Billy Ray v. Jacob L. Smith, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri grants in part Billy Ray’s motion for an extension of time to provide initial disclosures and comply with filing-fee obligations. The court denies without prejudice his motion for appointment of counsel and warns that failure to meet the April 24, 2026 deadlines will result in dismissal without further notice.

Holdings

1. The Court granted Plaintiff's motion for an extension of time in part and extended the deadline for completing his outstanding deadlines, including providing initial disclosures and making the required filing-fee payment or submitting a certified account statement, to April 24, 2026.
2. Appointment of counsel was not warranted at that stage, so the Court denied Plaintiff's motion without prejudice.
3. If Plaintiff failed to complete the outstanding deadlines by April 24, 2026, the action would be dismissed without further notice.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff should receive additional time to complete his overdue initial-disclosure and filing-fee obligations.
2. Whether appointment of counsel was warranted for Plaintiff at that stage of the civil action.
3. Whether the Court should warn that failure to comply with the extended deadlines would result in dismissal.

Disposition

other