Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615 (10th Cir. 1983). · Go Syfert
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615 (10th Cir. 1983). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“the mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under 1983 or 1985.”
100 citation events (55 in the last 25 years) across 33 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Healy v. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (ohsd, 2023-03-31)
Treatment trajectory · 1983 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1983 2004 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Healy v. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under 1983 or 1985.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Anand v. Independence Blue Cross
E.D. Pa. · 2021 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Carlson v. Town of Mountain Village, Colorado
D. Colo. · 2020 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under 1983 or 1985.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) MacMaster v. Busacca
E.D. Mich. · 2025 · confidence medium
The court also cited a Tenth Circuit case for the proposition that “[t]he mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under §§ 1983 or 1985.” 578 F.3d at 399 (emphasis added) (quoting Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Myles v. Walmart Inc.
D. Kan. · 2023 · confidence medium
Kan. 1991) (citing Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) McGregor v. Neodesha, Kansas, City of
D. Kan. · 2022 · confidence medium
Jan. 25, 2021) (citing Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009). 57 Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983). -18- D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Martin v. Bennett
N.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
No. 52) at p. 8 (arguing that Martin is entitled to default judgment because Badell “knowingly fabricated allegations against Plaintiff that were made to retaliate against Plaintiff for his efforts to stop Defendant Badell from keeping junk in his yard.”) 45 However, the Sixth Circuit has held that “[p]roviding information to the police, responding to questions about a crime, and offering witness testimony at a criminal trial does not expose a private individual to liability for actions taken ‘under color of law.’” Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009) (citi…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Malone v. City of Murfreesboro
M.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
Moreover, “[p]roviding information to the police [and] responding to questions about a crime . . . does not expose a private individual to liability for actions taken ‘under color of law.’” Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009) (citing, e.g., Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983) (“We know of no case in which the report of a state crime is action under color of state law under § 1983.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jackson v. Beswick
D. Kan. · 2020 · confidence medium
Okla. 2015) (citing Carey v. Cont’l Airlines, Inc., 823 F.2d 1402 (10th Cir. 1987); Lee v. Town of Estes Park, 820 F.2d 1112 (10th Cir. 1987); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983)). 41 Benavidez, 722 F.2d at 618 . conspiracy with private defendants, mere conclusory allegations with no supporting factual averments are insufficient; the pleadings must specifically present facts tending to show agreement and concerted action.”42 Here, Plaintiff’s general allegations of “conspiracy” with law enforcement and that Defendants “prejudiced the courts” and “officers o…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Schwab v. Kobach
D. Kan. · 2020 · confidence medium
But “mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under § 1983 . . . .” Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) YOAST v. POTTSTOWN BOROUGH
E.D. Pa. · 2020 · confidence medium
Pa. Apr. 26, 2006) (citing Moore, 754 F.2d at 1352–53; Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983); Butler v. Goldblatt Bros., Inc., 589 F.2d 323, 327 (7th Cir. 1979); Caswell v. BJ’s Wholesale Co., 5 F. Supp. 2d 312 , 318–19 (E.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dipasquale v. Hawkins
S.D. Ohio · 2019 · confidence medium
With regard to joint action, courts uniformly hold that merely “[p]roviding information to the police, responding to questions about a crime, and offering witness testimony at a criminal trial does not expose a private individual to liability for actions taken ‘under color of law.’” Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009) (citing Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Powell v. Miller
W.D. Okla. · 2015 · confidence medium
