Case: Couch v. Jabe

7:05-cv-00642 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia

Filed Date: Oct. 17, 2005

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Case Summary

On October 17, 2005, a Sunni Muslim incarcerated at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Virginia filed this lawsuit, pro se, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The plaintiff sued officers at the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC) and the Keen Mountain Correctional Center under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). The plaintiff alleged violations of his rights under the First Amendment. Specifically, he alleged that during his Ramadan fast the defendants deprived him of adequate nutrition and calories in 2002 – 2004, when instead of providing a full 2,200 calories including two hot meals, the defendants only provided 1,000 calories of cold-bag meals. As a result, the plaintiff said he lost 13 pounds and had a diminished religious experience because he was constantly hungry. Additionally, the plaintiff alleged the defendants refused to permit him and other Muslims to conduct the Eid prayer service and Eid-al-Fitr feast to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. Lastly, the plaintiff alleged the loss of nutrition and calories violated his right to Equal Protection and Due Process in violation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The plaintiff sought punitive damages of $545, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief requiring the defendants to revise the Ramadan menu to ensure all Ramadan fast participants received adequate nutrition and calories, the option for two hot meals, and the opportunity to participate in the Eid-al-Fitr Observance.

The parties consented to proceedings before a Magistrate Judge and the case was assigned to Judge Pamela Meade Sargent.

On January 12, 2006, the defendants filed a motion for summary judgment arguing the plaintiff’s claims should be dismissed because the plaintiff voluntarily fasted and was permitted to partake in the Eid-al-Fitr prayer service and feast at a different time than alleged in the complaint.

On February 9, 2006, the plaintiff filed a motion to supplement his pleadings with similar allegations against the defendants for Ramadan 2005, which occurred in October and November 2005. Judge Sargant granted the motion on February 22, 2006.

As the 2006 Ramadan fast approached, the defendants indicated there would be no changes to their Ramadan procedures. In response, on August 30, 2006, the plaintiff filed a motion for a preliminary injunction ordering the defendants to provide an amount of food equivalent to that provided to non-fasting prisoners. On the same day, the plaintiff filed a motion to appoint counsel, but Judge Sargent denied the request for counsel on September 8, 2006.

On September 22, 2006, the court issued two orders on the outstanding motions for summary judgement and for preliminary injunctive relief. In ruling on the motion for summary judgment, the court granted it in part and denied it in part. 479 F.Supp.2d 569. In a 53 page opinion, the court found that the 2002 claims were barred by the statute of limitations and that the plaintiff failed to exhaust his administrative remedies under the Prison Litigation Reform Act for some of the 2003, 2004, and 2005 claims. The court denied summary judgment to the defendants on the following claims, and ordered they be set for trial:

-First Amendment and RLUIPA claims that he was denied adequate nutrition and calories during Ramadan 2004 and the associated Due Process claim regarding this allegation;

-First Amendment and RLUIPA claims that he was denied the Eid-al-Fitr meal following Ramadan 2003 and 2005; and

- First Amendment and RLUIPA claims that he was deprived of the Eid-al-Fitr prayer service following Ramadan 2004.

In ruling on the motion for a preliminary injunction, the court granted the plaintiff's request and ordered the defendants to provide daily food containing approximately 2,200 calories, between sunset and dawn during the 2006 Ramadan period, beginning the next day. The court granted the preliminary injunction because the defendants did not present evidence to contradict the plaintiff’s claim that he suffered weight loss due to the reduced caloric intake during Ramadan and the same weight loss would likely happen during the 2006 Ramadan period. The court held that such weight loss was irreparable harm and the requested relief would not disrupt Keen Mountain food service.

On February 16, 2007, the parties participated in a settlement conference. On March 19, 2007, the parties reached an undisclosed settlement and moved for voluntary dismissal of the claims. Judge Sargent dismissed the case and the court retained jurisdiction to enforce the settlement agreement between the parties. The settlement agreement provided plaintiff a $2,250 cash payment and a change in policies surrounding the provision to allow prisoners to celebrate Muslim feasts and their yearly fasts. Prison officials agreed to determine dates for Ramadan in advance by mutual agreement with plaintiff and assistant of an expert from the Islamic Center of Virginia. Further, defendants agreed to not schedule a quarterly lockdown during the Ramadan period, unless emergency necessitated one.

