more than assert legal rights in apermissible way. Rivers, 698 So. 2d at 1331; (Complaint, p. 16-26, 35-42, Exhibit C to theComplaint and Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 21-33) Even if the Plaintiff was violated (even ifviolated recklessly or outrageously by any Defendant) and returned to complete his sentence at aFederal Detention Center, the Defendants did nothing more than assert their legal rights in a 6 7. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 7 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONpermissible way, which would make their conduct privileged as a matter of law. The Defendantswere obligated to report the Plaintiffs violation of his conditions imposed by the Federal Bureauof Prisons (not the Defendants) to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p.32) For these reasons, the Plaintiff has not and cannot set forth a cause of action against anyDefendant in this case for false arrest or false imprisonment. Accordingly, Defendants must beawarded summary judgment. b. Assault and Battery An assault is an intentional and unlawful offer of corporal injury to another by force ofexertion of force directed toward another under such circumstances as to create a reasonable fearof imminent peril and assaulted premised on an affirmative act. Battery consists of theintentional infliction of harmful or offensive contact on the person of another. Sullivan v.Atlantic Federal, 454 So. 2d 52 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984); Paul v. Holbrook, 696 So. 2d 1311 (Fla. 5thDCA 1997). The Plaintiff was not assaulted or battered by any Defendant. Any actions takenwere under color of law so no unlawful offer of corporal injury occurred or could have occurred.The complaint and record of this case are devoid of any properly supported facts or allegations ofassault or battery by any Defendant. Accordingly, Defendants are entitled to summary judgmentas the Plaintiff has not provided any facts to support allegations of assault and battery. c. Malicious Prosecution. To maintain a cause of action for malicious prosecution, the Plaintiff must prove 1) thecommencement of a judicial proceeding; 2) the legal causation by the Defendant against thePlaintiff; 3) its bona fide termination in favor of the Plaintiff; 4) the absence of probable causefor the prosecution; 5) malice and 6) damages. Hickman v. Barclays International Realty, Inc.,7 8. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 8 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON16 So.3d 154, 155 (Fla. 4th DCA 2009). The Plaintiff cannot prove any of the elements ofmalicious prosecution. The Plaintiff cannot support or sustain a cause of action for malicious prosecution for anumber of reasons. First, there was no commencement of judicial proceedings against thePlaintiff by any Defendant. Second, and most importantly, there was no bona fide termination infavor of the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff was found to have violated his release conditions andreturned to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 81 days. (Complaint, p. 46, Affidavit of AnaGispert, p. 33-34). Third, probable cause existed as the Plaintiff admittedly drove a vehiclewithout permission in violation of the terms of his halfway house/home confinement set forth bythe Federal Bureau of Prisons. (Exhibit C, to the Complaint, p. 15-21; Affidavit of Ana Gispert,p. 21-36) Since the Plaintiff has not, and cannot establish the elements of malicious prosecution,especially the key elements of the commencement of a judicial proceeding and termination of theproceeding in favor of the Plaintiff, Defendants must be awarded summary judgment. d. Abuse of process. To maintain a cause of action for abuse of process, the Plaintiff must prove threeelements: 1) that the Defendant made an illegal or improper use of process; 2) that theDefendant had ulterior motives or purposes in exercising such illegal, improper or perverted useof process and 3) that, as a result of such action on the part of the Defendant, the Plaintiffsuffered damage. S & I Investments v. Payless Flea Market, 36 So. 3d 909, 917 (Fla. 4th DCA2010). The usual case of abuse of process involves some form of extortion. Id. The Plaintiffmust prove that the process was used for an immediate purpose other than that for which it wasdesigned. Biondo v. Powers, 805 So. 2d 67, 69 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002).8 9. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 9 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON There is no evidence supporting these claims against any of the defendants. For example,if any Defendant used the Disciplinary Report System, the Report was used for no other purposethan that for which it was designed. (Complaint, Exhibit C, and p. 25, Affidavit of Ana Gispert,p. 21-36) Even if any Defendant used any process for spite or ulterior purpose, this type ofalleged action does not and cannot constitute abuse of process. Under Florida law, there is noabuse of process when the process is used to accomplish the result for which it was created,regardless of the incidental or concurrent motive of spite or ulterior purpose. S & I Investment,36 So. 3d at 917. In this case, the Disciplinary Report was used for its proper purpose-specifically todocument an alleged violation by someone serving a sentence for a criminal act. Even if anyDefendant took action against the Plaintiff for any personal reason, since the alleged process wasused to accomplish the result for which is was created, the motive of any Defendant is irrelevant.(Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 21-36) Accordingly, the Plaintiff cannot maintain a cause of actionfor abuse of process and Defendants are entitled to final summary judgment. e. Negligence and Gross Negligence The elements required to maintain a cause of action for negligence are duty and a breachof that duty which causes damages. Clay Electric Cooperative v. Johnson, 873 So. 2d 1182,1185 (Fla. 2004). The Plaintiff cannot maintain a cause of action for negligence or grossnegligence because the Plaintiff cannot show any duty owed by the Defendants to the Plaintiffthat was breached. The Plaintiff has also alleged that he is entitled to punitive damages. Section768.72, Florida Statutes, prevents the maintenance of a claim for punitive damages unless thereis a reasonable showing by evidence in the record, or proffered by the claimant which would9 10. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 10 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON provide a reasonable basis for recovery of such damages. In Simeon, Inc. v. Cox, 671 So. 2d 158, 160 (Fla. 1996), the Supreme Court held that a Complaint which is signed by the plaintiff under oath is insufficient to fulfill the procedural requirements of Section 768.72, Florida Statutes. Since the Plaintiff has not made the necessary proffer of evidence in the record, Defendants are entitled to summary judgment.Further, there was no negligence with regards to the Plaintiffs medical condition. In fact, the Plaintiff attached an Exhibit to his Motion for Summary Judgment, signed by both Adams and Thomas recommending that the Plaintiff not work because of his medical condition. The Plaintiff was permitted home confinement, until he violated the Federal Bureau of Prisons conditions of release by driving without permission. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 6) The motion for summary judgment is also devoid of any proper facts supporting negligence by any Defendant. Accordingly, Defendants must be awarded summary judgment.3. The Complaint fails to allege any tortious conduct or violations of Federal Law or the Constitution.As was stated by this Court the Court in its Order issued March 30, 2011 (Docket number 18) the plaintiffs claim of an unlawful search and seizure of his vehicle lacks merit. The defendants are private parties, and therefore, their actions do not trigger the constitutional implications of the Fourth Amendment. This would be true for all constitutional amendments. Accordingly, since Dismas is not the Federal government or a federal agency, Defendants alleged actions do not trigger any constitutional implications.The Plaintiff cannot set forth a Bivens action. Bivens actions allow for damages and remedies for constitutional violations committed by federal agents. Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (U.S. 1971). The Plaintiff cannot maintain a cause of action under 10 11. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 11 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON Federal Law against Dismas or its employees because the Defendants are not Federal Agents. The Plaintiff even admits that Dismas is a private non-profit corporation known as a CCC Contractor and is not part of the U.S. Federal Government. (Complaint, p. 36). Therefore, the Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on all Federal Causes of action. a. First Amendment1.The Plaintiff cannot prove that any Defendant interfered with the Plaintiffs freedom of speech or expression. At best, the Plaintiff alleges that the Plaintiff did not receive a BP-9 form. However, the exhibits to the Complaint, specifically, Exhibit E, demonstrate that the requests for BP-9 forms were made to Case Manager Price and Unit Counselor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not Dismas or its employees. The Plaintiff was also not permitted to attend religious services outside of a 5 mile radius of his confinement as per Federal Bureau of Prison guidelines. A copy of the guidelines for religious services is attached to as Exhibit 7 to the affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 20. Accordingly, the Plaintiff, who acknowledged receiving the Rules and Guidelines, was not permitted to attend a church more than five miles outside the radius of his confinement. The Plaintiffs rights were not violated.Accordingly, Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on any theory of recovery under the First Amendment. b. Fourth AmendmentThe Plaintiff cannot prove any violations of his Fourth Amendment right to wrongful search and seizure. Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (U.S. 1971). As was stated by this Court the Court in its Order issued March 30, 2011 (Docket number 18) the plaintiffs claim of an unlawful search and seizure of his vehicle lacks merit. The defendants are 11 12. