CAMDEN, N.J. – A federal judge has denied a New Jersey inmate’s request to proceed without paying court fees in his habeas corpus case, ruling that the prisoner failed to show financial hardship and could afford the $5 filing fee.

U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton issued the opinion on Monday in Pierce v. Warden, FCI Fairton, finding that petitioner Scott Pierce’s in forma pauperis application was incomplete and inconsistent with his prison financial records. Pierce, who is representing himself, sought to challenge his confinement at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton under 28 U.S.C. § 2241.

According to court documents, Pierce’s filing lacked the required certification from prison officials detailing his current account balance and the highest amount held in his account over the previous six months. The accompanying statement ended in May 2025 and did not include updated financial information.

Judge Wigenton noted discrepancies between Pierce’s claim that he received no funds and the institution’s deposit records, which showed regular payroll income. The court concluded that the petitioner had the means to pay the $5 fee and denied his application to proceed in forma pauperis.

The court directed that the case may be reopened once Pierce pays the required filing fee to the Clerk of Court.

Inmate Scott Pierce filed habeas corpus petition from FCI Fairton
Court found incomplete and inconsistent financial records
Judge denied fee waiver; case to reopen upon payment of $5

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