The settlement did not proceed smoothly. On January 30, 2009, the plaintiff accused the defendants of acting in bad faith and not providing adequate food. However, the record does not indicate what, if any, actions the court or defendants took to address the new allegations.

Since there has been no activity on the docket for over ten years, the case is presumably now closed.

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Summary Authors

Soojin Cha (1/27/2016)

Lisa Koo (3/10/2019)

Tiffany Chung (11/1/2019)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4407810/parties/couch-v-jabe/

Judge(s)

Sargent, Pamela Meade (Virginia)

Attorney for Defendant

Muse, William W. (Virginia)

Judge(s)

Sargent, Pamela Meade (Virginia)

Attorney for Defendant

Muse, William W. (Virginia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
7:05-cv-00642	Docket [PACER]	Jan. 30, 2009	Jan. 30, 2009 Docket
1 7:05-cv-00642	Complaint	Oct. 17, 2005	Oct. 17, 2005 Complaint
21-1 7:05-cv-00642	Supplemental Pleadings	Feb. 9, 2006	Feb. 9, 2006 Pleading / Motion / Brief
45 7:05-cv-00642	Order	Sept. 8, 2006	Sept. 8, 2006 Order/Opinion
49 7:05-cv-00642	Memorandum Opinion	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006 Order/Opinion 479 F.Supp.2d 569
50 7:05-cv-00642	Order dismissing motion for summary judgment in part	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006 Order/Opinion 479 F.Supp.2d 569
51 7:05-cv-00642	Opinion on Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006 Order/Opinion
95 7:05-cv-00642	Notice to the Court of Bad Faith Actions by Defendant	Jan. 30, 2009	Jan. 30, 2009 Correspondence

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Resources

Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
Pro Se Muslim Prisoner Reaches Religious Rights Settlement Agreement with Virginia Prison Officials David M. Reutter		June 2009	June 15, 2009 https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4407810/couch-v-jabe/