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 12 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON private parties, and therefore, their actions do not trigger the constitutional implications of the Fourth Amendment.The Plaintiff, at all material times, was serving out a criminal sentence under the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Plaintiff admittedly appeared at Dismas property operating a vehicle without authority to drive a vehicle.(Complaint, Exhibit C and p. 25). The Plaintiff acknowledged that he received the Rules and Regulations which prohibited him from driving without permission from Dismas or the BOP and prohibited him from possessing an authorized cell phone. Plaintiff also consented to the search of his vehicle as a condition of his release to Dismas. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 7-31) Since the search of the vehicle and confiscation of contraband (unauthorized cell phone) was permissible and a condition of his release, no wrongful search and seizure occurred. Since the Plaintiff did not own the vehicle or cell phone, none of his property was searched or seized. Plaintiff even signed a form acknowledging that contraband would be disposed of by Dismas. (Exhibit 3, Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 14) Dismas has returned all non-contraband items to the Plaintiff. However, the Plaintiff is not entitled to the return of contraband. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 29-31) Accordingly, no violations of the Fourth Amendment occurred and the Defendants are entitled to summary judgment.c. Fifth and Fourteenth AmendmentsThe Fifth Amendment states that no person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy 12 13. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 13 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. The Plaintiff cannot prove that he was deprived of due process by the Defendants.The Plaintiff, as is evidenced by the attachments to the Complaint, did receive proper notice of his violation. Exhibit C, the Disciplinary Report, was even signed by the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff even wrote a response to the Report. The Plaintiff clearly violated a rule (no driving without permission of Dismas) that he was notified of and agreed to. The Plaintiff also agreed to abide by the rules, regulations and disciplinary procedures as condition of his halfway house release. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 7-15 and Exhibits 2, 3 & 4)Plaintiff was transferred by the Bureau of Prisons into the custody of FDC Miami, where a subsequent hearing was held by the Bureau of Prisons concerning his possession of a cell phone and driving a vehicle without authorization. He was found guilty of these offenses at the hearing and required to serve the remaining 68 day balance of his initial sentence at FDC Miami. A copy of the Plaintiffs United States Bureau of Prison Center Discipline Committee Report is attached to the Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 34, Exhibit 11. Accordingly, due process was afforded.The Plaintiff was not subjected to double jeopardy by the Defendants. As is alleged in the Complaint, the Plaintiff was allegedly punished once for his violations by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not Dismas. (Complaint, p. 25) The Plaintiff alleges he was punished a second time for his violations by the Bureau of Prisons, not the Defendants. (Complaint, p. 43-45) If the 13 14. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 14 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON Plaintiff was subjected to double jeopardy, which is denied, then his lawsuit should be against the entity who punished him a second time, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not the Defendants.Plaintiff also appears to be alleging that his Due Process Rights were violated because he was not provided with BP-9 Form. (Complaint, p. 53) However, the exhibits to the Complaint, specifically, Exhibit E, demonstrate that the requests for BP-9 forms were made to Case Manager Price and Unit Counselor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, not Dismas or its employees. Accordingly, the Defendants are entitled to summary judgment for any causes arising from violations of any due process rights.d. Eighth AmendmentThe Plaintiff alleges that his Eighth Amendment Rights were violated because he was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. The Plaintiff fails to remember that he was serving a prison sentence and was still under the control of the Federal Bureau of Prisons when the events allegedly occurred. The Plaintiff fails to set forth any cruel or unusual punishment. The Plaintiff was removed from Home Detention and assigned three weeks of extra light duty and Dismas. The Plaintiff also lost his weekend pass from Dismas for three weeks and was not allowed visitation for three weeks. This cannot constitute cruel or unusual punishment.The Plaintiff also was send to the Federal Detention Center in Miami. This is not cruel or unusual punishment. Certainly, someone who served time in a correctional institution and was still serving his sentence cannot complain that being sent to a detention center was cruel or unusual. Once again, the Defendants did not confine the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff was held by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Further, halfway house living is a privilege not a right. (Affidavit of Ana Gispert, p. 7-14, Exhibits 2, 3 and 4) Plaintiff lost his privilege when he failed to comply 14 15. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 15 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON with the terms and conditions he himself agreed to with the Federal Bureau of Prisons regarding his halfway house release. Accordingly, the Defendants are entitled to final summary judgment.4. The Plaintiff has failed to appear for depositions, Defendants designated facts should be taken as established for purposes of this Motion for Summary Judgment, as the Defendants claim and Plaintiffs pleadings should be stricken.Defendants filed a Motion to Strike Plaintiffs Pleadings for failing to appear for depositions. (Docket 78, which is incorporated as though fully set forth herein) Plaintiffs failure to appear has inhibited Defendants ability to defend the case and oppose Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment.Pursuant to this Courts scheduling order, Plaintiff, through notice dated August 24, 2011, was set for his deposition on October 10, 2011. The deposition was cancelled at the request of the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff claimed that he was not available on October 10, 2011, and stated he would be available for deposition after October 25, 2011.As per the Plaintiffs request, the Plaintiff was reset for deposition on November 11, 2011, through a notice dated August 29, 2011. On November 9, 2011 via email, the Plaintiff claimed he had a medical issue that prevented him from appearing and promised to provide a medical note. The Plaintiff again requested that his deposition be reset for a later date. Plaintiff never provided any proof of any medical condition that would prevent him from appearing at a deposition. Accordingly, the deposition was not cancelled. The Plaintiff failed to appear for his deposition on November 9, 2011, and a certificate of non-appearance was issued. (See Composite Exhibit 1 to this Motion)The Plaintiff was again reset for deposition on December 5, 2011, through a notice dated November 22, 2011. On Sunday December 4, 2011 at 10:24 pm, the day before his deposition, 15 16. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 16 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON Plaintiff sent defendants counsel an email stating he would not be appearing for his deposition because the Plaintiff was allegedly sick. Further, the Plaintiff wanted to the Court to answer all pending motions prior to his deposition. As the Plaintiff filed a motion for summary judgment, failed (again) to provide any proof that he was sick and with a trial date pending next year, defendants counsel informed the Plaintiff that the December 5, 2011, deposition would not be cancelled. A certificate of non-appearance was issued.Despite the fact that the Plaintiff claims he has medical issues that prevent him from appearing for depositions, the Plaintiff was able to appear for mediation on November 1, 2011, just eleven days before the November 11, 2011 deposition setting. The Plaintiff was also well enough to prepare and file a Motion for Summary Judgment, Notice of Declaration, Statement of Facts (Docket 72-75) and Notice of Hearing for Summary Judgment for December 15, 2011, ten days after his deposition. Even though the December 15, 2011, hearing notice (unilaterally set by the Plaintiff himself) was stricken by the Court, the Plaintiff, by his own hearing notice, would have been well enough to argue a motion for summary judgment on December 15, 2011. (Docket 71)The Plaintiff is clearly able to appear for deposition as is evidenced by his attendance at mediation on November 1, 2011, preparation of filing of a motion for summary judgment (Docket 72), filing of a revised statement of facts on December 2, 2011 (three days before his deposition)(Docket 77) and willingness to argue his motion on December 15, 2011.Rule 37(d) deals with sanctions used when a party fails to cooperate in discovery and allows the court to strike out pleadings and render default judgment against the disobedient16 17. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 17 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON party. Buchanan v. Bowman, 820 F.2d 359, 361 (11th Cir.1987). Specifically, the rule provides, in relevant part: (d) Partys Failure to Attend Its Own Deposition, Serve Answers to Interrogatories, or Respond to a Request for Inspection. (1) In General. (A) Motion; Grounds for Sanctions. The court where the action is pending may, on motion, order sanctions if: (i) a party or a partys officer, director, or managing agent--or a person designated under Rule 30(b)(6) or 31(a)(4)--fails, after being served with proper notice, to appear for that persons deposition; or (ii) a party, after being properly served with interrogatories under Rule 33 or a request for inspection under Rule 34, fails to serve its answers, objections, or written response. (B) Certification. A motion for sanctions for failing to answer or respond must include a certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the party failing to act in an effort to obtain the answer or response without court action. (2) Unacceptable Excuse for Failing to Act. A failure described in Rule 37(d)(1)(A) is not excused on the ground that the discovery sought was objectionable, unless the party failing to act has a pending motion for a protective order under Rule 26(c). (3) Types of Sanctions. Sanctions may include any of the orders listed in Rule 37(b)(2)(A)(i)-(vi). Instead of or in addition to these sanctions, the court must require the party failing to act, the attorney advising that party, or both to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, caused by the failure, unless the failure was substantially justified or other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust. The referenced subdivision further provides that, where appropriate, a court is authorized to strike pleadings, stay proceedings, dismiss the action or any part thereof, or render a judgment by default against a disobedient party. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 37(b)(2)(A)(iii)-(vi). Rule 37(b)(2)(A) includes the following sanction against the non-complying party: (2) Sanctions in the District Where the Action Is Pending.17 18. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 18 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTON(A) For Not Obeying a Discovery Order. If a party or a partys officer, director, ormanaging agent--or a witness designated under Rule 30(b)(6) or 31(a)(4)--fails toobey an order to provide or permit discovery, including an order under Rule 26(f), 35,or 37(a), the court where the action is pending may issue further just orders. Theymay include the following:(i) directing that the matters embraced in the order or other designated facts be takenas established for purposes of the action, as the prevailing party claims;(ii) prohibiting the disobedient party from supporting or opposing designated claimsor defenses, or from introducing designated matters in evidence;(iii) striking pleadings in whole or in part;(iv) staying further proceedings until the order is obeyed;(v) dismissing the action or proceeding in whole or in part;(vi) rendering a default judgment against the disobedient party; or(vii) treating as contempt of court the failure to obey any order except an order tosubmit to a physical or mental examination.As is proven above, The Plaintiffs failure to appear for depositions and comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure merit striking his motion for summary judgment, directing that the matters embraced in the order or other designated facts be taken as established for purposes of the action, as the Defendants claim; prohibiting the disobedient party from supporting or opposing designated claims or defenses, from introducing designated matters in evidence as well as his pleadings and dismissing his complaint. Additionally, the Plaintiffs failure to appear for depositions and comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure, merit striking his pleadings and dismissing his complaint.18 19. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 19 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONCONCLUSION For the reasons set forth above, the Defendants would move this Court for an Order granting all Defendants Final Summary Judgment and any further relief the Court deems just and proper. Respectfully submitted, EISINGER, BROWN, LEWIS, FRANKEL, & CHAIET, P.A. Attorneys for Defendants 4000 Hollywood Boulevard Suite 265-South Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 894-8000 (954) 894-8015 Fax BY:/S/ David S. Chaiet____________DAVID S. CHAIET, ESQUIREFBN: 963798 19 20. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 20 of 21CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONCERTIFICATE OF SERVICEI HEREBY CERTIFY that on the 16th day of December, 2011, I electronically filed the foregoing document with the Clerk of the Court using CM/ECF. I also certify that the foregoing document is being served this day on all counsel of record or pro se parties identified on the attached Service List in the manner specified, either via transmission of Notices of Electronic Filing generated by CM/ECF or in some other authorized manner for those counsel or parties who are authorized to receive electronically Notices of Electronic Filing.__/s/ David S. Chaiet_______________DAVID S. CHAIET, ESQUIREFlorida Bar No. 963798 20 21. Case 1:11-cv-20120-PAS Document 83 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/16/2011 Page 21 of 21 CASE NO.: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONSERVICE LISTTraian Bujduveanu v. Dismas Charities, Inc., et al. Case No..: 11-20120-CIV-SEITZ/SIMONTONUnited States District Court, Southern District of Florida Traian Bujduveanu Pro Se Plaintiff 5601 W. Broward Blvd. Plantation, FL 33317 Tel: (954) 316-3828 Email: [email protected] 21