UNPUBLISHED
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT
No. 05-7070
In Re: RODNEY H. WILLIAMS, a/k/a Simon Andrew
Conrad, a/k/a Siothan Andrew Connor, a/k/a Rod
Williams, a/k/a Kenneth Gary Williams,
Petitioner.
On Petition for Writ of Mandamus
(CR-01-231)
Submitted: September 27, 2005 Decided: October 4, 2005
Before LUTTIG, MOTZ, and DUNCAN, Circuit Judges.
Petition denied by unpublished per curiam opinion.
Rodney H. Williams, Petitioner Pro Se.
Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.
See Local Rule 36(c).
PER CURIAM:
Rodney H. Williams petitions for writ of mandamus. He
seeks an order requiring the district court judge presiding over
his 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (2000) proceeding to be recused.
Mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner has
a clear right to the relief sought. See In re First Fed. Sav. &
Loan Assn., 860 F.2d 135, 138 (4th Cir. 1988). Further, mandamus
is a drastic remedy and should only be used in extraordinary
circumstances. See Kerr v. United States Dist. Court, 426 U.S.
394, 402 (1976); In re Beard, 811 F.2d 818, 826 (4th Cir. 1987).
Mandamus may not be used as a substitute for appeal. See In re
United Steelworkers, 595 F.2d 958, 960 (4th Cir. 1979).
Williams has failed to allege the extrajudicial bias
necessary to warrant recusal of the district judge. In re Beard,
811 F.2d at 827. Thus, his claim fails. Id. Accordingly, we deny
Williams’ motion to proceed in forma pauperis and his petition for
writ of mandamus. We dispense with oral argument because the facts
and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials
before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
PETITION DENIED
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