Last updated Oct. 19, 2025, 4:35 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 1983 against all defendants, filed by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment to Complaint# 2 Exhibit A - L# 3 Exhibit M - U)(tvt) 1 Attachment to Complaint View on PACER 2 Exhibit A - L View on PACER 3 Exhibit M - U View on PACER	Oct. 17, 2005	Oct. 17, 2005 RECAP
2	FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT re; inmate account information by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Oct. 17, 2005	Oct. 17, 2005
3	Order entered conditionally Filing this action; Assessing a filing fee of $ 250.00; Deferring all action in this case; Pltf is granted in forma pauperis; Pltf to return consent form within 20 days Advising inmate to comply within the allotted time and to notify of changes in address or risk dismissal re 1 Complaint . Signed by Judge Michael F. Urbanski on October 19, 2005. (eot )	Oct. 19, 2005	Oct. 19, 2005
4	Consent to Fee by Plaintiff Willam R. Couch. (eot )	Oct. 25, 2005	Oct. 25, 2005
5	Order entered Directing the Clerk to attempt service of process by mailing notice of waiver of service of summons and appropriate paperwork to each of the defts c/o Office of Attorney General . Signed by Judge Michael F. Urbanski on October 26, 2005. (eot )	Oct. 27, 2005	Oct. 27, 2005
6	REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Service sent to John Gabe, et al. on October 27, 2005. Waiver of Service due by 11/28/2005. (eot )	Oct. 27, 2005	Oct. 27, 2005
7	Certified Mail Receipt re Order, Request for Waiver and Peition sent to all defts c/o Office of Atty General (eot ) Modified on 10/27/2005 to state what was sent (eot, ).	Oct. 27, 2005	Oct. 27, 2005
8	RETURN of service of Order, Waiver and Petition on October 28, 2005 upon c/o Office of Atty. General (eot )	Nov. 1, 2005	Nov. 1, 2005
9	Letter by Willam R. Couch advising that Keen Mountain Correctional Center has changed its address to P.O. Box 860 Oakwood, Va 24631. (eot )	Nov. 7, 2005	Nov. 7, 2005
10	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. John Jabe waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; Larry Huffman waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; Linda B. Shear waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; Kathleen Bassett waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; R. B. Phillips waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; Major K. Pickerel waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005; Mike Oslin waiver sent on 10/27/2005, answer due 12/27/2005. (Muse, William)	Nov. 22, 2005	Nov. 22, 2005
11	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Muse, William)	Dec. 15, 2005	Dec. 15, 2005
12	ORDER granting 11 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response; Responses due by 1/13/2006. Signed by Judge Michael F. Urbanski on December 19, 2005. (eot )	Dec. 19, 2005	Dec. 19, 2005
13	MOTION for Summary Judgment by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Muse, William)	Jan. 12, 2006	Jan. 12, 2006
14	Brief / Memorandum in Support re 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 1 of 3)# 2 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 2 of 3)# 3 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 3 of 3)# 4 Affidavit Olsin - Exh. 2# 5 Affidavit Phillips - Exh. 3# 6 Affidavit Pickerel - Exh. 4# 7 Affidavit Shear - Exh. 5)(Muse, William) 1 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 1 of 3) View on PACER 2 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 2 of 3) View on PACER 3 Affidavit Bassett - Exh. 1 (part 3 of 3) View on PACER 4 Affidavit Olsin - Exh. 2 View on PACER 5 Affidavit Phillips - Exh. 3 View on PACER 6 Affidavit Pickerel - Exh. 4 View on PACER 7 Affidavit Shear - Exh. 5 View on PACER	Jan. 12, 2006	Jan. 12, 2006
15	Roseboro Notice re Motion for summary judgment 13 (eot )	Jan. 13, 2006	Jan. 13, 2006
17	CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge by Willam R. Couch, John Jabe. (eot ) (Entered: 02/02/2006)	Jan. 25, 2006	Jan. 25, 2006
16	RESPONSE in Opposition re 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Exhibit 2# 3 Exhibit 3# 4 Exhibit 4)(eot ) 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4 View on PACER	Jan. 30, 2006	Jan. 30, 2006
18	ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Judge Pamela Meade Sargent for all further proceedings. Judge James C. Turk no longer assigned to case. Signed by Judge James C. Turk on February 2, 2006. (eot )	Feb. 7, 2006	Feb. 7, 2006
19	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (eot )	Feb. 8, 2006	Feb. 8, 2006
20	Letter sent to William Couch with copy of brief. (Attachments: # 1 Copy of Brief in Opposition to Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment)(eot ) 1 Copy of Brief in Opposition to Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment View on PACER	Feb. 8, 2006	Feb. 8, 2006