While the Tenth Circuit consistently has held citizens who merely make complaints or furnish information to police officers that result in arrests are not state actors (see, e.g., Carey v. Continental Air lines Inc., 823 F.2d 1402 (10th Cir.1987); Lee v. Town of Estes Park, 820 F.2d 1112 (10th Cir.1987); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983)), it also has held a store security guard who reported a suspected shoplifter to the police was a state actor where the officer who made the arrest did not make an independent investigation but relied on the judgment of the security guard…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) William M. Kelly, III v. Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Detention's
11th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
Merely making a report of perceived misconduct and furnishing information to the police is not such a “rare circumstance.” See Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (“The mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under §§ 1983 or 1985.”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kristy Downing v. Life Time Fitness, Inc.
6th Cir. · 2012 · confidence medium
Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kristy Downing v. Life Time Fitness, Inc.
6th Cir. · 2012 · confidence medium
Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 399 (6th Cir. 2009); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) McFadyen v. Duke University
M.D.N.C. · 2011 · confidence medium
Moreover, courts have held that “provision of background information to a police officer does not by itself make [a private actor] a joint participant in state action under Section 1983.” Ginsberg v. Healey Car & Truck Leasing, Inc., 189 F.3d 268, 272 (2nd Cir. 1999) (citing Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983)) (“The mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under § [ ] 1983.... ”); Butler v. Goldblatt Bros., Inc., 589 F.2d 323, 327 (7th Cir.1978) (granting summ…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Young v. Suffolk County (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
E.D.N.Y · 2010 · confidence medium
Young, and Joseph Quatela, planned and executed a warrant-less invasion and search of Deborah Young’s residence in direct violation of her Fourth Amendment rights .... ” (Id. ¶ 21 (emphasis added).) As noted earlier, the Court recognizes that merely summoning the police would not be sufficient to cloak the Young defendants and Joseph Quatela with state action. “[A] private party who calls the police for assistance does not become a state actor unless the police were influenced in their choice of procedure or were under the control of a private party.” Fisk, 401 F.Supp.2d at 377 ; see …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. Wet Seal Retail, Inc.
D. Kan. · 2007 · confidence medium
Jones v. Wal-Mart Stores, No. 93-5240, 1994 WL 387887, at *3 (10th Cir. July 27, 1994) (citing Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983); Carey v. Cont’l Airlines, 823 F.2d 1402, 1404 (10th Cir.1987); Lee v. Town of Estes Park, Colo., 820 F.2d 1112, 1114-15 (10th Cir.1097)). 34 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Arline v. City of Jacksonville
M.D. Fla. · 2005 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Loeks v. Reynolds
10th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tobias v. County of Putnam
S.D.N.Y. · 2002 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Ginsberg v. Healey Car & Truck Leasing, Inc., 189 F.3d 268, 272 (2d Cir.1999) (“Where, as here, a police officer exercises independent judgment in how to respond to a private party’s legitimate request for assistance, the private party is not ‘jointly engaged’ in the officer’s conduct so as to render it a state actor under Section 1983”); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (“We know of no case in which the report of a state crime is action under color of state law under § 1983.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Seeds v. Lucero
D.N.M. · 2001 · confidence medium
See Scott v. Hern, 216 F.3d 897, 906 (10th Cir.2000) (“ A private individual does not engage in state action simply by availing herself of a state procedure.”); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (furnishing information to enforcement officials insufficient to render private citi *1269 zens liable as state actors under Section 1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Weaver v. Boyles
D. Kan. · 2001 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Scott v. Hem, 216 F.3d at 907 (affiant in an involuntary commitment proceeding is not a state actor); Pino v. Higgs, 75 F.3d 1461, 1465-66 (10th Cir.1996) (private therapist in reporting activities that required a state official’s response did not exercise a right or privilege or act under a rule of conduct created by state law); Carey v. Continental Airlines, Inc., 823 F.2d 1402, 1404 (10th Cir.1987) (holding that complaining to a police officer about an individual’s conduct does not constitute state action simply because the officer arrests that individual following questionin…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Heaning v. NYNEX-New York
