Jones-Bey v. Stanislov

Background

Sister E. Jones-Bey filed this action under the court’s federal-question jurisdiction. She is representing herself. In an order dated July 24, 2023, the court granted her permission to proceed without prepaying court fees.

Service of process

Because Jones-Bey was allowed to proceed without prepaying fees, the court stated that she could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants. The defendants named in the order are Skarbo Stanislov, Carlos De La Rosa, and Samer Nasser.

The court explained that the usual rule generally requires service within 90 days after the complaint is filed. But a plaintiff proceeding without prepaying fees cannot serve the summonses and complaint until the court reviews the complaint and orders that summonses be issued. The court therefore extended the service period to 90 days after the summonses are issued. If service is not completed within that period, Jones-Bey should request more time. She must also notify the court in writing if her address changes; the court stated that it may dismiss the action if she fails to do so.

Ruling

Judge Lorna G. Schofield instructed the Clerk of Court to issue summonses for all three defendants, complete the U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return forms with the defendants’ addresses, and deliver all documents needed for service to the U.S. Marshals Service. The Clerk was also instructed to mail Jones-Bey an information package. This order concerned service of the lawsuit and did not decide the merits of her claims.