21	MOTION to Supplement Pleadings re 1 by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Pleadings# 2 Exhibit I# 3 Exhibit II # 4 Exhibit III # 5 Exhibit IV# 6 Exhibit V# 7 Exhibit VI # 8 Exhibit VII # 9 Exhibit VIII# 10 Exhibit IX # 11 Letter/Envelope)(eot ) 1 Supplemental Pleadings View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exhibit I View on PACER 3 Exhibit II View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exhibit III View on PACER 5 Exhibit Exhibit IV View on PACER 6 Exhibit Exhibit V View on PACER 7 Exhibit Exhibit VI View on PACER 8 Exhibit Exhibit VII View on PACER 9 Exhibit Exhibit VIII View on PACER 10 Exhibit Exhibit IX View on PACER 11 Letter/Envelope View on PACER	Feb. 9, 2006	Feb. 9, 2006
22	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (eot )	Feb. 9, 2006	Feb. 9, 2006
23	Letter sent to William Couch. (eot )	Feb. 9, 2006	Feb. 9, 2006
24	ORDER directing the defendants to respond to plaintiff's Motion to Supplement Pleadings within 10 days of the date of entry of this Order. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 2/10/06. (Bordwine, Robin)	Feb. 10, 2006	Feb. 10, 2006
25	Response re 24 Order Response To The Court's February 10, 2006, Order filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Muse, William)	Feb. 21, 2006	Feb. 21, 2006
26	MINUTE ORDER granting 21 Motion to Supplement Pleadings and ordering Clerk's Office to file supplemental pleading attached to motion as supplemental complaint. Defendants shall file responsive pleadings within 20 days. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 2/22/06. (Sargent, Pamela)	Feb. 22, 2006	Feb. 22, 2006
27	Objections to Motion for enlargement of time by Plaintiff Willam R. Couch re 25 (eot )	Feb. 28, 2006	Feb. 28, 2006
28	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (eot )	March 27, 2006	March 27, 2006
29	ORDER regarding Order on Motion to Amend/Correct, 26 Responses due by 4/4/2006. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 3/28/06. (eps, )	March 28, 2006	March 28, 2006
30	Brief / Memorandum in Support re 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Supplemental) filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit R. Sandifer - Exhibit I# 2 Affidavit Kathleen Bassett - Exhibit 2# 3 Affidavit Louis B. Cei - Exhibit 3)(Muse, William) 1 Affidavit R. Sandifer - Exhibit I View on PACER 2 Affidavit Kathleen Bassett - Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Affidavit Louis B. Cei - Exhibit 3 View on PACER	March 29, 2006	March 29, 2006
31	"MOTION to Strike Defendants' response to supplemental pleadings," re: 25 Response by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 cover letter and envelope)(kab) 1 cover letter and envelope View on PACER	March 31, 2006	March 31, 2006
32	Response re 30 Supplemental Brief filed by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(eot ) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER	April 10, 2006	April 10, 2006
33	Letter by Willam R. Couch requesting copy of docket report. (eot )	April 11, 2006	April 11, 2006
34	DEMAND for Trial by Jury by Willam R. Couch. (kab)	April 14, 2006	April 14, 2006
35	NOTICE of Change of Address by Willam R. Couch. New address: Keen Mountain Correctional Center Post Office Box 860 Oakwood, Va 24631-0860 (eot )	May 4, 2006	May 4, 2006
36	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	July 7, 2006	July 7, 2006
37	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	July 21, 2006	July 21, 2006
38	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (eot )	Aug. 17, 2006	Aug. 17, 2006
39	Docket sheet sent to William Couch on 8/17/06. (eot )	Aug. 17, 2006	Aug. 17, 2006
40	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Willam R. Couch. (kab)	Aug. 30, 2006	Aug. 30, 2006
41	Brief / Memorandum in Support re 40 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Willam R. Couch. (kab)	Aug. 30, 2006	Aug. 30, 2006
42	AFFIDAVIT in Support re 40 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Willam R. Couch. (kab)	Aug. 30, 2006	Aug. 30, 2006
43	MOTION to Appoint Counsel by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 cover letter and envelope)(kab ) 1 cover letter and envelope View on PACER	Aug. 30, 2006	Aug. 30, 2006
44	MOTION to Post Security for Preliminary Injunction by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Sept. 6, 2006	Sept. 6, 2006
45	ORDER denying 43 Motion to Appoint Counsel . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 9/8/06. (eps, )	Sept. 8, 2006	Sept. 8, 2006
46	ORDER regarding MOTION for Preliminary Injunction 40 filed by Willam R. Couch,, MOTION to Post Security for Preliminary Injunction 44 filed by Willam R. Couch; Set Motion Deadlines as to 40 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 44 MOTION to Post Security for Preliminary Injunction: Responses due by 9/21/2006. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 9/8/06. (eps, )	Sept. 8, 2006	Sept. 8, 2006