S.D.N.Y. · 1996 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Id. at 254 (holding that defendant employer’s alleged misconduct in providing federal authorities with recordings of threatening phone calls allegedly made by plaintiff was insufficient to implicate defendant in a § 1983 conspiracy relating to plaintiffs subsequent prosecution); cf. Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (“the mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under §§ 1983 or 1985.”); Butler v. Goldblatt Brothers, Inc., 589 F.2d 323 , 327 (7th Cir.1978) (�…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Peterson v. Barnes
10th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
The court found Peterson failed to assert any facts in support of his jurisdictional assertions under 42 U.S.C. § 1985 (2), failed to state a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1985 (3), see Tilton v. Richardson, 6 F.3d 683, 686 (10th Cir.1993), cert. denied 114 S.Ct. 925 (1994), and failed to adequately allege conspiracy under 42 U.S.C. § 1985 , see Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gilbert v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.
M.D. Fla. · 1995 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ca10 1994
10th Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
On several occasions, this court has applied the doctrine of qualified immunity in section 1985 cases without addressing the predicate question of whether the immunity is applicable. 1 See, e.g., Langley v. Adams County, 987 F.2d 1473, 1481-82 (10th Cir.1993); Gallegos, 984 F.2d at 363-64 ; McEvoy v. Shoemaker, 882 F.2d 463, 465 (10th Cir.1989); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bisbee v. Bey
10th Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
On several occasions, this court has applied the doctrine of qualified immunity in section 1985 cases without addressing the predicate question of whether the immunity is applicable. 1 See, e.g., Langley v. Adams County, 987 F.2d 1473, 1481-82 (10th Cir.1993); Gallegos, 984 F.2d at 363-64 ; McEvoy v. Shoemaker, 882 F.2d 463, 465 (10th Cir.1989); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Seamons v. Snow
D. Utah · 1994 · confidence medium
Swoboda v. Dubach, 992 F.2d 286 (10th Cir.1993); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
10th Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Occhino v. Lannon
D. Minnesota · 1993 · confidence medium
Sarmiento v. Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 939 F.2d 1242 , 1246 n. 5 (5th Cir.1991); Daniel v. Ferguson, 839 F.2d 1124, 1130 (5th Cir.1988); Sims v. Jefferson Downs Racing Association, 778 F.2d 1068, 1078-79 (5th Cir.1985); Mark v. Furay, 769 F.2d 1266 (7th Cir.1985); Moore v. Marketplace Restaurant, Inc., 754 F.2d 1336, 1352 (7th Cir.1985); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983); Arnold v. International Business Machines, 637 F.2d 1350 (9th Cir.1981); Tarkowski v. Robert Bartlett Realty Co., 644 F.2d 1204, 1206 (7th Cir.1980); Butler v. Goldblatt Bros., Inc., 5…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Urbanic v. Rosenfeld
Pa. Commw. Ct. · 1993 · confidence medium
In considering the application of these principles, we keep in mind that the act of furnishing information to the police does not constitute joint action under color of state law which would render a defendant liable under Section 1983, see, e.g., Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983), and that a defendant’s mere opportunity to conspire does not sustain an inference that such a conspiracy has, in fact, taken place.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michael C. Washington v. Russell Hall, Judge Doug Friesen, Attorney Ronald M. Shaw
10th Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
Sooner Products Co. v. McBride, 708 F.2d 510, 512 (10th Cir.1983); see Abercrombie v. City of Catoosa, 896 F.2d 1228, 1230-31 (10th Cir.1990); Reed v. Dunham, 893 F.2d 285, 287 (10th Cir.1990); Durre v. Dempsey, 869 F.2d 543, 545 (10th Cir.1989); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bankston v. Pass Road Tire Center, Inc. (2×)
Miss. · 1992 · confidence medium
Private individuals who are passive participants in criminal investigations which eventually result in deprivations are not "state actors." Carey v. Continental Airlines, Inc., 823 F.2d 1402, 1404 (10th Cir.1987) (finding no state action as to employee of airline who reported trespassing activity to city police who subsequently asked the plaintiff to leave and arrested the plaintiff); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (finding no state action where a private citizen furnished information to the police officer and there is no further evidence of collusion or a plan between…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Taliaferro v. Voth (2×) also: Cited "see"
D. Kan. · 1991 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Linda Wray Lord v. Richard Riley, Warren E. Isman, John Pennington, John E. Granfield, Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County, and Hetzer, Magistrate
