Willis v. Choate

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT No. 00-40289 BOBBY WILLIS, Plaintiff-Appellant, versus MARY CHOATE, Sheriff; UNKNOWN CAMPBELL Sergeant; UNKNOWN TURK, Correctional Officer; UNKNOWN CARTER, Correctional Officer; UNKNOWN GODFREY, Correctional Officer, Defendants-Appellees. -------------------- Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas USDC No. 5:99-CV-51 -------------------- January 23, 2001 Before HIGGINBOTHAM, WIENER, and BARKSDALE, Circuit Judges. PER CURIAM:* Bobby Willis, Texas prisoner number 869925, moves this court for permission to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) on appeal. Willis also moves for appointment of counsel. Willis fails to brief the propriety of the district court’s reasons for denying him IFP status, as he provides neither argument nor authorities on this issue. Yohey v. Collins, 985 F.2d 222, 225 (5th Cir. 1993). This is the only issue available * Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4. No. 00-40289 -2- to Willis. Baugh v. Taylor, 117 F.3d 197, 202 (5th Cir. 1997). Because Willis has failed to brief the only issue available to him, his motion for IFP status is denied. His motion for appointment of counsel is also denied, and this appeal is dismissed as frivolous. This dismissal of a frivolous appeal constitutes one strike against Willis for purposes of 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g). See Adepegba v. Hammons, 103 F.3d 383, 388 (5th Cir. 1996). If two other district court actions or appeals filed by Willis are dismissed as frivolous, he will be barred from bringing a civil action or appeal as a prisoner proceeding in forma pauperis unless he is under imminent danger of serious physical injury. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g). MOTIONS DENIED. APPEAL DISMISSED AS FRIVOLOUS. 5TH CIR. R. 42.2. SANCTIONS WARNING ISSUED.