47	Response To Motion For Preliminary Injunction And Motion To Post Security For Preliminary Injunction filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Exhibit I - Shear# 2 Affidavit Exhibit II - Lockhart)(Muse, William) 1 Affidavit Exhibit I - Shear View on PACER 2 Affidavit Exhibit II - Lockhart View on PACER	Sept. 19, 2006	Sept. 19, 2006
48	Letter regarding defendant's possible filing for extension of time by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Sept. 20, 2006	Sept. 20, 2006
49	MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 9/22/06. (lmh)	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006 RECAP
50	ORDER granting in part and denying in part 13 Motion for Summary Judgment . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 9/22/06. (lmh)	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006
51	ORDER granting 40 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, granting in part and denying in part 44 Motion to Post Security for Preliminary Injunction . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 9/22/06. (lmh)	Sept. 22, 2006	Sept. 22, 2006 RECAP
52	Reply to defendants re 47 Response to motion for preliminary injunction, filed by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Sept. 25, 2006	Sept. 25, 2006
53	MOTION to Amend Order 50 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Oct. 3, 2006	Oct. 3, 2006
54	MOTION to Take Deposition by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Muse, William)	Oct. 5, 2006	Oct. 5, 2006
55	ORDER denying 53 Motion to Amend/Correct . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 10/6/06. (eps, )	Oct. 6, 2006	Oct. 6, 2006
56	ORDER granting 54 Motion to Take Deposition . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 10/6/06. (ejs, )	Oct. 6, 2006	Oct. 6, 2006
57	MOTION to Appoint Counsel by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Motion to Appoint Counsel# 2 Exhibit)(tvt) 1 Memorandum in Support of Motion to Appoint Counsel View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER	Oct. 16, 2006	Oct. 16, 2006
58	REQUEST for Admissions by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Letter and request for admissions addressed to William H. Muse)(tvt) 1 Letter and request for admissions addressed to William H. Muse View on PACER	Nov. 15, 2006	Nov. 15, 2006
59	NOTICE of Hearing: Jury Trial set for 1/23/2007 09:30 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. (eps, )	Nov. 29, 2006	Nov. 29, 2006
60	Order Directing the Warden at Keen Mountain Correctional Center to transport the plantiff to Court for jury trial on 01/23/07. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 12/7/06. (Bordwine, Robin)	Dec. 7, 2006	Dec. 7, 2006
61	SCHEDULING ORDER: Jury Trial set for 1/23/2007 09:30 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. Exhibit List and Witness List due by 1/12/2007. Jury Instructions due by 1/16/2007. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 12/7/06. (Bordwine, Robin)	Dec. 7, 2006	Dec. 7, 2006
62	NOTICE of Hearing: Jury Trial reset for 2/16/2007 09:30 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. (eps, )	Dec. 8, 2006	Dec. 8, 2006
63	Order Directing the Warden at Keen Mountain Correctional Center to transport the plantiff to Court for hearing on 2/16/07. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 12/14/06. (Bordwine, Robin)	Dec. 14, 2006	Dec. 14, 2006
64	SCHEDULING ORDER: Jury Trial set for 2/16/2007 09:30 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. Exhibit List and Witness List due by 2/2/2007. Jury Instruction due by 2/9/2007. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 12/14/06. (Bordwine, Robin)	Dec. 14, 2006	Dec. 14, 2006
65	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Defendant's response to Plaintiff's Request for Admissions sent by William R. Couch)(tvt) 1 Defendant's response to Plaintiff's Request for Admissions View on PACER	Dec. 18, 2006	Dec. 18, 2006
66	MOTION to Continue re: Letter 65 by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - E)(tvt) 1 Exhibit A - E View on PACER	Dec. 18, 2006	Dec. 18, 2006
67	NOTICE to Take Deposition of William R. Couch and Leroy Lovelace by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin.(Muse, William)	Dec. 21, 2006	Dec. 21, 2006
68	INTERROGATORIES Propounded to Kathleen Bassett, Linda Sheer and Michael Olsin by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 To Kathleen Bassett# 2 To Linda Sheer# 3 To Michael Olsin# 4 Letter to William Muse)(tvt) 1 To Kathleen Bassett View on PACER 2 To Linda Sheer View on PACER 3 To Michael Olsin View on PACER 4 Letter to William Muse View on PACER	Jan. 3, 2007	Jan. 3, 2007
69	MOTION for Court to Declare the Court's Statutory and Discretionary Authority to Pay Witness Fees and Expenses by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Jan. 8, 2007	Jan. 8, 2007