4th Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
Daniel v. Ferguson, 839 F.2d 1124, 1130 (5th Cir.1988); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983); Johnson v. Miller, 680 F.2d 39, 40-41 (7th Cir.1982). 6 It is true that an otherwise private action may come within the scope of section 1983 if it can be established that an individual acted jointly with agents of the state in a conspiracy or "meeting of the minds" to deprive the plaintiff of his or her civil rights.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cathy Burns v. Rick Reed (2×)
7th Cir. · 1990 · confidence medium
In Wolfenbarger v. Williams, 826 F.2d 930 (10th Cir.1987), the Tenth Circuit revisited its decision in Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 617 (10th Cir.1983) (district attorney is not absolutely immune from suit for giving legal advice to police officers), in light of this circuit’s decision in Henderson .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Thomas v. Beth Israel Hospital Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 1989 · confidence medium
See Haag v. Cuyahoga County, 619 F.Supp. 262, 283 (N.D.Ohio 1985), aff'd, 798 F.2d 1414 (6th Cir.1986); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wolfenbarger v. Williams
10th Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
See Lavicky v. Burnett, 758 F.2d at 476 ; Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 617 (10th Cir.1983); Coleman v. Turpen, 697 F.2d 1341, 1346 (10th Cir.1982).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wolfenbarger v. Williams
10th Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
See Lavicky v. Burnett, 758 F.2d at 476 ; Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 617 (10th Cir.1983); Coleman v. Turpen, 697 F.2d 1341, 1346 (10th Cir.1982).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Daniel Francis Carey v. Continental Airlines, Inc. And Gary C. Gilbert
10th Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Tauvar v. Bar Harbor Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Inc.
D. Me. · 1986 · confidence medium
Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) [Report of a state crime not considered action under color of state law].
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Stephenson v. Esquivel
D.N.M. · 1985 · confidence medium
Sooner Products Co. v. McBride, 708 F.2d 510, 512 (10th Cir.1983) (per curiam); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983); Slotnick v. Staviskey, 560 F.2d 31, 33 (1st Cir.1977); Harley v. Oliver, 539 F.2d 1143, 1146 (8th Cir.1976); Tarkowski v. Bartlett Realty Co., 644 F.2d 1204, 1206 (7th Cir.1980); Weiss v. Willow Tree Civic Ass’n, 467 F.Supp. 803, 811 (S.D.N.Y.1979).
cited Cited as authority (rule) ca11 1985
11th Cir. · 1985 · confidence medium
As one court has recently noted, "[t]his is a practical answer to a difficult question." Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) LeSavage v. White
11th Cir. · 1985 · confidence medium
As one court has recently noted, “[tjhis is a practical answer to a difficult question.” Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodgers v. Lincoln Towing Service, Inc. (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 1984 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Grow v. Fisher, 523 F.2d 875, 879 (7th Cir.1975) (“The mere fact that the individual defendants were complainants and witnesses in action which itself was prosecuted under color of law does not make their complaining or testifying other than what it was, i.e., the action of private persons not acting under color of law.”); Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir.1983) (“We know of no case in which the report of a state crime is action under color of state law under § 1983.”); Taylor v. Nichols, 558 F.2d 561, 564 (10th Cir.1977) (“The acts of filing a claim and t…
discussed Cited "see" Fernandez v. Greyhound Lines
10th Cir. · 2025 · signal: see · confidence high
See Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983) (allegations of a conspiracy couched in conclusory language are insufficient for § 1985(3) claim); see also Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678 (“Threadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice” to avoid dismissal.).
cited Cited "see" Serna v. Webster
D.N.M. · 2023 · signal: see · confidence high
See Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983).
cited Cited "see" Serna v. Webster
D.N.M. · 2023 · signal: see · confidence high
See Benavidez v. Gunnell, 722 F.2d 615, 618 (10th Cir. 1983).
Marylee Benavidez, Jason Kenny Benavidez and Jose Guy Benavidez
v.
Franklin L. Gunnell, Individually and in His Official Capacity as Cache County Attorney Ray Oldham, Mel Mower, Keith Wertman and Craig Johnson, Individually and in Their Official Capacities as Police Officers of the Logan City Police Department H. Sanford Campbell, Heber Sharp and E. Wayne Wright
82-1099.
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Dec 8, 1983.
722 F.2d 615
Cited by 21 opinions  |  Published

722 F.2d 615

Marylee BENAVIDEZ, Jason Kenny Benavidez and Jose Guy
Benavidez, Plaintiffs-Appellants,
v.
Franklin L. GUNNELL, Individually and in his official
capacity as Cache County Attorney; Ray Oldham, Mel Mower,
Keith Wertman and Craig Johnson, Individually and in their
official capacities as Police Officers of the Logan City
Police Department; H. Sanford Campbell, Heber Sharp and E.
Wayne Wright, Defendants-Appellees.

No. 82-1099.

United States Court of Appeals,
Tenth Circuit.

Dec. 8, 1983.

William D. Marsh, Ogden, Utah, for plaintiffs-appellants.

Paul C. Droz of Snow, Christensen & Martineau, Salt Lake City, Utah, for defendant-appellee Franklin L. Gunnell.

Paul Matthews of Hanson, Russon & Dunn, Salt Lake City, Utah (Mary Ellen Sloan of Lund and Associates, Salt Lake City, Utah, on brief), for defendants-appellees Ray Oldham, Mel Mower, Keith Wertman and Craig Johnson.

Dee V. Benson, Salt Lake City, Utah (Merlin R. Sybbert and Scott Daniels, Salt Lake City, Utah, with her on brief), of Snow Christensen & Martineau, Salt Lake City, Utah, for defendant-appellee Heber Sharp.

Brinton R. Burbidge, Salt Lake City, Utah (B. Lloyd Poleman and J. Douglass Mitchell, Salt Lake City, Utah, were on brief), of Kirton, McConkie & Bushnell, Salt Lake City, Utah, for defendants-appellees H. Sanford Campbell and E. Wayne Wright.

Before HOLLOWAY, BREITENSTEIN and LOGAN, Circuit Judges.

BREITENSTEIN, Circuit Judge.

[*~615]1

This is an action under Secs. 1983 and 1985 of the Civil Rights Act. The essential facts are as alleged in the complaint and as shown by the affidavits of the various parties. The district court gave judgment for each of the defendants and the plaintiffs appeal. We affirm.

2

Mrs. Jeanine Moss was the daughter of plaintiff Marylee Benavidez and sister of plaintiffs Jason and Jose Benavidez. Mrs. Moss was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, LDS, and H. Sanford Campbell was her Bishop. She related to him her mental problems and asked for assistance for herself and her two children, aged five and seven years. She received counseling from defendants E. Wayne Wright and Heber Sharp who were both psychologists and members of LDS.

3

In the fall of 1979, her problems increased, ultimately requiring hospitalization. On October 12, 1979, she executed a standard form "Natural Parent Foster Care Agreement," which provided for the voluntary placement of the children through the child placement agency of LDS. Through this agency, the children, who had been staying in the Wright home through an informal agreement with Mrs. Moss, were formally placed there.

4

Early in the evening of October 14, 1979, the plaintiffs, Mrs. Benavidez and her two sons, appeared at the Wright home and demanded the children. Bishop Campbell was called. An argument ensued. Mrs. Benavidez left with the two children.

5

Shortly thereafter defendant Sharp and defendant police officers arrived at the scene. They were told that the children had been placed in the Wright home under the LDS agreement and that the Benavidez knew this. At the request of the police officers, a telephone call was put in to County Attorney Gunnell, the local prosecuting attorney, at his home. After being informed of the facts, he told officer Oldham that the officers should go to the Benavidez home, retrieve the children, and return them to the Wrights. He said that they did not need a search warrant because it was a felony kidnapping. They were to gain entrance to the Benavidez home through cooperation, if possible, and should use whatever force was necessary to handle the situation as if it were a kidnapping. They were entitled to credit the statements made to them by the Bishop and the others.

[*~616]6

Joined by two other officers, defendants Wertman and Johnson, the officers went to the Benavidez home. The Benavidez brothers demanded a search warrant. The officers said that they had none. A scuffle ensued. The brothers were handcuffed. The house was searched without finding the children. The brothers were taken to the police station. The brothers then became cooperative and told the officers they would try to locate the children. After making telephone calls, they learned that the children were at the home of a stepsister. The officers went there, found the children, and returned them to the Wrights' home. The Benavidez brothers were then released. No charges were filed against them. They were in custody about three hours. See brief of appellants, p. 21.

7

On the basis of these facts shown by the amended complaint and the affidavits of the parties, the court entered a summary judgment of dismissal in favor of all the defendants. We shall discuss the problem as it affects each class of defendants.