70	Letter by Willam R. Couch requesting docket sheet. (tvt)	Jan. 9, 2007	Jan. 9, 2007
71	Copies of Docket Sheet and letter stating that this is a courtesy by the court, but future copies will be at a rate of $.50 per copy to William Couch by U.S. Mail. (tvt)	Jan. 9, 2007	Jan. 9, 2007
72	RENEWED MOTION to Continue by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Jan. 23, 2007	Jan. 23, 2007
73	Response to Renewed Motion for Continuance filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Muse, William)	Jan. 23, 2007	Jan. 23, 2007
74	NOTICE of Hearing: Jury Trial reset for 5/22/2007 09:30 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. (eps, )	Jan. 24, 2007	Jan. 24, 2007
75	NOTICE of Hearing - Prisoner: Settlement Conference set for 2/16/2007 10:00 AM in Abingdon before Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent. (eps, )	Jan. 24, 2007	Jan. 24, 2007
76	ORDER taking under advisement 57 Motion to Appoint Counsel, granting 66 Motion to Continue, denying 69 Motion for Court to Delcare the Court's Statutory and Discretionary Authority to Pay witness Fees and Expenses, granting 72 Motion to Continue . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 1/24/07. (eps, )	Jan. 25, 2007	Jan. 25, 2007
77	Order Directing the Warden at Keen Mountain Correctional Center to transport the plantiff to Court for hearing on Feburary 16, 2007 and May 22, 2007 . Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 1/24/07. (eps, )	Jan. 25, 2007	Jan. 25, 2007
78	MOTION for Summary Judgment by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Feb. 12, 2007	Feb. 12, 2007
79	Brief / Memorandum in Support re 78 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Willam R. Couch. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(tvt) 1 Exhibit View on PACER	Feb. 12, 2007	Feb. 12, 2007
80	Response re 68 Interrogatories Propounded filed by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	Feb. 12, 2007	Feb. 12, 2007
81	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Pamela Meade Sargent : Settlement Conference held on 2/16/2007. Parties continuing to negotiate and will attempt to reduce agreement to writing. (Sargent, Pamela)	Feb. 16, 2007	Feb. 16, 2007
82	Prisoner Motion "To publish Court's Decision" by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	March 2, 2007	March 2, 2007
83	Letter to plaintiff and Mr. Muse from Judge Sargent. (Bordwine, Robin)	March 7, 2007	March 7, 2007
84	ORDER, setting response due deadline for defendant to respond to 78 MOTION for Summary Judgment: Responses due by 3/21/2007. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 3/7/07. (ejs, )	March 7, 2007	March 7, 2007
85	Letter by Willam R. Couch to Judge Sargent. (eps, )	March 8, 2007	March 8, 2007
86	Letter by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin Letter to the Honorable Pamela M. Sargent, U.S. Magistrate Judge. (Muse, William)	March 8, 2007	March 8, 2007
87	MINUTE ORDER denying 31 Motion to Strike. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on 3/14/07. (Sargent, Pamela)	March 14, 2007	March 14, 2007
88	Response Order filed by John Jabe, Larry Huffman, Linda B. Shear, Kathleen Bassett, R. B. Phillips, Major K. Pickerel, Mike Oslin. (Attachments: # 1 Letter to the Clerk USDC Roanoke)(Muse, William) 1 Letter to the Clerk USDC Roanoke View on PACER	March 16, 2007	March 16, 2007
89	ORDER DISMISSING CASE. Signed by Judge Pamela Meade Sargent on March 19, 2007. (tvt)	March 19, 2007	March 19, 2007 RECAP
90	Letter by Willam R. Couch. (tvt)	March 22, 2007	March 22, 2007
91	Letter to plaintiff. (Bordwine, Robin)	March 23, 2007	March 23, 2007
92	Docket Annotation; The items filed are duplicates from 82 that was filed by plaintiff. The court responded to request/motion on 3/23/07 (Attachments: # 1 Letter regarding motion to publish# 2 Motion to publish court's decision)(tvt) 1 Letter regarding motion to publish View on PACER 2 Motion to publish court's decision View on PACER	March 26, 2007	March 26, 2007
93	Request for Copies by Willam R. Couch. (kab)	Nov. 7, 2007	Nov. 7, 2007
94	Letter from deputy clerk in re 93 . (kab)	Nov. 7, 2007	Nov. 7, 2007
95	Additional Evidence by Christina Acker. (kab)	Jan. 30, 2009	Jan. 30, 2009

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Virginia

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Post-PLRA Jail and Prison Private Settlement Agreements

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 17, 2005

Case Ongoing: Perhaps, but long-dormant

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is a Sunni Muslim incarcerated in a state correctional facility, who worked for the facility's law library and served as chief liaison between the facility's officers and its Sunni Muslim prisoners.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Virginia Department of Corrections (Richmond), State

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Facility Type(s):

Government-run