8

The prosecuting attorney claims absolute immunity. He was called at his home after business hours and asked by the officers what they should do when there was a taking of children with threats of violence from the home of the person in whom they were under a custodial agreement with the mother. He told the officers that they should retrieve the children and return them to the Wright home. He further said that they did not need a search warrant since this was a felony kidnapping, that they should gain cooperation, if possible, to enter the Benavidez home, and that they should use whatever force necessary and should handle the situation as if it were a kidnapping.

9

The County Attorney claims absolute immunity under Imbler v. Pachtman, 424 U.S. 409, 96 S.Ct. 984, 47 L.Ed.2d 128. The Court in Imbler held that a prosecutor is absolutely immune from a Sec. 1983 damage suit for his conduct in "initiating a prosecution and in presenting the State's case," 424 U.S. at 431, 96 S.Ct. at 995, but explicitly refused to determine "whether like or similar reasons require immunity for those aspects of the prosecutor's responsibility that cast him in the role of an administrator or investigative officer rather than that of advocate." The prosecutor did not have absolute immunity in giving advice to the police officers.

10

In Pierson v. Ray, 386 U.S. 547, 555-557, 87 S.Ct. 1213, 1218-1219, 18 L.Ed.2d 288, the Court held that the defense of good faith and probable cause was available to police officers in an action under Sec. 1983. Although this is an affirmative defense which may be raised before a jury, when a motion for summary judgment is properly supported by affidavits, the adverse party may not rest upon the allegations of his pleadings but must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Kipps v. Ewell, 4 Cir., 538 F.2d 564, 566.

11

The Utah Code Ann., Sec. 76-5-301, states that "(1) [a] person commits kidnapping when he intentionally or knowingly and without authority of law and against the will of the victim:------(d) [d]etains or restrains a minor without consent of its parent or guardian."

[*~617]12

Acting upon the information given by reliable persons, the prosecutor and officers had reasonable cause to believe that a kidnapping had occurred. The prosecutor told the officers to go to the Benavidez home and make a search for the children using whatever force was necessary and that they should handle the situation as if it were a kidnapping. The police officers went to the Benavidez home and were met by the Benavidez brothers who demanded a search warrant. Upon being told that the officers had no warrant, they blocked passage with their hands in their pockets. A scuffle ensued with the brothers being thrown to the ground and handcuffed. A search of the house did not reveal the children. They took the brothers to the police station where the brothers became cooperative and, after telephone calls, told the officers that the children were in the home of a stepsister. The children were retrieved, returned to the Wrights, and the brothers were released with no charges filed against them. They were in custody but a few hours.

13

On the basis of the facts presented to them, the prosecutor and police officers had good cause to act as they did. They secured the children and returned them to their foster home. Nothing in the affidavits submitted shows to the contrary. In Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 102 S.Ct. 2727, 73 L.Ed.2d 396, a case involving Presidential assistants, the Court reviewed the standard of qualified immunity and said, 457 U.S. at 819, 102 S.Ct. at 2739, "where an official's duties legitimately require action in which clearly established rights are not implicated, the public interest may be better served by action taken, 'with independence and without fear of consequences.' " Citing Pierson v. Ray, 386 U.S. 547, 554, 87 S.Ct. 1213, 1218, 18 L.Ed.2d 288. This is a practical answer to a difficult situation. From our review of the allegations of the amended complaint and the affidavits, we are convinced that the prosecutor and the police officers have established, without contradiction, that they acted in good faith and with cause. Accordingly, they were entitled to summary judgment on the ground of qualified immunity.

14

Plaintiffs further contend that the private parties, Campbell, Wright, and Sharp, conspired with the prosecutor and police officers to deprive the plaintiffs of their constitutional rights in violation of Secs. 1983 and 1985. The allegations of the amended complaint are in conclusory language which is not enough. Be that as it may, they reported to the police that the Wrights had custody under the child placement agency of the LDS and that the children had been taken with threats of force. In so doing, they were reporting a state crime only. We know of no case in which the report of a state crime is action under color of state law under Sec. 1983.

[*618]15

The mere furnishing of information to police officers does not constitute joint action under color of state law which renders a private citizen liable under Secs. 1983 or 1985. See Butler v. Goldblatt Bros., Inc., 7 Cir., 589 F.2d 323, 327, cert. denied, 444 U.S. 841, 100 S.Ct. 82, 62 L.Ed.2d 53.

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Affirmed.